RUSTHALL Reserves were thwarted in their bid to reach a hat-trick of cup finals after they conceded two goals in extra time of the Les Leckie Cup semi-final.
The pitch at Jockey Farm stadium was in fine condition despite heavy rain, demonstrating that the massive investment in it has paid off.
But strong blustery winds did affect the contest and in the opening exchanges the two teams cancelled each other out.
On the half-hour mark Rusthall were awarded a free kick just inside their own half which was floated into the Rochester penalty area and Adam James headed into the net.
The score remained at 1-0 until just before half time when Rochester equalised from a header over the goalkeeper and into the corner.
The second half started badly for Rusthall when a ball into the box was not cleared and resulted in an own goal, giving the visitors the lead.
Rusthall pressed for an equaliser and George Salter hit the crossbar with a shot while the home side also hit the post.
They levelled the scores with the best move of the match down the left wing, Lynos Rwodzi finding Franck Ndouga who slotted home.
Ndouga should have had a second soon after when the ball was played through the middle and he rounded the keeper but fired past the post.
The score remained 2-2 after 90 minutes, and in the first half of extra time Rochester scored directly from a corner with the assistance of the wind.
In the second period they scored a fourth goal from a header and could have pulled away even futher but failed to convert a penalty.
Lee Chambers’ side have already made it to the finals of the Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup and Kent Intermediate Cup this season.
They will play Southborough or AFC Valour in the former on May 3 at Culverden stadium, and then Lydd Town Reserves at K Sports on May 8.
