1st Team Match Reports 06

Rusthall Football Club

Home 
Teams 
Mini Soccer 
Useful Info 
Committee 
Events 
Sponsors 
Contact Us 
The Shop 

 

Coaching 
Fixtures 
Results 07/08 
The Managers 
Games 
1st Team 
2nd Team 
3rd Team 
4th Team 
Under 16s 
Girls U16s 
Under 14s 
Under 14 Rovers 
Under 13s 
Girls U13 
Under 12As 
Under 12s 
Under 12 Utd 
Under 11s 
Girls U11s 
Under 10s 
Under 9s 
Under 8s 
Under 7s 
Jnr Kickers 
Stats 

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION
December 2006

Fleet Leisure 1 Rusthall 0  (half time 0-0)

Rusthall missed the chance to go second in the table with this disappointing defeat at the hands of Gravesend based Fleet Leisure. Despite being without Alan Chapman, Nick Smith and Phil Hassell the Rustics fielded a strong side which included Maidstone United player Jason Barton on the bench.

The pitch was in very good condition considering the recent weather but Rusthall never made use of the surface and were guilty of giving the ball away as Fleet worked tirelessly to close them down. The first half saw very few goal scoring chances and it was no surprise that the sides went in at half time at 0-0.

Rusthall replaced Kris Browning with Jason Barton at half time and this saw the Rustics trying to play more football and they had their best spell of pressure at the start of the second period. But on the hour disaster struck, a quick break from the home side saw their striker cut in from the left, his firm shot struck the foot of the post but came back and hit keeper Phil Hawkins and trickle over the line.

Rusthall worked hard for an equaliser and introduced Stuart Hunter and Stuart Gray in place of Martin Millins and Steve Ashmore but the closest they came was a Barton effort that struck the bar.

On the day Fleet deserved the win as they worked harder and Rusthall failed to play their usual passing game and once again failed to create chances. On Saturday they entertain basement side Crockenhill at Jockey Farm and must secure the 3 points to keep in touch with the leading pack going into the Christmas break.

Rusthall Manager Robbie Forbes has announced that he will be standing down at the end of the season, he has done an excellent job getting the side to the highest level the club has ever been but now feels that it needs a fresh face to take them on to the next level. Chairman Dave Rusbridge is actively looking for a replacement and would be pleased to hear from any interested people. The club are also looking for a commercial manager.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rusthall 0 Metrogas 2
Inter Regional Cup
Saturday 18th November 2006

Rusthall were knocked out of the Inter Regional Cup on Saturday by table topping Division One side Metrogas who thoroughly deserved their victory, however this was a match where the outcome was distorted due to a number of contentious refereeing decisions.

Metrogas started the better and immediately pushed Rusthall back into their own half, taking the lead on 3 minutes when their left back broke through the Rusthall defence and drilled a fine shot low into the bottom corner from 30 yards. This lifted the visitors and then enjoyed 15 minutes where they controlled the game.

As the half progressed however, Rusthall came more into the game, but were guilty of overplaying in the final third of the pitch when potential shooting opportunities appeared. On 34th minute Dave Welch was booked for a harmless looking challenge on a Metrogas defender which neither bench saw as a booking, this followed the Metrogas physio being ordered off the pitch despite their centre forward sustaining a head injury. The half ended with Metrogas deservedly in front 1-0.

The second half was a different affair however, with Rusthall having the benefit of the slope and the wind, they began to pin Metrogas in their own half, but again they could only create half chances with Perkins going close from 20 yards and Penny just unable to connect with a Stuart Gray cross. Rusthall were beginning to look like it was only a matter of time before an equaliser arrived, when on 65 minutes Welch received his second yellow card for an alleged elbow. This was despite the Metrogas player to his credit telling the referee that no contact had been made.

This again changed the dynamics of the game, and Metrogas pushed forward and where unlucky not to increase their lead on 68 minutes when following a fine move down the right, their left winger blasted a shot against the post. They did however go two goals up on 72 minutes, Owen Myles was caught trying to dribble out of defence, and following a good square ball, the Metrogas forward drilled the ball home to make the game safe at 2-0. Rusthall tried hard through the remaining period but their 10 men where unable to make any impact on the Metrogas defence.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION
Rusthall 3 Milton Athletic 1
11th November 2006

Half time 2-0 - attendance: 54

The Rustics got back to winning ways with this comfortable win against a very physical side from Sittingbourne.

Rusthall fielded a much changed side with 6 regular players missing through injury, Dave Welch came in to partner John Penny up front and Alan Chapman returned in the middle of midfield, the subs bench included youngster  Ryan Sands a product of Rusthall’s youth policy.

After consecutive defeats it was crucial that the Rustics got off to a flying start and they did not disappoint, after only 2 minutes they went ahead through Alan Chapman, Rusthall attacked down the right and a slip from the Milton keeper allowed Chapman to stab home from close range. Just 3 minutes later it was 2-0, a slip from the Milton centre half allowed John Penny to round the keeper with ease to score his 5th goal of the season. Rusthall were now in complete control and should have gone further ahead but often the final pass went astray. Milton were getting more and more frustrated at their lack of possession and on a number of occasions their layers were fortunate to stay on the field following terrible tackles and also verbal attacks aimed directly at the referee. The 4 man midfield of Gray, Smith, Chapman and Ashmore controlled the play and prevented Milton from creating any clear cut chances.

The second half continued in much the same fashion with the Rustics in control, after 60 minutes last seasons leading scorer Rob Perkins replaced Dave Welch and within 8 minutes he scored to make it 3-0. Rusthall attacked down the right and poor defending allowed Perkins time and space to score with ease.

Towards the end the referee finally lost patience with the Milton players attitude and booked two of their players in the space of 3 minutes. The visitors finally created a chance on 86 minutes which was finished well despite a great effort by Rusthall keeper Phil Hawkins. In the last minute, Rusthall full back Owen Myles was luck to escape serious injury when he was deliberately kicked on the ground by a Milton player, the offending player somehow escaping with just a yellow card.

This win lifts Rusthall to 3rd in the table, next week they are again at home this time to Division 1 West side Metrogas in the first round of the Inter Regional Challenge Cup. Manager Robbie Forbes will be hoping to have at least two of the injured players back.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KENT INTERMEDIATE CHALLENGE SHIELD
FIRST ROUND
4th November 2006

(half time 0-0)

attendance:47

Stansfeld 1 Rusthall 0

Rusthall crashed out of this prestigious cup competition at the first round stage against a strong and well organised Stansfeld side.

The Rustics without Alan Chapman and Kris Browning and striker Dave Burren suffering from a back injury only fit enough to start on the bench started the game well and young striker John Penny was unlucky in the 12th minute when he met Steve Ashmore's cross on the volley but his great effort went just over. Stansfeld hit back instantly and a shot from the edge of the area was deflected over the Rusthall bar. From the resulting corner Rusthall broke quickly and Penny broke through on goal only to be crudely brought down from behind, the offending defender escaping with a short chat from the referee when most were expecting at least a yellow card. Rusthall were enjoying a great spell and should have taken the lead on 22 minutes, a superb through ball from Phil Hassell found Ashmore but his first time effort went narrowly wide with the keeper well beaten.

Two minutes later another flowing move found Martin Millins in the area but his shot was deflected wide by a lunging defender. Rusthall appealed in vain for a penalty on 42 minutes when the ball clearly came off of a defenders arm but the referee waived play on. Half time arrived with the score still 0-0, which was fortunate for Stansfeld.

Early in the 2nd half the home side made a double substitution and changed their formation and on 58 minutes this paid off. A long through ball was over hit, but Rusthall keeper Phil Hawkins mishit his clearance and the ball fell straight to the feet of a Standfeld player who lobbed the ball home from fully 35 yards. Rusthall hit straight back and twice in a minute were denied an equaliser, first from a Millins shot and then from a point blank header fron Nick Coxon. On 67 minutes another great build up from the Rustics ended with a Rob Perkins going just over. From then on it was end to end stuff and in the last minute keeper Hawkins made a superb save when the Rustics were caught pushing forward and a lone striker ran on to good through ball only to be thwarted by a brave save at his feet.

Rusthall must now lift themselves following consecutive defeats when they entertain Milton Athletic in a league game.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION
Rusthall 0 Bearsted 3
29th October 2006

Half time 0-1 - attendance 98

Anyone watching this game would have found it hard to believe that the Rustics were unbeaten in 9 games as they tamely went down to a well organised but far from outstanding Bearsted side.

From the outset the visitors put Rusthall under pressure and did not allow them any time on the ball and the Rustics were guilty of giving the ball away. It was no surprise when Bearsted took the lead on 19 minutes, Rusthall failed to clear the ball and eventually a cross from the right found McLeish unmarked at the far post for a simple headed goal.

After such a great performance at Old Roan last week Rusthall were a completely different side and lacked confidence on the ball and failed to create a clear cut chance in the first half. The 2nd half followed much the same pattern as the 1st with Bearsted closing down Rusthall and stopping them from settling on the ball. The visitors doubled their lead on 62 minutes, they attacked down the right and Broadway cut inside and gave Phil Hawkins no chance with a well hit shot low to the keepers right.

Bearsted were now in total control with Rusthall looking ragged and it was 3-0 after 78 minutes when Chaplin struck a superb left foot shot from 20 yards.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION
Rusthall 1 Fleet Leisure 0
14th October 2006

half time 1-0          attendance: 73

The Rustics extended their unbeaten run to 8 games but were made to work very hard by the divisions bottom side and had keper Phil Hawkins to thank as me made two top class saves to ensure the home side got all 3 points.

With Ian Balmer still out injured and Nick Smith missing because of work commitments Rusthall started with young striker John Penny up front alongside Dave Burren with Rob Perkins just behind them. Kicking down the slope in the first half Rusthall put Fleet under early pressure but failed to create any clear cut chances. The visitors relied on counter attacks and from one of these they very nearly took a shock lead on 22 minutes. A long ball out of defence and a superb turn and shot from Jordan Erskine looked to be heading for the top right hand corner before Phil Hawkins superb save turned the ball wide. Rusthall took the lead on 28 minutes and what a goal it was!. Rusthall were awarded a free kick some 30 yards from goal and veteran defender Phil Hassell buried the free kick into the top left hand corner giving the keeper no chance. Rusthall were now in control and should have increased their  lead but found the visiting keeper in great form and the teams turned around with Rusthall still leading 1-0. Rusthall continued to press in the 2nd half but failed to increase their lead and as the game went on Fleet gained confidence and so nearly equalised on 85 minutes, following a corner on the right Erskine's effort hit the foot of the post and looked to going in when Hawkins somehow managed to get down and save when everyone watching thought the ball was headed over the line. From the clearance Rusthall attacked and with the goal at his mercy Dave Burren was brought down and a penalty awarded. The taking of the penalty was delayed by some 5 minutes, when a linesman flag brought the referee back and after a long discussion he showed a red card to a Fleet striker for an alleged comment made to the official following Hawkins superb save. When the penalty was eventually taken Burren put the spot kick tamely wide of the post.

The game finished with the referee surrounded by Fleet players and officials but with Rusthall happy to have gained another 3 points.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION
7th October 2006

Crockenhill 0 Rusthall 1 - half time 0-0  attendance 47

Rusthall are now unbeaten in 7 games but this was a far fromconvincing performance against a workman like Crockenhill side who at times caused the Rusthall defence problems and it took a twice taken penalty by Dave Burren to seperate the sides.

Without regular keeper  Phil Hawkins, the Rustics draughted in Reserve team keeper James Larkin and also gave a debut to former Faversham Town player Kristian Kristan Browning who played in front of the back four and showed some good touches before being replaced at half time, he will be a good addition to the squad  once he gets fully fit. Rusthall were also without Ian Balmer who picked up an injury in last weeks draw with Sheerness East.

The first half was a drab affair with neither keeper beingcalled upon to make a serious save and most of the game being played in midfield, but neither side able to take control. Rusthall came out for the 2nd half determined to take control and put the home side under pressure and should have taken the lead on 52 minutes when after fine work down the left by Steve Ashmore the ball dropped at the far post in the path of overlapping full back Owen Myles but his volley went wide of the target. Just 3 minutes later a superb back heel by Martin Millins fell to Rob Perkins, but he failed to hit the target from close range. Rusthall were now looking the better side but it was a dubious penalty that broke the deadlock when following a soft challenge in the box the referee pointed to the spot. Dave Burren confidently fored into the top left hand corner only for the referee to order it to be taken again for encroachment, but Burren kept his cool and sent the keeper the wrong way with a low shot in the right hand corner. Rusthall should have gone on to win comfortably but nearly conceded a late equaliser but the unmarked striker headed over from close range.

There was still time for Rusthall to score another in thelast minute but Rob Perkins close range effort was ruled out for offside.

Next week Rusthall entertain Fleet Leisure at Jockey Farmand must be hoping for a much better performance.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION
30th September 2006

Rusthall 0 Sheerness East 0

Despite the scoreline this was far from a boring game and the point was enough to send Sheerness to the top of the table.

Rusthall, now unbeaten in 6 games, although drawing 4 of them should gave gone ahead after 2 minutes but Martin Millins saw his superb shot tipped over by the visiting keeper. With both sets of defenders looking solid and well organised chances were at a premium and big parts of the game were played in the middle of the park as both sides battle to gain the upper hand. As half time approached the home side were dealt a big blow when influential midfielder Ian Balmer picked up an injury and was replaced by John Penny at half time. On 59 minutes Rusthall had Phil Hawkins to thank for keeping the scores level, he came out to save at the feet of an onrushing forward who was through on goal. On 65 minutes John Penny played a superb one two with Nick Smith and saw his shot from just outside the box go just over. Rusthall suffered another injury blow when Martin Millins picked up a knee injury and was replaced by Stuart Gray.

Sheerness nearly picked up all three points in the 89th minute when a dipping free kick from fully 35 yards flew just over Hawkins's cross bar much to the relief of the home supporters.

All in all Rusthall must be fairly happy with their start to the season with just 1 defeat, back on the opening day of the season.

Next up for them is a visit to struggling Crockenhill and they will be hoping that the injuries to Balmer and Millins are not as serious as they look, although they will definitely be without defender Alan Chapman who picked up an injury in last weeks win over Bromley Green and looks likely to be out for another 2 or 3 weeks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

British Energy Kent County League
Premier Division
Rusthall 3 Bromley Green 2
23rd September 2006

half time 1-1           attendance 82

Rusthall finally secured their first home win of the season when Dave Burren bundled the ball over the line on 89 minutes after the home side had twice given up the lead.

The kick off was delayed by 45 minutes as Bromley Green struggled to find a ground.

From the kick off Bromley Green's aggressive approach thwarted Rusthall's attempt to play their normal passing game and the game lacked any flow. Then on 19 minutes the home side broke the deadlock through last seasons leading scorer Rob Perkins who was bundled over in the area and got up to make no mistake from the spot. Rusthall's new young striker John Penny was struggling to come to terms with physical side of his man to man marking, which prevented him from holding the ball up and this led to the Rustics continuously losing possession. They were punished for this on 29 minutes, they conceded a silly free kick 25 yards from goal and a quickly taken free kick from the superb Marcos Hodges gave Phil Hawkins no chance in the Rusthall goal.

With the game drifting aimlessly to half time at 1-1, Bromley Green were reduced to 10 men. Former Tunbridge Wells man Buster Beaney was shown a yellow card for not retreating 10 yards at a free kick despite 3 requests from the referee and then charging down the kick when it was taken, giving the referee little option but to send him off.

Rusthall failed to capitalise on the extra man in the 2nd half and the game lacked any flow. Rusthall had the chance to regain the lead on the hour when they were awarded a 2nd penalty following a push on Steve Ashmore from a corner, but the usually reliable Perkins shot over the bar from the spot. Then, on 73 minutes they took the lead when Martin Millins fired home from close range. As in the previous 2 games the Rustics were in front late in the 2nd half and should have closed the game out but with just 2 minutes remaining a lapse in concentration allowed Bromley Green to get level, the defence allowed Hodges to much room and a striker of his class does not need a 2nd chance.

Just when it looked like a 4th draw on the trot substitute Dave Burren popped up to secure the points from close range.

The Rustics must now try and build on this victory, after 6 games they have lost just once but have drawn 3. Next up for them is another home game with Sheerness East the visitors.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH ENERGY KENT COUNTY LEAGUE
PREMEIR DIVISION
Saturday 16th September 2006

Norton Sports 2 Rusthall 2 - half time 1-0      attendance 57

A moment of madness 8 minutes from time cost Rusthall another 2 points when Andy Myles, on as a 2nd half substitute, handled at the far post when under no pressure to gift the home side a penalty and a share of the points that they did not deserve as the Rustics totally dominated the 2nd half.

On an excellent surface both sides played good passing football from the kick off, but it was a soft goal that broke the deadlock on 14 minutes. A free kick from wide on the right caught the defence napping and Norton's centre forward looping header gave Phil Hawkins no chance in the Rusthall goal.Dave Burren should have equalised for the visitors on 27 minutes but the ball bobbled up in front of him and his weak shot from 6 yards was well saved by the home keeper. Half time came with Norton still leading, probably deserved.

Rusthall started the 2nd half the stronger and felt they should have had a penalty on 52 minutes when Rob Perkins went down in the box after a heavy challenge from behind when through on goal. Rusthall were rewarded for their pressure on 62 minutes, Norton failed to clear a cross from the right and last seasons leading scorerPerkins made no mistake from close range. From this point there looked to be only 1 winner, Martin Millins was causing the home side problems down the right and from 1 of his many crosses the visitors took the lead, when Perkins managed to get in front of the defender to head the ball home.

But then disaster struck and for the 2nd week running Rusthall had to settle for a point when they had done enough to claim all 3.

The Rustics have now drawn 3 of their first 5 games and will be hoping for a 2nd win when Bromley Green visit Jockey Farm on Saturday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rusthall 2 Tunbridge Wells 0

Friendly - Jockey Farm 18th July 2006


Rusthall opened their preseason friendlies with a comprehensive victory against Kent league Tunbridge Wells. With both sides fielding their strongest side on the night in the first half, Rusthall produced the better football and dominating procedings, however the best chance fell to the Wells just before the break, with Phil Hawkins being forced into a fine save, Both teams made substaintial changes at half time with two of the changes John Elliott and John Penny scoring the goals that got the Rustics off to a flying start. A useful exercise with sereval new players given a run out and several returning players gaining some valuable match minutes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SNODLAND 1 RUSTHALL 2

Rusthall gained their first win of the season on the traditionally poor hunting ground of Snodland.

Things began poorly for Rusthall when in the first 5 minutes a mix up between goalkeeper Hawkins and centreback Coxon resulted in Snodlands forward flicking on a long throw straight into the back of the net. This rattled Rusthall and it took them a little while to get into their stride, but when they did chances started to fall thick and fast, two good chances fell to Andy Myles one headed over the bar and a shot blasted wide.

Burren and Penny upfront were proving to be a nuisance to the home defence and it wasn’t long before this partnership resulted in a goal albeit in a bizarre fashion. Burren received the ball on the edge of the penalty area turned and shot across the goal towards the corner flag, Penny standing in the 6 yard area buried the ball with his thigh while wondering what hit him, but if this was fortunate Pennys next effort was the opposite, having found space and being put through he beat the defender to the ball and nipped it over the on-rushing keeper, only to see the keeper scurry back and hook the lobbed ball out from somewhere around the goal line, a russian lineman might have seen different but the ref played on.

In the second half Rusthall were playing down the gentle slope, and carried on from where they left off Brown and Smith dominating the midfied and Alan Chapman providing the craft to spur the rustics forward, Lester then went close after picking up a rebound from a Burren shot, taking it around the stranded keeper only to his shot from a tight angle go just wide of the post, Myles again had a great chance after causing havoc down the right, but blasted over when he should of scored. The winner was to come from a corner driven in low which stalwart Dave Burren steered in and the defender on the back post couldn’t quite keep out. With 15 mins remaining Snodland then rallied, throwing caution to the wind and put the Rusthall back four under pressure, captain Coxon held firm and hassell swept confidently, but with 3 mins remaining it took a fine one handed save from Hawkins to ensure that all 3 points went to Rusthall.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rusthall 0 Cray Valley 3


Rusthall started the season with a disappointing result against former champions Cray Valley at Jockey Farm, however the score line was not a true reflection of the Rustics performance. Both sides were forced to field weakened sides due to holidays, with Burren, Brown, Balmer, Lester and Elliot missing from the Rustics line up.

Going down the slope in the first half Rusthall started well with new signings Penny and Smith combining with Perkins and wide men Millins and Andy Myles, to produce some neat and tidy football without causing Cray to many problems defensively. On 10 minutes Cray took the lead when Chapman was harshly adjudged to have handled a ball when his back was turned. The resulting free kick saw the Cray midfielder curl a superb left foot shot into the top corner giving keeper Hawkins no chance.

The Rustics then pressed forward with Andy Myles and Millins looking dangerous down the wings. On 25 minutes a good run and cross by Myles saw the keeper scrambling to his left to keep out a Perkins header. For all Rusthall’s good build up play they lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, with the Cray defenders able to restrict them to long range efforts which the keeper dealt with comfortably. On 35 minutes Cray extended their lead, a rash challenge by Owen Myles led to a free kick 35 yards from goal. Keeper Hawkins and the Rusthall defenders failed to react to the resulting kick and a Cray forward nipped in toe poke the ball home.

The second half started with Rusthall again working hard and pushing Cray back, but without causing them any real problems. Cray with the two goal lead seem content to sit and soak up the pressure without committing to many men forward. Perkins and Penny had half chances and Rusthall enjoyed good possession, putting together some nice moves with free flowing football. New signing at right back Stuart Gray linked well with the midfield and was able to get forward and put in some telling crosses which were well dealt with by the Cray keeper. Cray sealed the game on 65 minutes when Owen Myles was again guilty of diving in and giving away a cheap free kick 30 yards from goal. A well delivered free kick took a deflection on its route towards goal and ended up in the back of the net. Hunter, Smithers and Hassell replaced Smith, Penny and Gray as Rusthall continued to press forward. Ashmore just failed to convert a back post chance on 75 minutes and the same player hit the post with 10 minutes to go. But it was to be Cray’s day as they comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to claim the three points.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------