Tucker targets top half after Blues beat Westfield

Tucker had labelled the game as a must-win, and Blues duly obliged with a dominant performance and 4-0 win against their struggling opponents to move up to 10th in the table.

He said: “It was a fantastic win and a much-needed three points. We’ve been due a result and it’s lifted everyone.

“We’ve got a few new faces and a blend of youth and experience, it keeps us ticking over and I want a top-half finish for us now.

“Midhurst was the turning point. After that defeat, we all pulled together, played well against East Preston and it all came good against Westfield, who are decent on their day.

“Full credit to my management team, the players and everyone at the club for sticking together, and it’s a result that has been coming.”

James Bennett fired Rustington ahead in the 20th minute, and after they led 1-0 at the break, Bennett’s second and a Steve Kirkham header stretched Rustington’s advantage in the second half.

Bennett then spurned his hat-trick chance when he had a penalty saved but Danny Cooper completed the scoring with a bullet header from a Gav Heater cross 10 minutes from time.

Blues travel to division-higher Crowborough in the first round of the Brighton Charity Cup on Saturday.