10-man Blues grab injury-time draw

Blues had Andy Boxall sent off for handball on the goal line after 36 minutes and Bexhill then took the lead from the resulting penalty.

However, Rustington battled well and levelled when Rob Butcher’s cross was left by a Bexhill defender and Kirkham was on hand to slot home his fifth goal of the season.

Blues boss Ryan Morten, who made his first start since September owing to Steve Kirkham being ruled out through illness, was proud of all his players and said: “After losing a goal and losing a man, I was really pleased with the way we stuck at it.

“The pleasing thing was that we continued to pass the ball around in the second half and didn’t just play kick and rush.

“It was our best performance of the season, although it wasn’t pretty at times. But we showed good character and it was pleasing to be part of.

“The whole side was excellent but Chris played very well up top on his own and I think it was James Bennett’s best game of the season.”

Blues lost striker Steve Kirkham to illness before the game, which meant they lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, instead of 4-4-2, with Morten joining Bennett and Andy Boxall in the middle of the park.

Chris Kirkham had a snap-shot tipped round the post and Blues had a couple of half-chances while, at the other end, Bexhill had a free kick saved by Blues keeper Charlie Gammons, who also kept out another long-range effort.

Bexhill took the lead on 36 minutes when Boxall handled the ball on the line from a corner and Jordan Woodley scored from the spot.

Bexhill were camped in Blues’ half for the remainder of the period, without looking like doubling their lead, and the hosts did not create many chances in the second half either.

Blues went 3-4-2 for the closing stages as Adams joined Chris Kirkham up front and they were rewarded with a late equaliser when Kirkham struck.

Blues host Southwick in the league on Saturday.