THE RUSTICS kept their unlikely push for promotion from Southern Counties East Division One firmly going with a comprehensive demolition of Forest Hill Park.
When the two sides met back in November, only a debut goal from Andy Constable separated the teams. But this game was one-sided and the Rustics could well have managed double figures.
The home side dominated from the start and went ahead after 10 minutes when leading scorer Constable celebrated his birthday by calmly finishing from just inside the box after a smart passing move down the left.
They doubled their lead in comic fashion on 22 minutes when visiting defender Stanley Ugwoke caught the ball in both hands inside the six yard box. Referee Mark Cheeseman pointed to the spot but only issued a yellow card. Adam Davies struck the penalty firmly in off the underside of the bar.
Rusthall were caught on the break on 34 minutes and Herve Mbongue produced an excellent finish to put Forest Hill back into the game with virtually their first attack.
Before half-time Stanley Ugwoke lunged in on Rustics’ Joe Fuller and was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Half time came with the crowd wondering how Rusthall were only leading 2-1 after totally dominating the half and fearing that the visitors would get back into the game with the slope in their favour in the second half.
In the second half John Phillips scored twice and defender Luke Stratford registered his first ever Rusthall goal against a deflated Forest Hill.
The hosts’ day was made even better when news came through that title favourites Glebe had surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to SC Thamesmead.
Next comes a difficult away game against Eltham Palace, the only side to have beaten them in the league this season.
