Blues smash eight in home victory

The Blues were ahead after just 90 seconds when Saltdean failed to deal with keeper Charlie Gammons’ long ball forward and Steve Kirkham slotted home. Saltdean almost replied immediately when Dan Rogan found space from a corner, however, his volley was cleared off the line.

Chris Darwin was unlucky not to double Rustington’s lead in the eighth minute when he was denied by the post.

Rustington skipper James Bennett scored two goals in five minutes to give his side a comfortable cushion, before the home side scored their best goal of the half.

The Kirkham brothers linked up excellently to make it four when Steve crossed for Chris to head home on 24 minutes.

In the 54th minute, Rustington made it five when the Kirkham brothers linked up once more, however this time Chris crossed for Steve to fire home.

Saltdean pulled a goal back when Rogan flicked home from close range, before Bennett set up Chris Kirkham for his second of the game.

Blues captain Bennett completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute when he coolly slotted home into the bottom right corner.

Steve Kirkham also got a hat-trick when he completed the scoring with six minutes to go after he capitalised on a mix-up in Saltdean’s defence.

Blues manager Ryan Morten was delighted with his side’s performance and said: “It was good, I’m chuffed to bits, we upped our game today and it was nice to get the goals.

“We definitely should have scored more but it is always difficult when you are 4-0 up at half-time to keep going.

“The one we conceded was disappointing as it would have been nice to keep a clean sheet but I can’t complain with 8-1.

“Fair credit to Saltdean because I thought they played well all the way to the end.”

Blues entertain Loxwood in the league on Saturday, with a 1.30pm kick-off.

RUSTINGTON: Gammons; Butcher, Beaney, Corbett, Green; Boxall, Matthews, Bennett, Darwin; C.Kirkham; S.Kirkham. Subs: Edwards (Matthews 82), Leach (Butcher 82), Heater, Morten.