Following a rather chaotic victory over Stansfeld in the FA Vase on Sunday, this was a much more controlled affair in which Rusthall asserted their dominance from the off. The returning James Miles put in a top-class performance in midfield alongside the ever-reliable Frank Griffin and Jack Kirby who has started the season in brilliant fashion.

Fans who didn’t get to see Miles during his first stint at the club were able to see what a quality addition he will be as he demonstrated his tenacity and passing ability throughout the game. Josh Reid and Jaevon Dyer- so dangerous last time out- took a break to be replaced by Ayodeji Oweye and Louie Clarke, an injury doubt following the FA Vase tie. Any injury concerns were dismissed by Clarke who has worked hard to get back to the kind of level which saw him score over 30 goals a few seasons ago. It would prove to be his day, and it began immediately with a goal in the opening minutes of the game. A ball played through was picked up by Clarke and he took his chance well leaving the keeper with little hope of stopping his unerring drive.

Rusthall looked comfortable and were able to pass the ball around with ease thanks to good work from Griffin, Kirby and Miles who slipped back into a green and white shirt as if he’d never been away. On 11 minutes, Rusthall’s lead was doubled thanks to excellent work from Jesse Hammond at left back who was superb throughout. His first-class ball up the line was played perfectly into the path of Jack Kirby who looked like he had work to do to beat his man. It turned out the man who tried to challenge him simply couldn’t keep up with the Kirby glide and he was a beaten man, able only to look on in hope that his fellow defenders could do something to save him. They couldn’t- Kirby took his time, assessed his options and decided there was no better option than to lay the ball back to Clarke who had time to control the ball and look up. Despite the presence of the goalkeeper and several defenderson the line, he picked his spot and fired home. After this, Erith and Belvedere rather lost their way, and indeed their heads- a slightly over the top reaction to the award of a freekick was met with a sinbin for one of their defenders, and a yellow card was issued to a member of the coaching staff as frustration at being unable to get into the game set in. Frank Griffin was on the end of a nasty challenge which saw him floored for several minutes- however, Rusthall’s Number 15 was soon up and about and in the mood for retribution for which he received a slightly harsh yellow card.

Serine Sanneh enjoyed a quiet afternoon, finding time to head the ball clear on the odd occasion Daniel Blunn and Robbie Bissett chose to leave it to the charismatic keeper. The rest of the first half was seen out in comfort and while it could easily have been 4-0, 2-0 always felt enough against a team who had shown very little. The second half was similar in tone to the first, with Rusthall on top and in full control.

Louie Clarke completed an impressive hattrick as he latched onto a fine through ball which the defender failed to deal with, showed great composure to wait for the keeper to advance off his line before dinking the ball over him into an empty net. Clarke’s work complete, and perhaps mindful of potential injuries, Jimmy Anderson made changes and what great options he has at his disposal- Jaevon Dyer and Josh Reid entered the fray in place of hattrick hero Clarke and Oweye who had gone close to adding to his pre-season goals in the first half only to be denied by a fine save from Charlie Cottrell. Steadman Callender and Jack Low replaced Charlie Clover and James Miles and both went close to adding to the scoring but it was Louis Anderson who went closest to making it four with an excellent freekick from distance which was tipped over by a diving Cottrell.

Rusthall fans were able to enjoy the return of two former Rustics in the shape of Danny Lear and coach, Sam Groombridge- the crowning moment the dismissal of the popular Groombridge for perhaps one word in the ear of the referee too many. While this rather summed up the frustration of all associated with Erith and Belvedere, they were able to grab a consolation goal on 90 minutes when Freddie Baker managed to squeeze between defenders and head past Sanneh.

Jimmy Anderson and his team will rightly be delighted with three points against a good side who were unable to deal with an impressive performance from all in green and white. With games in hand and further surprising results around the league, Rusthall will be looking to kick on up the table when they face Snodland Town at home on Tuesday evening.

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