Haywards Heath Town’s FA Vase campaign came to an end on Saturday as they suffered a 4-2 defeat away to Rusthall in the Second Round Proper, despite a spirited second-half fightback.

Having earned byes in the competition following their performances in last season’s Vase, Heath faced their first test of this year’s campaign with confidence high after winning their previous four matches in all competitions.

However, the afternoon got off to a rocky start for Kev Green’s side, who were forced into an early change just eight minutes into the contest after Sam Remfry was unable to continue.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as Rusthall opened the scoring in the 11th minute before doubling their advantage five minutes later.

Heath attack at Rusthall | Picture by James Gething

placeholder image — Heath attack at Rusthall | Picture by James Gething

The hosts continued to punish Heath’s defensive struggles, adding a third before the half-hour mark to leave Heath facing an uphill battle. Despite creating opportunities of their own, Heath struggled to find the finishing touch, with the first half proving a frustrating affair for the travelling side.

Green responded at the interval with a double substitution and the changes immediately injected fresh energy into their performance.

Heath came flying out of the blocks after the restart and found a breakthrough in the 51st minute. One of the half-time introductions, Sonny Causton, played a key role, setting up Ryan Warwick, who produced a superb volley to give the visitors a lifeline.

The goal sparked renewed belief, and Green’s men continued to pile pressure on their hosts. Their efforts were rewarded again in the 59th minute when Mark Goldson reacted quickest to a rebound off the Rusthall goalkeeper, and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Heath look for a way past the Rusthall defence | Picture by James Gething

With momentum firmly behind them, Heath pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with further attacking changes made as Heath threw bodies forward in pursuit of a dramatic comeback.

However, their attacking intent ultimately left them vulnerable at the other end. Rusthall capitalised on the space left behind, breaking quickly before calmly slotting home their fourth goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Despite a disappointing first-half display, Haywards Heath can take encouragement from their determined second-half response, which briefly threatened to turn the contest on its head.

The defeat brings the Blues' FA Vase journey to a premature close, but attention now switches back to league action. Heath remain top of the SCFL Premier Division and continue to compete on several fronts, with the Peter Bentley Cup, RUR Cup and Sussex Senior Cup all still to play for.

With plenty of football remaining this season, Green and his side will be determined to put Saturday's disappointment behind them and maintain their impressive campaign.

They visit East Grinstead in the league on Saturday.