Deal Town 3 Rusthall 0
RUSTHALL’S inconsistent start to the new season in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division continued at Deal Town.
In the opening period the home side were better in all departments.
They played slick passing football and used their physical strength and speed to advantage.
Young Rusthall prospect Regan Corke played as the central attacker but had to go off injured on the half-hour and was replaced by home-grown youngster Callum Strachan.
The home side scored after only two minutes when Connor Coyne headed in from a corner.
Deal continued to make chances and Rusthall conceded two more goals in two minutes both scored by Ben Cardwell; the first was a low shot, the second a close-range header.
Callum Ridley managed to unleash a good shot just past the post, which was Rusthall’s best attempt in the first half.
Rusthall came out more positively after the interval and produced some of the quick, accurate passing they had displayed in the previous two games.
They had the better chances in the second half, with two early substitutions seeming to liven up Rusthall’s play.
But the team were missing a number of players, notably Joe Fuller, the captain and leading goalscorer, and a young side are taking time to settle in at this level.
Rusthall face Cray Wanderers in the next preliminary round of the FA Cup after their victory over Wick FC at the Culverden Stadium.
They will take on the Bostik League South East side on Saturday [August 25, kick-off 3pm] at Bromley FC’s home ground, Hayes Lane.
PICTURE: GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT: Callum Ridley came close for Rusthall in the first half
