Withdean Wonder - AFC Varndeanians vs. Rustington

Tree lined Withdean Stadium

A late surge of rain caused havoc with match choices yet again. I bottled my original choice of Wisbech (and this game obviously survived in the end) and after looking at the forecast I thought Little Common in The Sussex League would be a fairly safe bet but this game was called off with me just a couple of stops away from Bexhill. A quick look around Twitter shows that AFC Varndeanians match with Rustington is on and so I travelled across the county to Preston Park. The Withdean has changed a lot since Brighton left and I seen a lot of seats from The Withdean at Newhaven's Fort Road ground. I have visited Rustington's Jubilee Avenue ground on a previous last minute change caused by a postponement for a Sussex League match with Westfield last season. Varndeanians needed the three points to keep in touch with the promotion places while Rustington wanted to pull away from the bottom of the table.

The teams make their way across the track

Varndeanians should take an early lead when a pull back from the touch line finds the man in space but his shot is saved by the Rustington keeper. They create another chance as the ball is driven across the goal and the only thing missing was the final touch. They do however take the lead following a corner when the attacker is allowed far too space and he lashes a low shot into the net. Rustington's first opening comes when the forward is played in but as he runs wide of the goal he puts his shot high and wide. They come close to an equaliser as the home defence is caught out by a quick throw and the keeper has to be quick off his line to smother the chance. The home side make two nil when the attacker is able to dance through the defence and he slots the ball past the goalie. Rustington get back into the game just before half time. A free kick from around the half way line is lofted towards the back post and the Rustington player nips in to head the ball home.

Varndeanians attack in the first half

Rustington almost equalise early in the second half when a header from a cross hits the post. It is however Varndeanians who get the next goal. The left winger robs the full and he finds attacker who's chipped shot finds the far top corner with the goalie stranded. Rustington aren't deterred and they get back within one goal as they winger is played in on the right hand side and his deft lob sails over the keeper into the back of the net. Varndeanians almost gift the away side a leveller with a weak back header and the keeper is again quick off his line to save the situation. They do get the equaliser when the forward rises to head home a cross from the right hand flank. They aren't level for long though. The impressive Varndeanian number ten is allowed to run at the defence and after he cuts inside he shoots and his shot goes in off the legs of the goalie. Both sides have half chances to add to their respective totals but the game finished 4-3.

The Rustington forward finds space in the first half

The closest station to The Withdean Stadium is Preston Park which can be reached by trains from Blackfriars with the journey taking just over an hour. Right by the Woodside Avenue exit from Preston Park Station is The Station which is a fantastic pub with the sports channels. The Withdean is then a fifteen minute walk away. I fully recommend going back under the railway line and walking along London Road which is a flatter, more direct route. There isn't a bar at the ground but right next to the stadium is The Sportsman which is your best bet if you want a drink before the game.

Looking towards another of the old stands