Vance Bola scored the only goal for Glebe in a tight match against Rusthall in the Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup.

In truth it was a triumph for the hosts to even get the match on after the torrential rain during the previous night. Unsurprisingly, the pitch was still heavy but it didn’t stop both sides from playing some good passing football.

Visiting goalkeeper Billy Johnson was the first to be called into action when saving well from Toby Ajala after good work by Jordan Johnson. Ajala was again involved in the next move which ended in the only goal.

He tricked his way in from the right and although Johnson beat his shot out, Bola was on hand to force home the rebound.

Bola curled wide after another good passing move before Dan McCarthy played a one-two with Ajala to draw another fine save out of Johnson. Bola put a cross onto the roof of the net following yet another Ajala flick before the Foxes goalkeeper McKenzie Foley was called into serious action for the first time to smother as James Miles tried to send Charlie Clover away.

As half time approached Bola fired over after finding space from a quick Ajala corner before Tom Hever’s shot was deflected wide in injury time.

After the interval, Tijani Eshilokun slotted just past the post following another free flowing move then the same man was unable to get a clean header on to a teasing Bola cross.

Although enjoying a lot more of the ball, Rusthall struggled to break down a resolute Glebe defence until Steven Camacho tested Foley with a good shot,

Ryan Styles strode through for Rusthall and fizzed a shot just off target but it was Glebe who finished the strongest.

Johnson made a great save from substitute Jamie Philpot when he got a shot in from Jordan Johnson’s corner and the Rusthall goalkeeper again did well when turning another Philpot shot around the post after he had worked himself in behind.

That was the last clear chance and Glebe saw out the last few minutes to progress to the quarter final and an away game at Punjab United.

Glebe: Foley, McCarthy (Long 84), Parsons, Hever, Williams, Fitzsimons, Eshilokan (Darko 61), Blackwood, Bola (Philpot 74), Johnson, Ajala.

Subs not used: Ohman, Parr.

Goalscorers: Bola (11)

Yellow cards: Bola

Red cards: None

Rusthall: Johnson, Large, Camacho, Butler, Anderson, Hampson, Miles (Clarke 55), Lawrence (Knight 84), Clover, Waterman (Styles 55), Cuozzo.

Subs not used: Adams.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Referee: Peter Agboola

Assistants: Christopher Bowdery and Alexis Stacchini

Attendance: 65

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.