Bearsted and Rusthall Both Score Big Wins in the FA Vase as Staplehurst Bow Out

It was a good weekend for West Kent's SCEFL clubs in the FA Vase, with Bearsted and Rusthall both winning comfortably to reach the third qualifying round, while Staplehurst Monarchs' cup run came to an end. In the league, Tunbridge Wells were held to a draw at home by Snodland Town.

Tunbridge Wells and Snodland Town shared the points in a tight Premier Division derby, Hayden Marshall's stoppage-time finish just before half-time cancelled out by Harry Hudson's second-half equaliser for the visitors.

Bearsted put in the result of the weekend among West Kent's non-league sides, hitting seven without reply for long spells away at Epsom & Ewell to book their place in the FA Vase third qualifying round. Dieko Falade helped himself to a hat-trick (15', 66', 79') either side of a Liam Parle brace (29', 33'), with Ross Ibbertson and Tyler Hatton also on the scoresheet. Epsom & Ewell's two late goals, from Courtney Levi Swaby and Blessing Homebessa, did nothing to change the outcome of a one-sided afternoon.

Rusthall also progressed comfortably, coming from behind to beat AFC Walcountians 4-1 at The Jockey Farm Stadium. Charlie Moore's first-half penalty had given the visitors an early lead, but Rajan Sahni levelled late on before Yassin Fares converted a penalty of his own, and further goals from Jeff Njuguna and Josh Reid in stoppage time turned a nervy scoreline into a comfortable one.

Staplehurst Monarchs' FA Vase run ended at the second qualifying round stage, beaten 2-1 away at Corinthian. Jamie Billings put the hosts ahead inside 10 minutes, Bradley Webb levelled just after the hour, but Harrison Fryer's goal with 17 minutes left proved the winner.

Bearsted and Rusthall now head into the FA Vase third qualifying round draw, while Staplehurst Monarchs turn their full attention back to the First Division. Source: scefl.com