1st half display ensures RPV progress in the F.A Vase
RPV 3 - 2 Rusthall
Goalscorers - Ben Jordan x 2, James Curran
Attendance - 87
RPV Starting Line Up
Dan McKerracher
Pat Gibson
Nathan Lewis (c)
James Curran
Marcus Dowdeswell
Berti Marti-Pique
Archie Harland-Goddard
Tom Harland-Goddard
Jack Williamson
Ben Jordan
Callum Hope
Subs Used:
Faiz Yussuf
Darren Thomas
Sam Jordan
After the midweek loss to Sutton Common Rovers, 'The Vale' were looking to bounce-back in the F.A Vase. Rusthall had won 1 and lost 1 in the Southern Counties East Football League before their visit to Grand Drive. RPV made four changes from their midweek clash with SCR with Marcus Dowdeswell, Pat Gibson, Berti Marti-Pique and Ben Jordan coming in for Boe Fowler, Ken Aliu, Darren Thomas and Sam Jordan.
First Half
RPV started brightly and pressured Rusthall high up the pitch as they looked to play out from the back. This led to RPV's first goal as a misplaced pass from the Rusthall goalkeeper mistake allowed number 10 Ben Jordan to tap the ball home.
Rusthall maintained their style of play and continued to try to play out of defence into midfield. This led to RPV's second goal as the Rusthall defence attempted to play the ball into midfield but it was intercepted and Rusthall gave away a free-kick. This free-kick was delivered by Jack Williamson and headed home by James Curran for this third goal in as many games.
The pressure continued throughout the first half and no.1 Dan McKerracher was only called into action once with a smart save from a Rusthall free-kick into his bottom left-hand corner. The Vale went in search of a third and just before half-time it was delivered.
A long throw from Archie Harland-Goddard resulted in a goalmouth scramble in the box with Callum Hope having an effort denied before Ben Jordan converted with a smart backheel. RPV went in at half-time 3-0 up and the management warned against complacency.
Second Half
Rusthall started the second half on top and had adapted their approach. They had stopped playing out from the back and looked to get the ball forward quickly behind the RPV full-backs. 15 mins into the second half, Rusthall pulled one back from a corner as Louis Anderson prodded home from 6 yards out.
With the score at 3-1, RPV looked to maintain possession and see out the victory. However, Rusthall continued to attack effectively and hit the post from the edge of the area. The Vale had chances to extend the lead with substitute Sam Jordan firing wide after being released behind the Rusthall defence.
Rusthall pulled another goal back with 10 minutes remaining to make it a nervy finale for RPV. However, RPV held out and progressed to the next round where they will visit Redhill on the 10th of October, a repeat of the 2nd league game of the season.