Bosham so close to saving a point against Rustington

Early on Rustington hopes were lifted by a good chance falling to striker Sean Culley. His volley from just outside the box was well saved by Harley Redman. A few minutes later, the visitors should have scored with Bosham creaking at the back.

Despite Bosham having a wealth of experience on the park with Nick Edgington, Neil Redman and Andy Probee starting, the visitors’ pace was always going to be a problem and Jack Llewellyn broke through only to fire his shot on to the post with keeper Redman well beaten.

Bosham threatened and Lewis Rustell missed a chance to put the Reds in front. Following a great break from defence, Andy Thompson saw Rustell was up with the attack, and with keeper Matt Woodward coming off his line, swept the ball into the centre of the box for Rustell but the Robins striker skewed his effort wide.

Rustington broke the deadlock from the spot. Gary Peters was judged to have been fouled by Edgington in the box and referee Bob Bell had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Culley slotted the penalty home.

Redman saved well at the feet of the onrushing Ollie Jones but could do little to prevent Llewellyn from doubling the Blues’ lead as Bosham failed to deal with a corner.

Rustington upped the ante and bagged a third before the break through Peters, who found the bottom corner from a tight angle.

Bosham came out for the second half intent on finding a way back and the home support were treated to a superb performance.

On the hour, the impressive Thompson burst clear and expertly picked his spot and guided the ball past Woodward to give Bosham new belief.

Alex Barnes was his usual terrifying self and with the pace of Thompson still a threat, opportunities came and went before Thompson set up a grandstand finish by nabbing his second with only a few minutes left. This time defenders slipped in the awkward conditions which left Thompson thorough on goal and his shot was judged to have crossed the line by referee Bell, despite the best efforts of Regan Mines to prevent it.

Bosham pushed but time ran out - though the fightback can only encourage the squad for games to come.

This week Bosham take the trip to Rottingdean.

Bosham: H Redman, Cooper, Edgington, N Redman, Hancock, Probee, Barnes, Thompson, Rustell, Bishop, Kamate. Sub: Sullivan.