FIRST TEAM MATCH REPORT

Rustington   1 - 0    Westfield

Courage and determination returned to the spirit of the Blues as a hard working but disjointed Westfield were beaten by a solitary Adam Bibb penalty – his fourth against the club this season after a superb display at the Parish Field earlier in the season. The victory lifts Rustington tied in second place, with results going in the wrong direction for Mile Oak and Lingfield. Simon Clayton partnered Brett Neal in the middle of defence and Ryan Morten started at right back for Sean Duffy.

A hard pitch caused the ball to bobble as Rustington attempted to play the same passing game that was a major positive from Tuesdays match at Lancing, with mixed results. After seven minutes Ryan Morten – who seemed at times to have the right hand side of the pitch to himself – followed the managements instructions perfectly and ran on to a delightful ball from the midfield – Morten’s cross fell on to Andy Smart’s head which was just pushed wide. Dominic Clarke and Chris Smith of the Parishioners had two decent efforts go wide before Andy Boxall was unlucky to be given offside, it was Boxall who won the penalty in the 17th minute – it took a second opinion from the linesman but the penalty was given, Adam Bibb stepping up to slot home past the keeper.

The chance to double the advantage did not take long, James Butt with an exquisite through ball to Smart, the cross shot only initially parried by keeper Will Toal, Andy Boxall almost on the follow up. James Bennett and Lee Gibbs were able to win a corner, with Clayton eventually providing the cross, Joe Lewis Cumber almost on the end of it. Brett Neal provided a nicely weighted pass from the back onto a highly determined run, Smart and Cumber infected by the effort that was illuminating throughout the entire side. The joy on the right continued as Rustington exploited the gaps left by their opponents – Andy Boxall and Ryan Morten the main perpetrators.

The second half continued with Westfield on the back foot, Andy Boxall continuing to ask questions of Westfield’s back line. Brett Neal, having an excellent game containing Westfield’s attackers – looked threatening at the other end of the pitch with a close header from a Lee Gibbs corner. A decent pile driver from the Parishioners Carl Morris began a rally from the visitors but Rustington’s back line held firm. Richie Hellen replaced James Butt with 15 minutes to play, capping another notable performance in the heart of midfield. Peter Baker continued to press and Duncan Jones connected with the end of a well flighted cross but could not find the equalizer for Westfield, will Cumber lifted a free kick at the other end who found James Bennett who shot over from short distance.

Russell Tomlinson replaced Andy Boxall with three minutes to go, a pat on the back from manager Gareth Davies signaling a fantastic performance well received by management and fans alike. Davies was determined to keep the lead as the formation became defensive for the Blues. What could have marred the game was a late knock to Simon Clayton at the end after falling awkwardly holding the knee that had kept him out of the game for months; fortunately it was only diagnosed as a dead leg. Chris Couzens was introduced into the action. After some unnecessary added time by the referee, he finally blew for time.

Sheer dogged effort won the game today for the Blues, firmly closing the door on the performance at the Sportsman on Easter Monday. Rustington can now look forward – the next challenge at home to Midhurst, who have suffered a dip in recent form, cannot be underestimated as Davies tries to cement runners up spot with a strong finish in the league.

Goalscorers