2007/8 Season Reports

10/05/08 - RUSTHALL 2-6 FISHER ATHLETIC

As normal the Rustics started quite brightly but the South Londoners also looked strong and on 15 minutes took the lead. Soon after Dave was fouled when through on the Fisher goal and had to come off in agony. He had to go directly to hospital and was diagnosed with a broken wrist but still made it to Upton Park for  kick off! We equalised shortly after and Rob had a wonderful chance to put us ahead but the ball was ballooned over. An innocuous shot by Fisher hit a bump in the ground that Ben couldn't keep hold of and the Fisher striker gladly put the ball away to put the Londoners in front.At this point Fisher took control of the game and were 4-1 ahead at the interval. Rusthall came out for the second half in determined mood and defended much better; although Fisher had lots of possession their goal attempts were minimal.Fisher did however score an early goal in the second half with a great strike from a corner. The Rustics kept battling and produced the goal of the game when Luke finished beautifully after great work from Cookie. While Rusthall were still congratulating themselves Fisher caught them with our guard down to preserve their 4 goal advantage.

MOTM Faris

07/05/08 - CROYDON 2-0 RUSTHALL

We left Tunbridge Wells at 4.30 in preperation for our 6.45 KO; after two massive traffic delays we finally got to the ground at 6.55 and within 5 minutes we were changed and playing. Not the ideal preperation against the league leaders but we started very brightly; we had the bulk of possession although Croydon created the better chances. On 25 minutes Croydon took the lead and added to it early in the second half with a cracking strike.

Overall this was a solid performance as we battled throughout but our game lacked a cuitting edge although Scott and Dave made their keeper pull out a couple of terrific saves late on.

MOTM: Ben.

4/05/08 - TONBRIDGE ANGELS 2-3 RUSTHALL

In what was probably our worst first half performance to date we found ourselves trailing 2-0 at the interval. Fortunately we rallied strongly in the second half; lead by our inspirational skipper Alex D'albertanson. Two goals by the lively Faris and a late strike from Dave secured the points for the Rustics.

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27/04/08 - Bromley 4-0 Rusthall

Rusthall started really brightly and should have made their pressure count however on 28 minutes the game changed when the referee awarded Bromley a penalty under dubious circumstances when Faris seemed to make an innocuous challenge in a non dangerous position. The penalty was converted and the table toppers breathed a sign of relief. The Rustics continued to play well however just before half time Bromley doubled there lead when a speculative bicycle kick found the back of the net.

Rusthall nearly pulled a goal back early in the second half after great work by Luke but Rob couldn't quite make the right connection with an open goal beckoning. Soon after a rare mistake by Ben gifted Bromley their third after spilling a tame cross. At this point the belief went out of our game and we just went through the motions however the defence performed admirally throughout particularly Man of the match Joe Cameron who was outstanding.

20/04/08 - RUSTHALL U16's 4-2 LEWISHAM BOROUGH

U16's Kent Youth League North London Cup Finalists Lewisham were the visitors to Jockey Farm on Sunday.

Luke Johns put the Rustics ahead early on but there was plenty of end to end action and the Londoners looked dangerous on the break however on 30 minutes Dave Creasey hit a cracking strike from a tight angle that gave the keeper no chance after good work from Occomore. Rusthall now looked very comfortable and when Creasey added his second early in the second half to make it 3-0 it looked as though the floodgates were going to open. Against the run of play Lewisham scored when the Rusthall defence failed to clear their lines. The Londoners were back in the game and shortly after they scrambled home another goal; there was a big sigh of relief when Joe Cameron scored Rusthall's fourth to put the game out of Lewisham's reach 10 minutes from the end.

Rusthall will be entering the Kent Youth League U18's next season and will be holding trials next month. If you are under 18 as at 1st September and wish to play at this high level please contact Julian 07803 513384 for details.

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16/03/08 - CRAY WANDERERS 4-2 RUSTHALL

Driving through a torrential storm to get to this fixture we couldn't believe we hadn't got a call cancelling the game and when we got there we were even more amazed as the pitch was an absolute swamp. The Ref felt it was fit to play on so who were we to argue! The slope looked like it was going to be a big advantage to the attacking team so when we lost the toss we knew our defenders were going to be busy; however the Rustics played really well and it was no surprise when Luke put us ahead after 20 minutes.

In a goal mouth scramble Cray equalised 10 minutes before the break. The Rustics were full of confidence coming out for the second half knowing they were going down the slope but started the half slowly and allowed Cray to score a breakaway goal. We still had the majority of play and missed a couple of great chances when disaster struck: in a rare attack on our goal Ben saved and appeared to have two hands on the ball when a Cray striker booted it out of them in the back of the net and bizzarely the ref let the goal stand. Rusthall came straight back and a beautiful defence splitting ball by Man of the match Elliot found Luke unmarked and he coolly slotted the ball home. We pushed forward in numbers but couldn't find the equaliser and when Dave had what looked like an obvious penalty turned down it appeared it wasn't going to be our day. Late on Cray added another after our defence struggled to clear the ball in the mud. We left the match scratching our heads how we didn't get anything out of the game but overall it was a good performance and we know if we continue like that we're going to pick up points in our upcomming games.

9/03/08 - ERITH & BELVEDERE 3-0 RUSTHALL

Rusthall started very brightly and had a great chance to take the lead but unfortunately Rob Cooke's strike went over the crossbar. After 25 minutes Erith went ahead after a terrific shot from 20 yards out that gave Ben no chance. Rusthall produced the first meaningful attack in the second period but Dave hit the ball over with only the keeper to beat after good work from Luke and Faris. Erith got their second soon after and the Rustics'

performance dropped from that point onwards. Erith's pressure was rewarded late on when a speculative cross found the back of the net via the post.

2/03/08 RUSTHALL 6-0 BORDEN (Friendly)

Our opponents from the Kent Youth League South gave us a good workout ready for next week's league fixture against Erith & Belvedere. A really positive match that saw the introduction of our new signing Scott Occomore and also our new coach Elliot Everson. Perhaps the scoreline was a bit flattering as Borden did have chances in the game but nonetheless a good all round performance from the Rustics.

Goals: Luke 3, Cookie 2, Dave 1.

MOTM: Alex D'albertanson

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Sevenoaks U16's 1-3 Rusthall U16's

The players were told 30 minutes before the game that 2 of their regulars had quit (including their captain)but took the news on the chin and were to produce a gutsy display.

Greatness Park was the venue for this Kent Youth League clash and this was certainly the best playing surface that the Rusthall players had enjoyed for quite some weeks. The first half was an entertaining affair with chances at both ends; Faris El Mahgiub broke the deadlock just before half time with a well executed finish after good work from Man of the match Rob Cooke. The Rustics took control in the second half and soon went 3-0 up with goals from Charlie Tampsett and Luke Johns. Sevenoaks' heads didn't drop and they were rewarded with a consolation goal after a beautiful strike late on.

27/01/08 RUSTHALL 2-3 CRAY VALLEY

Although having the majority of the play in the first half and creating a number of chances Rusthall went into the break trailing 2-0. We looked a bit like our old selves in the second period and despite goals from Faris and Dave we couldn't pull the game back.

20/01/08 Causeway Cup Semi Final RUSTHALL 0-5 EBBSFLEET

This was the biggest game in our short history but unfortunately we didn't deliver. There were chances at both ends in the first half although Ebbsfleet enjoyed the bulk of possession. Ebbsfleet eventually broke the deadlock and took a 1-0 lead into half time. Knowing that we could play much better and that we were going downhill in the second half the Rustics were confident they could turn the game around. After a bright start in the second period Max had an early opportunity to level the match with only the keeper to beat but unfortunatey his strike went wide. After another Rusthall attack was broken down Ebbsfleet broke qickly and scored on the counter. The Rustics now threw caution to the wind and threw men forward leaving gaps at the back which Ebbsfleet took full advantage of and in the end ran out comfortable winners. Will Mcavoy produced an  outstanding performance for the Rustics.

Lewisham U16's 2-3 Rusthall U16's

On a bright sunny morning the play from both teams started scrappily however Rusthall began to take control and in the 30th minute Luke Johns spotted the keeper slightly off his line and hit a fantastic shot from 35yds that glided into the roof of the net. Coming out after the interval it looked as though the Rustics were going to extend their lead when Johns slotted home again only for the goal to be given offside. Against the run of play Lewisham beat the offside trap and equalised; soon after the Londoners went ahead from a near post corner that was flicked into the back of the Rustics net. Rusthall changed their formation to 3-5-2 and soon took command again and it was no surprise when Johns equalised. A brilliantly taken goal by Dave Creasey put the Rustics back in front and moments later only the woodwork denied Johns of a hatrick. Great performances by Tampsett, Todman and Jarvis.

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RUSTHALL 1-2 CRAY WANDERERS

On a frosty pitch the Rustics played really well in dominating the first half however the score at the interval was goaless. The second half however was a completely different story as Cray were by far the best team; they took full advantage of playing downhill in the now torrential conditions and constantly had Rusthall on the back foot. Wiggy pulled a late goal back against the run of play to create a grandstand finish but Cray were worthy winners. This is not the first time this season that our second half performance has been inferior to our first and this is something we are going to have to address in the New Year if we are going to achieve our goals.

MOTM: Sam Wiegand

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CHATHAM U16's 3-1 RUSTHALL U16's

Kent County Cup 3rd round

Last year's semi finalists Chatham were the hosts to in form Rusthall at the Garrison Ground in Brompton. In an entertaining affair the Rustics dominated the first half although the Chats looked dangerous on the break. Sam Wiegand deservedly put Rusthall ahead just before the interval with a wonderful strike from outside the box after good work from Creasey. Rusthall were caught napping soon into the second half and Chatham equalised. Rusthall came straightback and in a goalmouth scramble looked certain to go back in the lead only for the ball to be cleared. Chatham went ahead a few moments later beating the offside trap and a third followed soon after. The game continued with end to end action with chances for both teams. Man of the match Ben Head in the Rusthall goal made some great saves.

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RUSTHALL U16's 6-4 DOVER ATHLETIC U16's

Quarter Final Causeway Steel Challenge Cup

Rusthall knew it would be a tough game as unbeaten Dover had only conceded one goal in their last six matches and it looked as if this run would continue as their early dominence was rewarded when they took the lead after seven minutes. This goal however spurred the Rustics into action and their pressure was rewarded with an equaliser after 20 minutes when a Dover defender unluckily put the ball in the back of his own net. Rusthall were now in total control of the game and it wasn't long before Jarvis put the Rustics ahead with a tap in from a great cross from Man of the Match Luke Johns. Rob Cooke then scored to put the Rustics 3-1 up at the interval. Soon into the second half skipper Wiegand timed his jump perfectly to head in Rusthall's fourth this was followed by another Jarvis goal to make the score an unbelievable 5-1. Dover responded with a cracking goal from their left winger however it wasn't long before Rusthall restored their four goal advantage when Kelly slotted home from a John's cross. Dover showed their class in a late rally but it was too late and the Rustics desevedly made it into the semi finals and now face Ebbsfleet or Cray Wanderers on December 16th.

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RUSTHALL 1-1 BEARSTED

With our cup game v Dover being cancelled till next week it was importantant to keep our momentum going for next week's big match so a friendly was arranged with Bearsted from the Kent League (Central). On a cold morning the Rustics got off to great start and desevedly took the lead when Luke hit a great shot from a tight angle. Two more chances quickly followed and it looked as if we would win comfortably however the game seemed to change when in form striker Luke got clattered and had to come off with an ankle injury.

Bearsted scored shortly afterwards against the run of play and this then lifted their game and for the rest of the match it was fairly even with chances at both ends. Man of the Match: Will McCavoy

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Real 60 u16's 4-6 Rusthall u16's - Kent Cup round 2

The pitch was situated yards from the River Medway in Rochester and the wind seemed near galeforce. The home side coped with the conditions better and although Rusthall took the lead through a Charlie Tampsett penalty Real 60 desevedly went into the interval 2-1 up. Rusthall came out for the second half looking a completey different team and immediately put pressure on Real's goal however were victims of a counter attack and found themselves

3-1 down. Heads didn't drop and the Rustics hit back immediately when El Mahgiub smashed the ball passed the hapless Real keeper. Minutes later man of the match Luke Johns equalised. Right back D'albertanson found himself in an attacking role and put in a wonderful cross that unluckily a Real defender drilled into his own net. The Rustics were now in full control and were starting to play some fantastic football; Jarvis was finding plenty of space down the left hand side and hit a perfect cross for Creasey to nod in, an exact carbon copy of that goal was to put the Rustics 6-3 up. Real then got a late consolation goal with a well taken lob. Rusthall will now travel to Chatham in the next round.

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RUSTHALL U16's 4-4 CROYDON ATHLETIC U16's

Last season's Champions and current table toppers Croydon were the visitors to Jockey Farm on Sunday. In an entertaining game Rusthall went 1-0 up within 30 seconds, a tremendous defence splitting ball from Elliot Kelly found Tristan Jarvis unmarked and he coolly lobbed the approaching keeper. Rusthall's continuing dominence was rewarded with a brilliant header from Wiegand 15 minutes later. Croydon pulled one back in their first attack on the Rusthall goal with a well executed finish from their right winger. Controversy then struck when after a goal mouth scramble in the Rusthall area that appeared to be cleared the refereee bizzarely awarded Croydon a goal even though he was 30 yards behind the action, the Croydon players didn't celebrate and the linesman said the ball hadn't gone over the line! Although bitterly disappointed Rusthall's heads didn't drop and just before half time Man of the Match Jarvo again lobbed the keeper with another beautifully weighted shot.

Croydon came out after the interval with renewed vigour and after another goal mouth scramble equalised to make the score 3-3 early in the second half. Again the Rustics came back at the Surrey team and 5 minutes later got their reward when big Dave Creasey hit a cracking shot that the keeper did well just to get his fingertips  to but it was destined for the top right hand coirner....4-3 to the Rustics. The match then was pretty even with little goalmouth action and it looked as though Rusthall were going to inflict only Croydon's second defeat in two years however late in the game the defence didn't clear their lines and allowed Croydon a snap shot which went in with the help of the post.

Causeway Steel Challenge Cup 2nd Round - Rusthall U16's 0-0 Dartford U16's
AET Rusthall won 4-2 on penalties

Last years semi finalists Dartford travelled to Jockey Farm to face Kent Youth League new boys Rusthall. In an entertaining affair Rusthall had the better of the first half but the combination of the woodwork, great saves by the Dartford keeper and poor finishing kept the score level at the interval. Dartford came out with renewed vigour in the second half but rarely troubled the Rusthall defence which held firm. Rusthall again created more chances the best of which fell to man of the match Tristan Jarvis who unfortunately spooned the ball over the empty goal from 5 yards out. Both the teams were more cautious in extra time so the tie was to be decided on penalties. Dartford scored first from the spot then Luke Johns cooly slotted home to make it 1-1; drama was to unfold as Ben Head in the Rusthall goal saved the next penalty but the referee adjudged him to have come off his line too early and ordered a retake which was also brilliantly saved; a further save and conversions by Faris El Mahgiub, Elliot Kelly and Sam Wiegand safely put the Rustics through to the quarter finals.