Returning Russell strikes to snatch Arundel a point

Harry Mills had netted on the half-hour to fire Hassocks ahead, before Russell’s goal eight minutes prior to the interval ensured it ended 1-1 at Mill Road.

Robins were forced to see out the final 30 minutes with ten-men after Tom Barnes received a second yellow card but Arundel still failed to find a winner.

It was a first game in over a month for Russell after he fractured an eye socket in Mullets’ win over rivals Pagham back in March.

Despite Arundel coming from a goal behind, manager Richard Towers felt it was an opportunity missed.

Third-bottom could have gone level on points with place-above Peacehaven & Telscombe had they taken all three points.

Results worked in Mullets’ favour with every other team in the bottom six losing, something which left Towers frustrated as his team couldn’t capitalise.

He said: “It feels like two points dropped if I’m honest. My midfield really seemed to struggle in the first half-hour and we couldn’t get into the game.

“We sprung into life after they scored and Harry got a great goal. It’s great to have him back involved for the run-in.

“He’s going to get us goals if he plays and that could be crucial heading into a massive final seven games for us.”

Mullets failed to get going in the opening 30 minutes and they were punished.

Mills was quickest to react following a James Westlake corner, crashing home from eight yards.

The lead lasted all of seven minutes, though, with Russell netting on his return.

Lewis Jenkins and Asa Nicholson combined down the right with the latter crossing for Russell whose swivel and shot found the top corner.

Russell was cynically fouled by Barnes on the hour, which resulted in him being shown a second yellow.

Robins changed things up for the remainder and had the better chances but it ended 1-1.

With seven games still to play this season, Arundel have to meet four teams currently in the bottom seven.

Next up for Mullets is a trip to ninth-placed Loxwood and Towers has a good feeling about the trip.

He added: “We’ve got seven games to go and safety is still firmly in our hands.

“We have still got some massive games to come against teams around us. Worthing United, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Hailsham Town and Wick are teams we haven’t played twice this season, so it’s going to be a massive finish.

“Loxwood haven’t got a lot left to play for this season and it wouldn’t surprise if we got the three points against them.

“It would give us great confidence and a platform heading into what will be a crucial final few matches to ensure our status in this division.”

ARUNDEL: Fernandes; Lofting, Walker, Bunker, N.DaCosta; Jenkins, Mottershead, J.Biggs, Jarvis; Nicholson, Russell. Subs: Richards (J.Biggs, 75), L.DaCosta (Mottershead, 77).

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