As early post-match news of the 3rd XI’s first Win of the Season reached club base, I briefly had optimistic thoughts that we might be on the cusp of achieving our first clean sweep for some time! However, one of our Teams drew, although 7 points from 9 was a decent outcome overall and one that we would have taken at the start of the day.

The 1st XI secured a 5 – 1 Victory against a talented Lambeth Spartans FC, although in fairness our Oppo were fully in the game throughout, and several outstanding saves from Keeper Evan Watson ensured the OR’s secured this decent result.

The Ruts line up had many enforced changes & positionings within it, owing to numerous availability issues, which showed somewhat in the first period.

Pleasingly the Ruts really upped the tempo in the second half though after reaching the interval level at 1 – 1.

Thanks to Mappy for noting our scorers and timings.

1-0 – Ashley Daly fired home from close range, after a Fabio Bagulho flick on from a Lee Holland Corner on 2 mins.

1-1 – on 35mins.

2-1 – An own goal following a Paul Gough header from another Holland corner. 56 mins.

3-1 – A crisp Sam Leatherby strike from the edge of the area following a Bagulho assist on 64mins.

4-1 – Daly then doubled his tally on 68 mins, following tight decent control, which also helped secure him the MOTM award.

5-1 – Joint Player Manager George Tidey then slotted home well, when he found space to be 1 on 1 from a Gough assist on 85mins.

The 2nd XI had the tactical genius of club Legend and stand in Manager Lee ‘Trigger’ Poulter to thank for securing us a share of the spoils at NPL ‘B’ FC.

Trig reported ‘ We went 3-0 down in the worst 45 mins I’ve seen us play all year, we then fought back well to finish 3-3, we were actually pushing for the winner until 2 late sin bins halted our chances of that outcome, with 10 mins to go this left us with our backs to the wall, and it finished 3-3, a great second half though’. Ruts MOTM was Bradley Szreider.

The 3rd XI were truly delighted to secure their first Victory of the Season as they overcame Worcester Park Development FC by winning 6 – 2. Manager Christian Cittie was understandably pleased with the result, as well as the fact his teams goals came from all over the pitch. The Ruts Scorers were Aaron Sandys, Dan Wallis, Reuben McArdle, Paul Lawrence, Richard Edmonds & Ciaran Moorhouse. Sandys also secured the MOTM nod.

Massive well done to the players today. The 3rd XI’s Beers will be particularly tastier this evening!

Best Wishes to all of the Ruts teams playing tomorrow.