Blues take Cup bragging rights over Clymping

Blues triumphed 6-2 away at Clymping, and Blues manager Brett Torode said: “I was pleased with the result, but we weren’t great and credit to Clymping, they did well.

“It’s nice to get through and I felt we had that extra bit of quality. On paper, 6-2 looks comfortable, but it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s nice to progress in the cups, and Peacehaven will be a tough game.”

Blues went ahead on 35 minutes, following an exchange of passes between Chris Green and James Bennett that saw Simon Clayton fire in.

Joe Atkins struck the bar and then the post in the second half, before Steve Duffin brought Clymping level on the hour from the spot after he had been fouled by goalkeeper Andy McCarthy.

Adam Palmer headed against the bar, before substitute Chris Darwin’s 30-yarder and Clayton’s second gave Blues a quick-fire 3-1 lead.

Matt Huckett added the fourth in Rustington’s 15-minute goal fest, while Jason Wimbleton headed the fifth before Matt Denford grabbed a late consolation for Clymping.

Clymping manager Darren Atkins said: “I felt 6-2 was very harsh on us, and it was 200 per cent better than the last few games.

“It was a tremendous effort and indicative of our luck that we hit the woodwork three times and nothing came of it, while their one 30-yarder flew in off the bar.

“It was so much more encouraging, and I can see us getting out of trouble if we keep playing like this.

“I was impressed with Rustington, they played good stuff, but my lads were excellent and things are on the turn. Nothing went for us, but I’m confident that we’ll be okay.”

CLYMPING: May; T.Rudd, Palmer, Johnson, James; Hird, Denford, Carter, Lee; Duffin, J.Atkins. Subs: Perkins (Johnson 2 inj), Higgs (Carter 45), Baker (Rudd 60), Hankin.

RUSTINGTON: McCarthy; Bennett, Wimbleton, Butcher, Green; Bibb, Matthews, Clayton, Adams; Huckett, Robertshaw. Subs: Darwin (Robertshaw 55), Boxall (Adams 60), Withers (Clayton 80).