Blues lose at home to United

The result saw United confirm a promotion spot, and Torode said: “They deserve to go up over the season. We had chances to win, but if you don’t kill off sides like Worthing United, then they’ll take advantage with their quality of finishing.”

Rustington took the lead through Liam O’Connor’s first senior goal. The youngster converted Ross Adams’ cross with a sweet left-foot volley to put Blues in front after 14 minutes.

The home side attacked at pace with Adams and Chris Darwin causing problems, but they failed to add to their score and were punished on 43 minutes.

Charlie Oatway mesmerised Rustington’s defence and beat four players before setting up Joe Shelley to equalise.

Torrode said it was a body-blow to concede just before half-time, yet his side continued to threaten into the second-half.

Blues’ best moment came when Adams headed against the bar with a great chance and Shelley then gave United the lead on 56 minutes. Once more he combined well with Oatway, executing a one-two, before firing home from 20 yards.

David Herbert’s goal made the game safe for the visitors on 87 minutes, but Torode was pleased with his players’ effort: “The lads have been a bit deflated after losing the semi-finals but I thought that was our best performance for a while.

“It was like a snap-shot of our season. We played really well but just didn’t take our chances. Still, I’m happy with the season overall and we’ll try to get a few more wins in our final games.”

Blues now meet title-chasing AFC Uckfield twice in the space of four days. They host them at Jubilee Avenue on Saturday (3pm), before they visit Uckfield on Tuesday (7.45pm).

RUSTINGTON: Bonetti; Boxall, Neal, Wimbleton, Sayers; O’Connor, Clayton, Butt, Green; Adams, Darwin. Subs: Kirkham (Green 65), Jones (Sayers 75).