The 1st XI secured a hard fought 3 points at Whitton Villians FC earlier today. The match was highly competitive throughout, with both teams well up for the challenge ahead.

The hosts went into an early lead with a well struck effort which offered Evan Watson no chance and the match was end to end for the first 30 minutes before the Ruts started to gain the upper hand as Paul Gough hit the Whitton Woodwork and then shortly before half time another free kick was converted at the far post by Fabio Bagulho, as the first half ended equal at 1 – 1.

In the second half the Ruts upped a gear and created plenty of chances which eventually paid off as Ruts MOTM Billy Liffen put the OR’s 2 – 1 up. Not to be outdone Whitton soon levelled to make it 2 – 2. Bagulho then struck for his brace, as he put the Ruts into a deserved 3 – 2 lead direct from a corner midway through the half.

Another Gough free kick smashed against the goal frame and both teams continued to cause threats to each other’s defences. Pleasingly our whole team battled outstandingly to ensure we returned home to Poplar Road with 3 points.

Big shout out to every player as they all put in impressive shifts.

The 2nd XI went down 3 – 2 at Frenches Athletic Reserves. Sam Leatherby scored for the second week in a row and Mark Todd scored the other Ruts Goal. OR’s keeper Sam Maclean was the Ruts MOTM.

The 3rd and 4th XI’s both lost their opening League fixtures. 3rds 0 – 7 v AFC Walcountians Reserves and the 4s 8 – 2 at Panthers Reserves, ironically the 4s opened and closed the match day scoring in this game thanks to Conor Ward and Ollie Hicks efforts.

Best wishes to the Ruts Youth teams tomorrow.