RUSTHALL exited the FA Cup at the first hurdle in the extra preliminary round against Balham from the Combined Counties Premier Division.
On an excellent at Wibbandune both sides looked to play on the deck and probe for openings to capitalise upon.
Reuel Powell-Downey crossed for Luke Adams but he was unable to find the important touch for the visitors.
Balham grew into the game as the half went on and created some chances that were squandered, and the score was goalless at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern but after 51minutes the ball fell nicely to the home side’s midfielder Ashley Snadden, who passed it into the corner of the net.
This prompted Rusthall to become more offensive, and Balham then looked to counter-attack on the break.
Powell-Downey had a good chance well saved late on, and Balham saw the game out to proceed into the next round.
Rusthall now return to action in the Southern Counties East League Division One at home to Lydd Town on Saturday (August 17).
