Reals first pre season game of the 2012/13 season saw a visit to former Premier Champions Worthing Leisure. A tough start with Anton, Kier, Mcginn and Joe all unavailable, this was a test for the new squad, with 5 debutant's all in the squad and eager to impress.
Real started the game well and went ahead after 8 minutes with the classic combination of Milo to Cheese with the latter finishing well past the keeper. 1-0. Real continued to press and create chances and 5 minutes later, went 2-0 up. Great interplay from Ben and new boys Alfie and Callum led to Cheese being brought down in the area for a penalty. As normally pen taker Anton was 'Injured', Minty stepped up to slot home. The game was ended with both sides having chances but failing to convert. Real made changes on the half hour mark, with the impressive Callum, Alfie, Ben and Minty coming off for Burden, and debuts for young Conner, Ed and Andy. Real went into half time 2-0 up and looking good value for the lead.
Half Time - Worthing Leisure 0 - Real Rustington 2
2nd half change with Cheese needing personal time in the changing room, Callum came back on to lead the attack.
Leisure started the 2nd half on top with Real looking weary after the first 45 and the leisure forward went through one on one after Wellsy slipped with Walker left to save the day. Or not. Striker sent flying. Pen to Leisure. 2-1. With that, Davies made changes Ben and Alfie back on for Burden and Ed then Minty and Cheese on for Andy and Conner to revert to 4-4-2. This gave Leisure an extra man in the middle and they begin to get on top but they couldn't convert any of there chances. Wells got lucky with what looked to be a foul only for ref Lee Noakes to wave away appeals. Luck was on Reals side. Digging in for the last minutes, Real played some lovely football,and Alfie squared to Callum for the debut boys to finish of a perfect win.
Full Time - Worthing Leisure 1 - Real Rustington 3
First friendly of the season and not a bad result against a quality side. The hard work put in by all in pre season looked to have payed off but this is just one game. The new boys turned in good performances and we looked good all over the field. We need to continue with this kind of performance in order to make a mark on this league. Great start lads, KEEP IT UP!! #RRFC
