Canterbury City suffered their third defeat in seven Kent County League Premier Division games after going down 3-1 at home to a Rusthall side that had lost four matches so far this season.

City made seven changes from the previous week’s defeat by Snodland, including a totally different back five. Rob Lindley replaced Danny Wrench in goal and it was only his superb performance that kept the score at three.

Defensive lapses and failure to keep possession again cost City but it was not until late in the first half that Stuart Hunter finally got the better of Lindley.

Canterbury were awarded a penalty when Rusthall’s goalkeeper brought down Royston Gough (pictured) and Luke Lockhart netted the equaliser.

But poor City defending led to a 70th minute corner from which Dave Burren rose unchallenged to restore Rusthall’s lead and after Lindley, who had made several brave but painful saves, had to come off, Rusthall added a third in added time.

On Saturday, City face Lydd in the Weald of Kent Charity Cup at Hersden (2.15pm).