When Prime brushed aside Brenchley 5-1 in the Quarter-Finals of the Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup back in mid-December, it seemed as if a league and cup double was a genuine possibility.

The Numbers were in the midst of a 12 game winning run but it came to an abrupt halt at Rusthall's Southwood Road at the end of January and their form since then saw them slump to 4th in the table. But this match offered Prime the chance to reach their first ever cup final - and also the opportunity to avenge 3 consecutive defeats to The Rustics this season.

Prime were without Polinski and Davis from last week's drubbing at Tonbridge Invicta. Goldsmith, Ellis and Excell returned to the starting line-up, with Barnham and Sander joining Gilbert on the bench.

The game kicked off in glorious sunshine which meant the Jockey Farm surface was rock hard - not a day for sliding tackles!

Rusthall attacked down the slope first half and they shaded the opening exchanges - but Prime looked dangerous with Henshall seeing plenty of early possession.

Prime fell behind though in the first 10 minutes. Goldsmith was harshly adjudged to have fouled the diminuitive Rusthall striker when going for a header. From the resultant free-kick midway inside the Prime half, the ball curled in towards the near post and with centre-backs Goldsmith and Parsons narrowly failing to reach the ball, it bounced inside the 6-yard box and flew into the roof of the net with Kerton expecting the onrushing Perkins to get a touch.

Prime got their heads up with plenty of time left in the game and forced a corner soon after which Walters curled in from the right and hit the outside of the post.

Rusthall - buoyed by the goal were beginning to pass the ball around well but Abu and Matt Walker were working hard to close them down and all of the back 4 also put in strong but fair challenges to keep Rusthall from creating any clear-cut chances.

Joe Walker and Excell were both putting in plenty of runs up front, but Rusthall's defence was well organised. Prime's best chances came from Goldsmith's long throws which seemed to find Matt Walker's head with metronomic ease - unfortunately his flick-ons would not fall kindly for a purple shirt.

Prime suffered a cruel blow on the half-hour mark when a mis-hit cross from the right wing deceived Kerton and flew in at the near post as The Rustics doubled their advantage.

The Numbers were still struggling to create any chances of note although Henshall did fire in an effort from outside the box.

So Prime went in 2-0 down and they retreated to the shade of the dressing room to re-group. Some positive words were said and Prime came back out determined to get back into the tie.

Rusthall still started the half the better team though and Kerton had to make a smart save from their tricky striker whilst Parsons made a couple of crucial interceptions.

Sander came on to replace Mazurkiewicz at right-back after an hour - it was a relief for all concerned when the sub pulled on his Prime shirt over the top of his granddad vest that he had been sporting all afternoon!

Moments afterwards Henshall suffered a badly twisted ankle on the rock-hard pitch and could not continue. Barnham replaced him, with Sander pushed onto right-midfield.

Barnham had a speedy left-winger to deal with and he did so by chopping him to the ground as the winger ran at him at full-pelt! A yellow card was rightly dished out.

Prime applied some pressure in a 10 minute spell midway through the half with Goldsmith's long throws still not falling kindly for any of his team-mates and then the player/boss should have done better when Walters' deep corner fell to him at the back post, but he mis-timed the header.

Prime had appeals for a penalty after Ellis was felled in the box following a buccaneering run forward - but predictably the ref gave nothing.

Prime also had strong appeals for a blatant handball outside the box by the keeper. As he scrambled the ball clear, the ball dropped for Excell on the half-volley with the goal at his mercy, but the striker sliced his chance up into the air instead of towards goal - in fairness it was a very difficult chance on the turn.

Gilbert came on to replace Excell for the last 15 minutes with Goldsmith adding his height to the attack - but it was evident that Prime were tiring and Rusthall's young legs were keeping the ball well and running down the clock.

The closing period passed without any major incidents and Rusthall had completed a 4th win over The Numbers this season - and in doing so they went through to face Malgo III in the final.

There was no lack of effort from the purples today and the manager would like to thank them all for their efforts over the course of the season. Also a special mention to the supporters today who turned up in numbers and cheered us on - drowning out the home support for large periods of the game. Why not come along again for our final league game at Staplehurst on May 7th - and the end of season awards that will be dished out after the match?