Well, well, well, it’s been a while since we managed a clean sweep of ‘Wins’ on a Saturday and finally we managed to enjoy a trio of fine victories.The 1st XI ended their long wait for a win with an inspired, gritty, determined and powerful display against strong opposition CKCFC in the County Cup at Poplar Road today. The Ruts enjoyed the majority of the first half chances, yet only had an early goal from Andre Robinson to show for their efforts after he finished well, following good work and a pinpoint cross from Myles Wiltshire. Ruts keeper Ed Cornwell pulled off a couple of decent saves too at the other end, although in fairness the Ruts should have been further ahead by then.

Early in the second half the Ruts may have thought the football powers in the sky were playing silly games, when a harsh penalty was awarded against them again and the game drew level. This highly competitive game was decided by two truly stunning long range efforts from the Ruts long serving 1st XI skipper Nick Raggett who would have enjoyed his 5 minutes of magic, as he somehow managed to pull out two exquisite long range stunners from his locker. Take a bow Captain Rags, you deserved it. Well done to all of the team for a really sound performance.

The 2nd XI came from behind to win 5 – 2 at NPL Reserves thanks to braces from Ben Kennett and Jon Mapp, alongside a goal from Calum Battershill.

The 3rd XI beat Real Holmesdale Reserves 3 – 1 courtesy of goals from Dan Martin, Ollie Hicks and Jack McGoldrick.

Best wishes to the Vets and U9’s tomorrow!

The 1st XI were slow out of their Halloween Traps and promptly found themselves 2 – 0 behind within 10 minutes – they then spun the game on it’s head by the 20th minute mark as a Lee Poulter penalty and a Jerome Longville strike levelled for the Ruts. The Ruts were then dominating for a while and should have been in front as they created a number of chances. However, a Ghoulish incident on 30 minutes saw the Ruts denied a blatant penalty as Trigger was hacked down from behind,… alas the Ref had the sun in his eyes and missed the incident and only got to the scene of the crime in time to see Trig swear his head off at the shocker and receive a straight red for his verbal reaction. The 10 men doggedly worked their socks of tirelessly for the remaining hour and were undone by the CKCFC winner on the 55 minute mark. The Ruts will be seeking to return to winning ways against the same oppo next weekend in the County Cup at Poplar Road.

The 3rd XI beat Beckenham FC 3 – 2 at Nursery Road, thanks to a Dan Martin brace and a Richard Edmonds strike.

Best wishes to the Vets and U9’s tomorrow.

Definitely a day to forget results wise as the Ruts Rut continued.

The 1st XI’s losing streak continued for the 5th consecutive week, as they suffered a 2 – 0 home defeat against OBCFC today. A goal after 5 minutes and then the second midway through the second period providing the damage for the OR’s. As usual the OR’s enjoyed plenty of possession and created chances, however the killer strikes were absent.

The 2nd XI apparently suffered an incredibly hefty away defeat in the County Cup (11 – 1?) which is probably best forgotten, whilst the 3rd XI capped off the poor day with a 7 – 0 reverse at Wanderers AFC.

Best wishes to the Vets and U9’s tomorrow.

VETS GAME CANCELLED DUE TO DOUBLE   BOOKING OF PITCH

The 1st XI must be wondering when lady luck will take a shine to them, as they certainly didn’t deserve to have their recent run of defeats continue. The Ruts were on top overall for much of the first hour against the unbeaten Westside and should have taken the lead early in the 2nd half when a deft team move saw a Jerome Longville shot hit the post and fly off to safety. The sucker blow goal came against the run of play around the 75 minute mark and the Ruts still had time to create a couple more opening which they were unable to capitalise on. Let’s hope the tides of footballing fortunes turn up for us soon.

The 2nd XI came back from 4 nil down against Crescent Rovers ‘A’ to win 5 – 4!! with Phil Lines, Rhys Waul, Ross Turner, Steve Berry and George Tidey notching for the Ruts.

The 3rd XI comprehensively beat Wanderers A 8 – 2 with a trio of OR doubles courtesy of Dan Martin, Dan Larkin and Ollie Hicks cushioned with an apparent rasper from Richard Edmonds and a further strike from Mr T.

Best wishes to the Vets and U9’s tomorrow

The 1st XI slumped to their third successive league defeat at Westminster Casuals today in a classic case of self capitulation. The OR’s lead twice at 1 – 0 and 2 – 1 before the slippery slope appeared and they went down 4 – 2. The Ruts goals came courtesy of Andre Roninson and Jerome Longville.

The 2nd XI achieved the only victory of the day as the beat Wanderers 6 – 0 at Poplar Road. The 3rd XI went down 2 – 1 at Alliance Athletic. Ruts Scorers from these two games are TBC.

This was not a good day at the office overall with the 1st XI going down 2 – 0 at home to Coney Hall, albeit that the scoreline was flattering to the visitors. A depleted 2s went down 3 – 0 away, leaving the 3rd XI to bring home the bacon with a 4 -1 victory over Battlebridge. More details to follow later.

The 1st XI were left to rue a number of missed first half chances in a tightly contested game and suffered a 2 – 0 home defeat v Coney Hall. In fairness a draw would have been a fair result, although they took their chances and we didn’t. A 75th minute goal looked to have secured all three points for the visitors and some salt was added to the Ruts wounds when a highly debatable and extremely soft penalty was awarded in injury time which enabled the away win to look more comfortable than it actually was. Onwards and upwards.

Best wishes to the Vets and U9’s in their quest for victory tomorrow.

To nicely coincide with our ‘exact’ 25 years in September (and our 26th Season since reforming) – we are reverting to having a Presentation Dinner. Present and Past Players welcome. Erol’s Surrey Lower Junior Cup winning 3rd XI also have their 10 year Anniversary in 2015. A superb opportunity to reminisce and catch up with past and present players in our superbly refurbished Clubhouse at Poplar Road.

This will also be our Presentation Evening for 2014/15 (so a bit later than usual) £25 per head. Full payments can be given to Gavin Lennard, Graham Clayton, Dan Poulter or your Team Manager

Strictly Shirt & Tie!

The 1st XI narrowly went down 1 – 0 at Chessington KCFC in a largely tight & competitive fixture, with the hosts notching the all important goal in the 38th minute. Also in the first half the Ruts were denied a decent penalty shout and a Jerome Longville effort was dissallowed for what was deemed a foul. An equally tight second half saw chances at both ends with the OR’s best efforts being an opportunity for Captain Nick Raggett to score with his head after a good team move saw Marc Skinner deliver a pin point cross to the far post, and then in injury time the home keeper made a quality save to deny the Ruts an equaliser.

The 2nd XI went down 2- 0 at home to RPVFC A’s… whilst the 3rd XI were the only Victors as the overcame Old Plymouthians A with a 2 – 1 win (scorers TBC)

Best wishes to the Vets and U9’s tomorrow morning.

Please note the 3rd XI KO has been changed to 1.30pm.