In what turned out to be a classic ‘game of two halves’, Rusthall came out on top to make it two wins in a row in the league with an ultimately comfortable victory over Snodland Town. The away side will have gone into the game hoping to do better than their 4-1 defeat last season in which Jack Lyons and Yassin Fares took them apart, but ended up losing by an even wider margin at the hands of Jimmy Anderson’s latest batch of talent, including Josh Reid who opened his Rusthall account with a brace, and man-of-the-match James Miles who put in another top-drawer display in midfield alongside Frank Griffin.

It was the same eleven who beat Erith and Belvedere three days previously who took to the pitch looking to continue the good form they had shown last time out. In truth, Rusthall didn’t really get going at all and were grateful to Serine Sanneh early on who made two sharp saves in succession following a Snodland corner. The away side were probing and looking the more likely to break the deadlock and it took only seven minutes for them to do so- a clearance to halfway from Sanneh was pumped back in his direction, a fortunate touch from the attacker took the ball around Robbie Bissett, and a good cross was tapped in at the back post by Samuel Naiwo. With a one goal lead, Snodland kept looking for more- a Louis Anderson tackle stopped a certain goal, and a free header was inexplicably missed from around 6 yards out. Rusthall had a few chances to level the score with James Miles trying his luck from distance and Louie Clarke going close from the touchline after the keeper had for some reason dashed out to meet him. Clarke’s shot was cleared off the line, but it was in moves such as this, with Jack Kirby controlling the ball, turning sharply and spraying the ball wide to set up the chance, where it was clear Rusthall had only to be patient and they would find themselves back in the game.

The end of the first half saw the vocal Snodland Town bench screaming for a red card for Jesse Hammond who had bravely won a 50-50 tackle, and a penalty for their striker who looked like he had fallen over himself, as well as a good chance for Rusthall from a corner- the ball was very close to crossing the line but the officials judged it to have stayed out.

The second half was a different affair entirely and within five minutes, Rusthall were deservedly level. James Miles once again demonstrated his ability to carry the ball, showing strength to shrug off defenders, before playing the ball wide to Louis Anderson who cut back in and returned the ball to Miles- his sharp pass into Clover a product of two players who have been linking up in this fashion for years. Clover’s control was perfect, his turn was masterful, and his finish was low, unstoppable, and accurate. While it would be a further 25 minutes or so until Rusthall took the lead, it was clear the game had completely turned- Snodland were entirely lost as an attacking threat, their bench significantly quieter than they had been for the opening 45 minutes. Chances began to mount for the home side with Ayodeji Owoeye coming to the fore with dangerous running and an eagerness to beat his man- his best moment led to a fine strike coming back off the post after a great run into the box. Snodland’s frustration at the game drifting away from them manifested itself in a horrendous late challenge on Louis Anderson who was down for several minutes. Snodland attackers seemed keen to grab Daniel Blunn’s shirt at any opportunity but having had to swap his number 4 for the number 6 usually draped over the slightly more slender frame of Tommy Lawrence, there wasn’t much to get purchase on. More chances came and went- Charlie Clover went close with two opportunities following great work from Owoeye and Louie Clarke, and Louis Anderson’s freekick wasn’t far away from catching out the keeper from distance.

It was 2-1 on 72 minutes after a penalty was awarded for a clear foul in the box on Louie Clarke. James Miles stepped up and smashed the ball high into the roof of the net to give Rusthall the lead and it wasn’t long before the third goal arrived. Jack Kirby began this one with a superb ball through to Louie Clarke in the left channel whose excellent cross was swept home by Josh Reid who was delighted to score his first goal in green and white. Rusthall kept creating, always looking for more, and Clarke went close to getting a telling touch to a wicked delivery from Steadman Callender. Josh Reid added the fourth goal after Thompson Adeyemi had played the ball to Jack Low who got rather stuck, in fact ending up on the floor surrounded by two defenders. Recent handstand practise perhaps paid dividends as Low was able to regain his feet and play a superb ball to Reid whose first touch set up the chance perfectly- his flick over the onrushing goalkeeper nestled into the bottom corner and the celebrations were jubilant.

In the final moments of the match, Rusthall made it 5-1 with another penalty after Louie Clarke was played in by Josh Reid only to be taken out by the keeper. Snodland’s complaints were not for the blatant foul but for the fact Clarke looked a shade offside as he ran through. No matter, the penalty was given, and Clarke made no mistake from 12 yards. The last action of the game saw Clarke go close again after great strength from Adeyemi allowed him to give the ball to Jack Low who played a perfect ball through to Clarke whose shot on the stretch went just wide of the goal. The full-time whistle brought joy to the home side for a deserved three points and relief for the away side who had failed to offer anything significant in the second half.
In the end, a solid win for Rusthall and lots of signs of promise throughout Jimmy Anderson’s squad.

Next up, an always-tricky trip to Gravesend to play Punjab United who last night grabbed their first win of the season at Chislehurst Glebe, the visitors to Jockey Farm on the evening of Tuesday 9th September.

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