RUSTHALL were guilty of making crucial errors that led to Deal Town putting four goals past them and recording a flattering scoreline at the Charles Sports Ground.
The Rustics were without their skipper Stewart Gostlow but gave teenage striker Bayley Colbran his first start since arriving from Tunbridge Wells.
Rusthall opened the scoring on 17 minutes, following a superb passing move on the right. Michael Tubb finished in style to register his first goal for the Rustics.
The home side worked their way back into the game with their aggressive striker Connor Coyne proving a handful. He created the opening for Euan Sahadow to slot home on 31 minutes when Rusthall failed to clear a corner.
The game then became end to end and Rusthall keeper Steve Lawrence produced an outstanding save diving low to his right to turn the ball round the post from a Coyne strike.
Rusthall made the perfect start to the second half when they took the lead again within a minute of the restart.
The ball was played up to Steff Harper and the experienced striker held it up before slipping it through to Jacob Wright in the box and the young midfielder calmly slotted his shot under the advancing keeper.
The visitors failed to capitalise on a number of chances to increase their lead and with 11 minutes remaining Deal were level through Coyne’s smart turn and strike in the box.
In the 86th minute the home keeper appeared to pick the ball up outside his area but he was not penalised and Rusthall appeared to switch off as his long clearance was allowed to bounce through to Sam Wilson, who was sent sprawling in the area. Euan Sadahow scored from the resulting spot-kick, giving Deal the lead.
Rusthall now through everything at their -opponents and in time added on the home side caught them on the break to make it 4-2, Andy Miller setting up a simple finish for Joe Reeves.
Next up for Rusthall is a tough home game against Corinthian on Saturday (December 23) when they will be keen to avenge their 5-0 drubbing at Gay Dawn Farm.Â
