Clarke at the double to sink Rustington

Blues were unlucky not to go ahead during the first half when forward Ben Hamilton spurned two opportunities, before Steve Kirkham forced a good save out of the Westfield keeper.

A sluggish start to the second half saw Rustington fall behind on 47 minutes when Clarke scored the opener, and he added a second on the hour mark.

Blues midfielder Gavin Heater was dismissed for a second bookable offence, before Blues keeper Jim Punter saved a Westfield penalty.

Rustington manager Trevor Waller said: “We were the better side but we just didn’t take our chances. Ben Hamilton wasted a couple of good opportunities, and I thought that their first goal was offside and the second was a foul on Jack Corbett. We’re playing well at the moment, though, and I’m confident we can pick up the three points against Saltdean this weekend.”