FOOTBALL: Rustington lose RUR Cup final in extra-time

RUSTINGTON went down 4-1 to Eastbourne United in the Sussex RUR Cup final on Wednesday (April 29) after extra-time at Lancing.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Apr 2009, 00:39 GMT
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:10 GMT

Blues, in boss Gareth Davies' last game in charge, put in an excellent performance, although could have been behind after just nine minutes. Gavin Hammond tripped Lucas Mann in the penalty area and referee Frank Meilack pointed to the spot.

Rustington keeper Andy McCarthy saved Sam Crabb's spot-kick but the linesman flagged to say McCarthy had moved off his line and the kick had to be retaken. But this time, Crabb blasted the penalty high over the bar.

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Eastbourne did take the lead on 59 minutes when Brad Manton smashed home a stunning 25 yarder.

Blues levelled four minutes later. Andy Smart was bundled over by Reece Head and Mr Meilack pointed to the penalty spot, and James Bennett coneverted to Eastbourne keeper Nick Maynard's left.

Just three minutes later, Rustington almost went ahead but Lee Gibbs' poweful volley crashed down off the underside of the bar.

That was the closest either team came to winning in normal time and the match went to extra-time.

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Eastbourne regained their lead on 98 minutes when substitute Tom Morton tapped home after Crabb's shot hit a post.

Two minutes into the second-half of extra-time, Eastbourne were reduced to 10 men when Carl Harris was red-carded for a challenge on Joe-Lewis Cumber.

Blues were then caught twice on the break, though, and Lee Jules and then Manton extended Eastbourne's lead which made the final score harsh on Rustington.

Davies said: "I'm delighted with our performance but we just ran out of legs.

"I'm very proud and couldn't have asked for any more.

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"It wasn't the fairy tale ending for me but it was still a proud moment."

RUSTINGTON: McCarthy; Duffy, Tomlinson, Pickford, Hammond; Bennett, Cumber, Clayton, Gibbs; Boxall, Smart. Subs: Cox (Boxall 74), Vine (Duffy 105), Stock, Harris, James.

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Related topics:FootballEastbourneRustingtonBluesLancing