The 1st XI secured a hard fought 3 points with a 3 – 2 win at Westminster Casuals FC earlier today, in a keenly contested match, which pitched the 2nd and 3rd placed teams in the division against each other.
Availability issues throughout the ranks this week saw a number of changes throughout the teams. Although this was certainly a strong performance from the 1st XI today. A bright start saw the Ruts go ahead after just 3 minutes when a well worked team goal saw Billy Liffen convert Zak Graham’s pin point cross from close range.
The Ruts were denied what appeared to be a clear cut penalty for a blatant handball and soon after they were left to rue not being awarded with one, as the hosts swiftly levelled.
Pleasingly, immediately from the restart a delightful sweeping team move saw Captain Chris Beard restore the Ruts lead with a great strike.
Once again the hosts levelled, as an in-swinging corner evaded everybody to land in the OR’s net. Given the balance of first half play the Ruts entered the interval a tad puzzled as to how they were not ahead.
An equally big performance was required in the second half and Chris Beard epitomised the team’s work ethic, as once again Zak Graham provided a great pass in to Beard’s path for him to hit his brace and what proved to be the match winning goal for the team.
The 2nd XI secured a 3 – 2 win over Motspur Park thanks to a Diogo Cavalho brace and a strike from long serving veteran Simon Minihane.
The 3rd XI suffered the Ruts only defeat of the day as they went down 3 – 0 to Refresh FC.
Boo’s 4th XI secured their first win of the season as they graced Poplar Road against Sutton Celtic FC. The Ruts all important goals came from Myles Wiltshire and young Jake Searles. Great result after a tough season to date previously.
Best wishes to the Vets and Junior teams tomorrow.
Old Ruts Football Club 