Rustington have had a difficult start to the season, with only one point from the opening two games in the SCFL Division 2. After a miraculous double winning season in the 24/25 campaign, in which they recorded 22 wins in 24 games, they now face the reality of being the team everyone wants to beat.

The Dragons had worked hard throughout preseason and on the hard, dusty surface pulled off a great home victory, six points from two games. 

The match was fast paced and edgy, both teams will fancy a run at the title in the new larger fifteen team league this year. 

Chances were few and far between but it was the hosts who were working the wings well. On the 34th minute, a ball was played in from the right; headed out by a defender, it came to the brilliant Kyle Johnson who smashed the ball goal wards.

A Rustington defender lunged in front of the shot which deflected the ball into the right side of the goal. The net bulged and Johnson was lost in the middle of a red coloured bundle, 1-0 to the Dragons. 

In the 2nd half, Scott Howe brought on some fresh legs to tighten up the midfield and hold on to the lead. 

The former Horsham YM legend, Ashley Dugdale came on to make his debut, surely one of the signings of the season, and magical winger Sayif  Ahmed also came on, a classy player with great vision.  

Rustington pushed hard to try to get the equaliser, but the Dragons defence held firm. The Man of the Match went to the hard working goal scorer, Kyle Johnson. 

Both sides are back in action on Monday morning, Shipley hosting Upper Beeding whilst Rustington play their first home game at their ground sharing Crabtree Park against Ferring (both 11am ko’s).