Blues leave it late

THE REAL possibility exists that top-of-the-table Rustington FC will go through a calendar year, winning every match. The scoreline at the end of Saturday's game against second-placed Newhaven looks convincing, but tells a lie.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Nov 2006, 08:43 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:10 BST

The home side deserved to win, but have never been made to work harder.

Indeed, as the game approached the 90th minute, it looked as if the visitors would deny Rustington their accustomed victory.

The Dockers brought a strong vocal support down the A27, and the team was clearly up for the challenge. Their talented striker Simon Halsey made, and wasted, the first chance. A wonderful bit of skill opened up the home defence, but from right in front of goal he shot weakly and Andy McCarthy saved.

A succession of corner kicks from right and left by Dave Oakes and Terry Withers severely tried Newhaven's rearguard. Eventually one of them led to a goal, Ryan Walton turning in Withers' kick for his 11th of the season. Goalie Mark Hildersley single-handedly kept the score at 1-0 until the interval, after which Newhaven hit back strongly.

For full report, see this week's Littlehampton Gazette.