Ashton Prime 1-5 Rusthall IV

A depleted Numbers outfit took to the field against title-chasing Rusthall at Bayham.

With over 10 players missing, French was called in for his first appearance of the season at left-back and Davis again filled in at right-back.

Rusthall started the game on the front foot - despite going uphill in the first half, but Prime's defensive resolve was seemingly just as strong as the previous week in the cup, with Gilbert and Mazurkiewicz looking solid and both full-backs keeping their wingers quiet.

Prime were growing in confidence as time ticked by, and a flowing move down the right wing left Webb with a chance from Excell's cross, but the striker hooked over.

But on the 20 minute mark, Rusthall took the lead. A long through-ball released their on-rushing midfielder, who beat the onrushing Kerton, with the Prime back 4 looking for the keeper to come and collect.

Prime were given a torrid period and a second goal wasn't long in coming as an excellent left-footed half-volleyed lob left Kerton with no chance.

Prime continued to battle away and French made 2 excellent last-ditch tackles to keep them in it.

At the other end, Webb and Excell continued to look dangerous, but just couldn't find the finish.

Prime were still in it at the break, despite being 2-0 down, but clearly they needed an early goal at the start of the second half.

They nearly got one too, as again Rusthall were pulled apart down the right wing and firstly Sander shot into the side netting and moments later Excell was denied from close-range by the keeper after Webb squared the ball.

Prime introduced Barker for the hard-working Sander, but suddenly were hit with the sucker-punch as Rusthall scored twice in a matter of minutes - mainly due to Prime over-committing players forward and being exploited.

The excellent Mellors, who had struggled valiantly with his injured ankle was replaced with 20 minutes left by Goldsmith, suffering from a similar injury. Goldsmith switched to the right of midfield, with Barker moving in-field.

Rusthall added a fifth with a neat finish off the post from an excellent left-wing cross and Prime's heads could have easily gone down.

But they were beginning to find more space as the visitors tired and Webb deservedly pulled a goal back immediately when he finished from an acute angle, beating the keeper at his near post.

The game was really open for the closing minutes and both sides could have added to their tally, but neither side could find a way past the respective keepers.

Man of the Match: Mellors - battled hard despite injury.