Match Preview: Rusthall FC
Phoenix travel to Rusthall for Kent Senior Trophy first round clash
Phoenix Sports travel to Rusthall on Saturday afternoon hoping to make it six wins in a row and secure a place in the second round of the Kent Senior Trophy.
Jake Goodman’s side head into the game following a 4–2 victory at Penn & Tylers Green last Saturday, securing progress to the second round of the FA Vase and continuing their excellent run of form.
That result followed league victories over Rusthall, Erith & Belvedere, Larkfield & New Hythe and Tunbridge Wells. Phoenix have collected 13 points from their last five league matches and scored 17 goals across their five successive wins in all competitions.
Attention now turns to the Kent Senior Trophy, with Phoenix looking to carry that momentum into another cup competition. Saturday’s first-round tie offers the opportunity to extend a winning run that began with September’s 3–0 home victory over Rusthall.
The sides meet again less than a month after that encounter, but Phoenix will expect a testing afternoon against Jimmy Anderson’s team on their own ground.
Rusthall have won five and lost four of their opening nine league matches, collecting 15 points to sit seventh in the SCEFL Premier Division. Their home victories include wins over Fisher, Kennington and Beckenham Town, while their latest league outing brought a convincing 4–0 success against Erith & Belvedere. They also progressed in the FA Vase last Saturday, beating Fleet Town 8–7 on penalties following a 3–3 draw away from home.
For Phoenix, the challenge is to maintain the standards that have brought five successive victories. With both sides coming into the game on the back of FA Vase success, another committed performance will be needed to secure a place in the next round.
Saturday’s first-round tie kicks off at 3pm at Jockey Farm.
Supporters travelling to Saturday’s game should head to the Jockey Farm Stadium, Nellington Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8SH. Drivers approaching via the M25 and A21 can follow the A26 towards Tunbridge Wells before heading into Rusthall.
From Rusthall High Street, continue into Nellington Road at the sharp bend and follow the lane towards the woodland gate. The road then bears right, with the entrance to the ground signposted on the right-hand side.
For those travelling by public transport, Tunbridge Wells is the nearest National Rail station. The 281 bus towards Rusthall serves Parsonage Close, from where supporters can continue on foot to Nellington Road and the stadium. Please check train and bus times before setting off and allow time for the final walk to the ground ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
Adults: £10
Concessions: £6
U16s: £2
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