The Opposing View - Erith & Belvedere v Rusthall, SCEFL Premier, Saturday 5 November 2022
with Simon Howe, Rusthall Programme Editor

Summary of Rusthall's season so far and how that matches with pre-season expectations?

After last season, which was a struggle from the first game onwards, I have been really pleased with the start to this season. Before a ball was kicked, I thought 12th would be a reasonable target, but after winning five games at the beginning of the season and seeing our squad take shape, I’d like to see us finishing in the top 8 as a minimum. Going out of the Vase on penalties and drawing two games we should have won in the past week, shouldn’t take away from the massive turn around Jimmy Anderson and his team have performed- we’re loving watching our team this season and I’m hopeful that it will be a good one.

What do you know of Erith & Belvedere?

My first thought about Erith and Belvedere will always be the final game of last season, where the 4-4 draw confirmed we would be playing in the SCEFL Premier Division again this season. Some would say our fourth goal was mainly scored by the wind, but Luke Adams will forever be a hero in my eyes! I’m envious of the fact that Erith & Belvedere have Danny Lear on their books, as he was with us a couple of seasons ago, before being pinched by Ramsgate having scored a hattrick against them in a pre-season friendly. Mike Parker is a friend of mine and he has spoken about how well your team is coming together this season.

Prediction and thoughts on Saturday's match v Erith & Belvedere?

You’ve obviously had a superb start to the season and the fact you’ve dropped a few points recently was always going to happen and doesn’t make it any less of a daunting task. We will need to take chances if we are to get anything from this game- creating them hasn’t been an issue, but finishing them off has cost us points recently. I’m hopeful we can get a draw and I think there’ll be goals- 2-2 with Louie Clarke scoring both ours and no doubt Danny Lear getting at least one for Erith & Belvedere.

Hopes and aspirations for the rest of Rusthall's season?

I’d like to continue to see quality football, with players giving their all for the club. This is a superb squad of players and on our day, we can beat anyone. Finishing above Tunbridge Wells would be fantastic.