Whitstable introduced four new faces, as manager Marcel Nimani continues to reshape his squad, and the afternoon began promisingly for his team on the pitch. Whitstable made a number of early chances, so it was no great surprise when the opening goal arrived and it was Joe Nelder who headed a free kick past Tommy Taylor. Rusthall fought back well, with a bit of assistance from Whitstable who conceded two poor goals in similar fashion before the break, both well-taken chips by Louie Clarke. In contrast to the first half, Whitstable created very little in the second and needed a couple of smart saves by Dan Eason to prevent Rusthall from increasing their lead. The chances of a comeback were diminished by the dismissal of Will Thomas for a foul in the 72nd minute on a disappointing afternoon for the Oystermen.

In a season that has seen Whitstable win a good proportion of their away games, Rusthall remain the only visiting team to leave the Belmont Ground empty handed, going down to a narrow 3-2 defeat in September to give Whitstable their first, and only, win on the new 3G pitch. Rusthall started this match three points below Whitstable with one game in hand, so another close game was expected. On the eve of Remembrance Sunday, representatives from the local sea cadets, both teams and the crowd that numbered 225 participated in a fitting ceremony prior to the kick off. New signings Reiss Chandler, Michael Uwezu, Caoilte Deakin and the returning Liam Gillies were in the Whitstable squad for this game.

Whitstable pushed forward from the start and following an early corner, Taylor kept out an effort from Thomas at the back post. The next corner saw the ball reach Dean Grant whose shot was blocked by a defender. Grant had another sight of goal soon afterwards when played in on the right, but this time his shot was diverted behind. The pressure eventually told in the 14th minute when Uwezu was fouled on the left and Chandler’s free kick was met by Nelder who rose in front of the goalkeeper to nod the ball over him into the net. The lead was short-lived and Rusthall equalised in the 17th minute when Tommy Lawrence launched a long ball forward from just inside his own half, which went over Tom Mills and bounced kindly for Clarke who coolly lobbed Dan Eason to find the net from the edge of the box. The next phase of the game was quite even, as Uwezu and Gillies tried shots for Whitstable while Tarik Ibrahim and Clarke were off target at the other end. The crucial third goal was scored by the home team though in the 31st minute and it was very similar to their first. This time Cameron Smart sent a long ball forward down the left, Thomas was unable to cut it out and Clarke was there again for another lobbed finish, this time from a more difficult angle on the left, but he made no mistake and found the far corner. Grant then headed an Uwezu cross just over as Whitstable tried to respond. Stephen Okoh was hurt in a challenge and replaced by Kyron Lightfoot. The half ended quietly apart from one yellow card for each team and Rusthall led 2-1 at the break.

A Dwan Archer shot was pushed behind at the near post soon after the restart, while Grant made a good run before sending the ball right across goal and wide. Clarke curled a shot into the hands of Eason and Uwezu shot wide. Deakin came on for his debut in place of Uwezu as Whitstable searched for a way back into the game, but as the half progressed, this looked less likely. Lawrence and Clarke had efforts closed down and then Lawrence shot over from distance. Jeffrey Njuguna crossed for Archer whose shot was saved by Eason. Clarke’s earlier finishing prowess let him down as he rolled a tame shot wide. Whitstable were now creating few chances, but Lightfoot cut in from the left and shot just wide of the far post. Whitstable’s task was made more difficult when Thomas slid across to challenge Yassin Fares on the left touchline, catching the Rusthall winger and the referee pulled out a red card. Eason was out quickly to deny Archer when he was sent through on goal by Lawrence, but the remaining time brought little meaningful goalmouth action at either end, just further substitutions, a corner each and two late yellow cards. Rusthall’s lead was rarely threatened and they held on comfortably to take the points.

Whitstable next travel to play Greenways in their last remaining cup competition before returning home to entertain Erith Town on Saturday.

Rusthall	Data	Whitstable
6	Shots on target	2
4	Shots off target	8
5	Shots blocked	3
5	Corners	5
11	Fouls conceded	10
2	Offside	2
0	Penalties	0

Rusthall
Tommy Taylor, Jeffrey Njuguna, Abdullah Khalil, Cameron Smart, James White, Tommy Lawrence, Yassin Fares (Reuel Powell-Downey 73), Jack Smith (c), Louie Clarke (Dan Blunn 74), Dwan Archer, Tarik Ibrahim (Luke Miller 83).
Subs (unused): Rory Salter, Addo Amankwah.
Goals: Louie Clarke 17, 31.
Yellow cards: Tommy Lawrence 42, Luke Miller 90+4.

Whitstable Town
Dan Eason, Reiss Chandler, George Sheminant, Joe Nelder (Muhammed Cham 70), Will Thomas, Tom Mills (c), Stephen Okoh (Kyron Lightfoot 36), Liam Gillies (Josh Oliver 90), Dean Grant, Michael Uwezu (Caoilte Deakin 57), James Jeffrey (Cameron Chamberlain 70).
Subs (unused): none
Goal: Joe Nelder 14
Yellow cards: Tom Mills 35, Reiss Chandler 90+3.
Red card: Will Thomas 72

Attendance: 225
Referee: Ben Wilkinson
Assistants: Steve Roots & Paul Agyei-Tabi