Today we welcomed Rusthall III's to Swanmead in a top of the table clash. Rusthall are the only side to have defeated us in the league this season, so we knew we were going to be in for a difficult afternoon.
 
Unfortunately we were without the services of Ben Bridges for this must win fixture, as he had decided to spend the afternoon at a pottery museum and Andy Thomas was ruled out through injury. Thankfully though we were able to welcome back Matt Thompson from suspension and in the absence of a first team fixture, Peter Hart and Carl Cornell joined the squad.
 
We lined up with J Faulkner in goal. A back four of Hart, Herbert, Chambers and Tamplin. M Faulkner, Bowen, Allan and Poore made up the midfield. Rosier joined Warner in attack. On the bench were Piscina, Tuema, Thompson, Barron and Cornell.
 
Looking to avenge our defeat from earlier in the season, we knew that we had to make a good start and take the game to our opponents. Thankfully this is what happened, even if it was only for 5 minutes. The good news for us was that during our 5 minute spell we managed to score an all important goal. As the play was quickly switched from right to left, Josh was up-ended in the box and Glen stepped up to open the scoring from the penalty spot.
 
After getting the early breakthrough we seemed to take our foot of the pedal and spent the rest of the opening period with our backs to the wall. Rusthall had lots of possession, however apart from a number of set pieces they never really threatened to score.
 
On the balance of play we didn't really deserve our half time lead, however given the circumstances we were more than happy to take it. Knowing that we weren't at our best for the first half, we spoke at the break about trying to retain the ball and to take any chances that came our way.
 
Based our our performance in the opening period i don't think anyone would have predicted that we would come out of the traps as fast as we did at the re-start.
 
Taking the game by the scuff of the neck, we began to move the ball round confidently and increased our lead when Glen used his pace to out strip the defence and fire a fantastic half volley past the helpless goalkeeper. Moments later the score was 3-0 as Tuem's, on for the injured Faulks, stole the ball from the Rusthall centre half before racing in on goal and keeping his composure, he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
 
At 3-0 we looked very comfortable.
 
Although today was a very tough game we defended very well and restricted Rusthall to only a small number of chances. Once again James had a quiet afternoon, however when he was called upon he produced a couple of good saves.
 
As the game wore on there was still time for us to score our fourth, as the the hard working Rosie chased a ball that he should never have been favourite to win, before looking up and giving Glen the simple job of tapping in for his hat-trick.
 
To beat our closest challengers by 4 goals was very pleasing today. I know that Rusthall were missing a number of players, but that shouldn't take anything away from us. This was another disciplined, professional performance that has now seen us claim enough points to guarantee us finishing in the top two of the league. However there is still more work to be done as we strive for the 3 points from our last 3 games, that will see us clinch the title.
 
Next up is a trip to Hadlow Harrow.