Steyning thrash Rustington to continue strong start

Town moved third in the fledgling table with a comprehensive win over Blues, who recently welcomed Trevor Waller as their new manager.

After a couple of half-chances at both ends early on, Steyning carved out two clearer chances in a matter of minutes.

Adam Burton should have tested Blues goalkeeper Jimmy Punter and Jason Webb lashed narrowly over from distance.

Rustington offered little and the early loss of right-back John Beaney played into the hands of Steyning’s lively wingers, with both having a hand in the opening two goals.

Five minutes before half-time, Mo Shuga’a had a shot deflected wide and, from Maz Williams’ resultant corner, Omar Bublek poked home from Callum Towse’s goalbound flick.

Two minutes later Town doubled their lead when Shuga’a’s looping header evaded everyone and nestled into the far corner via a post.

Blues were better upon the resumption and could have halved the deficit almost immediately, Steyning keeper Matt Evans with a fine first save of the game to keep out Chad Milner.

Chris Kirkham then clipped the top of the bar with a volley, but the visitors’ improvement was only short lived and Town effectively ended the game as a contest on the hour.

They were awarded a penalty after Shuga’a was clumsily tripped and Webb slammed home the spot-kick.

Steyning were rampant now and 3-0 soon became 5-0. Alfie Gritt struck with a good finish after a swift passing move, and then Shuga’a rounded off the scoring with a low effort on 66 minutes.

Rustington kept going and had chances but Town kept them at bay to preserve a clean sheet.

Steyning manager John Suter said: “It was a very good all-round performance and it could have been even more, although I’m more than happy with 5-0.

“It’s pleasing that we’ve had a couple of wins back-to-back, too, and I definitely would have taken that a few weeks ago.

“It’s difficult to say what’s going to happen this season, it’s too early, but it’s a promising start and everyone is playing well at the moment.”

Steyning: Evans; Mills, Bublek, K.Parsons, Webb; Shuga’a, Harris, C.Towse, Williams; Burton, Gritt. Subs: Dodd (Harris 64), Harding (Burton 70), Finch (Bublek 78), Clark.