Blues are promoted

A difficult pitch made flowing football difficult but Blues had enough chances to have maintained their 100 per cent away winning league run.

Brett Neal and Andy Smart both headed wide from set-pieces early on while Rustington keeper Andy McCarthy had just one long-range effort to deal with.

Much of the play was again in the Rottingdean half in the second period with James Butt, from Terry Withers' excellent free kick, denied by the Rottingdean keeper.

Blues almost took the lead when Smart's lob hit the post and rolled along the goal line before being cleared to safety. Substitute Chris Couzens also went close to a late winner but his header grazed the bar.

On Saturday, Brett Neal headed home Rustington's 100th goal of the season to open the scoring against Loxwood, in their 4-0 victory, after 21 minutes.

Loxwood twice went close to an equaliser before Smart broke clear down the left and crossed for Ryan Walton to net on the stroke of half-time.

Rustington dominated the second half and made it 3-0 when Walton fed Smart. Both could have scored again before Couzens netted with a half-volley on 71 minutes.

Rustington entertain Bexhill on Saturday then travel to Newhaven on Tuesday. If Rustington win both games, they will become Division 3 champions.

RUSTINGTON v Rottingdean: McCarthy; Butcher, Neal, Bibb, Oakes; Duffy, Morten, Butt, Withers; Smart, Walton. Subs: Couzens (Walton 70), Cox (Butt 80), Webb, Nally, Robertshaw.

v Loxwood: McCarthy; Butcher, Neal, Bibb, Oakes; Duffy, Morten, Butt, Withers; Smart, Walton. Subs: Couzens, Robertshaw (Smart, Walton 60), Webb (Withers 80), Nally.

For reaction from Rustington manager, Gareth Davies, see Thursday's Littlehampton Gazette.