Top half is what I'm looking at, says Rusthall boss Paul McDonagh

RUSTHALL boss Paul McDonagh says he is itching to get their Kent Invicta League campaign underway.


The Rustics won the George Piper Courier Cup for only the second time when they shocked holders Tunbridge Wells 3-1 at Culverden Stadium on Sunday.

They fell behind after only 54 seconds when winger Ryan Rook headed Tunbridge Wells into an early lead, but home keeper Dean Nash scored an own goal when he flicked home a bizarre back-pass from central defender James Russell soon after.

Rusthall stunned the home faithful when they added two further goals in the second half through striker Chris Mearing and midfielder Dave Jackson.

Rusthall finish their pre-season campaign when West Wickham visit Jockey Farm on Saturday (3pm).

But McDonagh, who left his coaching role at Ryman League Division One North side Thamesmead Town to be the main man at Rusthall said he can’t wait for their home Kent Invicta League opener against Phoenix Sports on 11 August.

Phoenix Sports are under a new management team in the shape of joint-managers Steve O’Boyle and Tony Beckingham and have only one survivor (Gary Phillimore) from last season’s squad.

McDonagh said: “I do know a couple of players’ in the Phoenix side. Bradley Killick is one of them and he was at Thamesmead last year so I know a little bit about Bradley.

“The side has changed but they’ll be a tough side.

“There playing Thamesmead on Thursday and I’ll be going out to cast a little eye over them to see how they get on. It will be a tough game but we’ll be ready for them.”

Rusthall finished in the bottom six last season and McDonagh is looking for vast improvement this term.

He said: “Top half minimum is what I’ll be looking at and if the lads’ keep improving with the way they’re doing now, there’s no reason why we can’t challenge for the top four position really.

“It’s still very early. We’re still relatively new as a side and me as a manager to the team so if we can keep this level of performance up there is no reason why we can’t challenge.”

Rusthall have won two of their seven pre-season fixtures and will work on set-pieces ahead of the West Wickham game on Saturday.

He added: “I wish we didn’t have the friendly on Saturday.  I wish it was the start of the season to keep the momentum going. We’ve got to keep positive, keep our concentration levels. I’m itching to get started, but it will be a tough opener.

“I’m not expecting an easy game. I just definitely want to get the thing started now.”

Visit Rusthall’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/rusthallfootballclub