Midhurst can't score 20 - but six will do nicely

The Stags had suffered their first defeat last week at Bexhill and this was the perfect response.

They were unlucky to end up without any points.

This week, Rustington, having played seven games, winning just one and losing five, were desperate to collect the points.

Midhurst started well and eventually a clumsy tackle by Tom Leach gave Midhurst a penalty which Lewis Hamilton netted.

Midhurst looked as if they would over-run Rustington but the visitors held out for a while.

But on the hour, Luke Sheldrick scored the first of his three goals having received a good pass from Ollie Pearce. Within a minute Rustington reduced the deficit through Chris Kirkham.

Yellow cards were shown to Dan Jarvis and Tim Leach of Rustington and play was held up when the Rustington keeper Craig Cox needed treatment after a collision with Gary Norgate.

A free-kick just outside the area was netted by Hamilton. The goal relaxed Midhurst and Rustington had Chris Darwin and Stephen Kirkham booked.

Sheldrick scored his second goal but Midhurst were reduced to ten men when Andy Newton was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Sheldrick and James Wills added further late goals for the home team.

MIDHURST: Knight, Glue, White, Newton, Farr, May, Sheldrick, Pearce, Hammilton, Norgate, Dreckman, Wills, Renshaw.

This week the first team visit Wick while the reserves entertain Steyning.

TED DUMMER