With just 11 Surrey South Eastern Fixtures surviving the elements and Covid today, it was statistically somewhat surprising for us to feature in 5 of them, although ultimately very pleasing for us to notch up 3 ‘W’s’ on the OR’s Results Board.

The 1st XI eventually overcame a bright Most Wanted Elite FC to win 4 – 3.

The Ruts went ahead in the 4th minute when debutant Bryan ‘Jock’ Nicholson placed an exquisite through ball to Toby Lempriere, who neatly tucked the ball passed the advancing keeper. The visitors levelled in the 17th minute, before the OR’s restored their lead, when a neat left wing move involving Will Mortimer and Kevin Foster lead to Lempriere converting deftly for his brace, which ultimately lead to him also securing the home MOTM award.

Yet again, the Ruts were unable to retain their lead as an MWE hit a rasping shot past Keeper Evan Watson, to make it 2 – 2 at the break.

Kevin Foster hit a 25 yard screamer to restore the Ruts lead in the 57th minute, only for MWE to level for the 3rd time.

The Ruts match winning Goal (featured, with thanks to Becky or Kelly?) came courtesy of the lively Charlie Woods, and it was certainly worthy of winning any match, as Woods collected the ball after an interchange in the final third and set himself up at 30 yards out and unleashed an unstopable strike past the opposition keeper.

Joint Manager Jon Mapp was pleased with the result, although less so with the overall display, as he reported ‘This was a below par team performance, as we took the lead on 4 occasions, before finally holding on for the 3 points, which sees us top of the table at Christmas’, Mapp went on to cheerily wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year’.

The 2nd XI only managed to secure 1 point from 6 in their Double Header against Motspur Park Res FC at Poplar Road. Manager Jay Ramsey felt his team should have gained something from the first match, although the lads lost 2 -1. Mark Todd scored the goal and Ollie Thompson was MOTM. In the second game OR’s secured a point in a 1 – 1 draw with Thompson scoring for the OR’s and Adam Randall earning the MOTM award.

The Super 3rd XI finally secured their first win of the Season as they beat OW Shaftesbury Res FC. Joint Manager Christian Cittie was delighted to report as follows.

‘What a solid performance from the 3rd XI today. Everyone dug deep and battled for the full 90 minutes. We made a strong start to the game winning our battles all over the pitch. After 40 mins we broke the deadlock after a ball over the top from Cittie, went to Fraser Trimmings who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. In the Second half we largely had our backs against the wall. However, we caught them on the break and won a penalty which we ultimately missed on a re-take..We then dug even deeper and held onto the massive 3 points and a clean sheet. Fraser Trimmings wins my MOTM, with big shout outs to Keeper Mike Lowe for making 3 1 on 1 saves and Russell Palmer at the back for his calmness and communication in controlling the back line’

The 4th XI gained a decent 4 – 1 win over London Olympia FC, with an impressive hatrick from Wagna Tchuda and a strike from Simon Minihane. Club Leg-ends Bernie Winter and Jamie Shawki both reported that Keeper Craig Lyle was to thank for keeping the OR’s ahead, as they lead just 2 – 1 late in the match, shortly before the final 2 goals were fired home.

Best wishes to the Ruts Youth teams tomorrow.

Name – Tom Hughes

Nickname – Hughesy or Boy Blunder.

Ruts Appearances – 82

Ruts Goals – 17

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I was playing Cricket at the club from the age of 13 and a few of the lads played for the football section, so originally I tried signing up for football when I was 15, but I was too young to play at that stage, so I had to wait until I was 16.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

That’s an easy choice for me -Winning the clubs first ever County Cup with the 3rd XI in 2005. The Game didn’t go totally to plan with Erol breaking his ankle, but we all stuck together on the pitch and ensured the only result would be an Old Ruts win. I will always remember that my grandfather came to watch the game, as he did a lot when I was growing up. Early on in the game I saw him sitting in the stands on his own watching , but by the end of the game he was right down at the front with all the football lad’s screaming and shouting – that’s what the Ruts has always been about for me, making people feel welcome no matter who they are… I do blame the lads for the heavy night of celebrations at Poplar Road afterwards and not leaving the Bar until the early hours of the morning. I had to get up only 6 hours later to sit a GCSE exam!

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

That is a tough one!!! Manager I would have to say Graham Clayton who just pips Erol! Clayts always rated me and actually wanted me to play for the 2nds when I joined the club, but through availability him and Erol had a deal that I would play the first year in the 3rds but then I was to play higher after that! Clayts done a lot for me at the club picked me up for games and ensured I was looked after and always bought me a beer after the match. He always found a place for me in his team , no matter what – even playing me up top for half a season in the twos!

Captain must be Alan Whiter, when I was playing in the first XI with him. He was always committed and through his own ability made you feel comfortable when playing!

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory. Again, there were a few but I still have one that is unsolved to this day!!! I remember that someone used to take my boxers after every game for about 3 months, it got so bad that at one stage my mum told me I had to stop playing if this was to continue, as it was costing her money each month!! To this day I still do not know who did it!!

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

It has to be the Semi Final loss in 2007, when a certain two players had a disagreement on the pitch… We battered the oppo before that moment and we came close to winning with 9, then 8 men. Scott and Ryan were probably our better players throughout the competition, but I’m fairly sure we would have gone all the way that year…

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

Again so many to choose from: Trig and Alan Morley where top quality up top. I also enjoyed playing with Funk at the back on occasions when we played together, but for me it has to be Nick Raggett, he was just a proper old school centre mid fielder who had loads of time on the ball, played easy passes and wouldn’t lose too many balls in the air.

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

To be honest I didn’t score many Worldies but I always remember playing up front for the twos one game and being marked by a brute of a guy who smashed me in the first two minutes and gave me a lot grief about being a youngster and I wasn’t very good etc… I remember hitting a volley in from a corner ( never did I hit the ball so sweet – actually I normally try and header the ball no matter what height it was!!!) went up to this big fella and gave him a few words! We played them off the park for the rest of the match winning by at least 6!

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)

There been a few but probably some of the school error/own goals I given away in my time! I did not get the nickname Boy Blunder for nothing.

The 1st XI are at Home to Most Wanted Elite FC. Venue – King Georges,Tudor Drive (Pitch 3). Kick Off is at 1.30pm. This fixture has been switched, as their Ground is expected to be unplayable on the day.

The 2nd XI are at Home to Motspur Park Res FC at Poplar Road. This will be a Double Header to assist with potential fixture congestion later in the Season. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.

The 3rd XI are at Home to OW Shaftesbury Res FC. Venue – King Georges,Tudor Drive (Pitch 1). Kick Off is at 1.30pm.

The 4th XI are Away to London Olympia FC. Venue: Wimbledon Common Extensions. Kick Off is at 1.00pm.

Best wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend.

The 1st XI secured a comprehensive 6 – 1 Victory at Real Holmesdale FC in the Surrey Cup earlier today.

Joint Player Manager George Tidey put the Ruts ahead in the 25^th minute with a superb finish, following a swift move, which saw Lee Holland’s through pass to Billy Liffen deftly knocked on to Tidey.

Elliott Gibbs made it 2 – 0 shortly after from a Paul Gough Corner which was fumbled following pressure from Billy Liffen. Gough then powerfully headed home the Ruts 3^rd goal in the 39^th minute from a Kevin Foster Corner.

The Hosts reduced the arrears early in the 2^nd period, in what appeared to be a debatable goal (as in did it actually even go over the line?)

The OR’s then had Keeper Evan Watson to thank for a superb penalty save, as he kept out the spot kick to his bottom right hand post.

Late on the Ruts then put on a quick fire goal show, as strikes from Lee Holland, Toby Lempriere and Alex Blenkinsop were added, with huge credit going to the tireless Billy Liffen for his assists in all bar one of the Ruts goals and to Lee Holland for his work rate which secured him the OR’s MOTM vote.

The 2nd XI lost 2 – 1 to WKFC. Dean Riordan scored the Ruts goal, Kyle Moore was the OR’s MOTM. Unfortunately we also missed a Penalty which left Manager Jay Ramsey to rue the outcome of the afternoon as he tucked into his substantial Curry back at the OR’s Ranch.

The 3rd XI went down 8 – 1 at AFC Leatherhead, as their 12 man squad effectively became 10 with a couple of very early injuries. Joint Manager Christian Cittie was upbeat with parts of the battling performance. Alfie Bradshaw scored for the OR’s.

The 4th XI also suffered a hefty reverse as they lost 7 – 1 to a strong Inter Star FC at Poplar Road. Abdel Hafidi notched the consolation Goal and Andy Flanagan was our MOTM.

Best wishes to the Ruts Junior teams tomorrow.

The 1st XI are Away to Real Holmesdale FC in the Surrey Cup. Venue – John Ruskin Playing Fields, off of Coombe Lane, Croydon CR0 5HL. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.

The 2nd XI are at Home to Wilf Kroucher FC. Venue – King Georges Rec,Tudor Drive. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.

The 3rd XI are Away to AFC Leatherhead. Venue – Bridge Rec Ground,Kingston Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7RB. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

The 4th XI are at Home to Inter Star FC. Venue – Poplar Road. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

Best wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend.

The 1^st XI battled out a predominantly physical encounter with Old Plymouthians FC this afternoon.

A very boggy pitch and the odd bit of rustiness after ‘lockdown 2’ did not lend itself to too much free flowing football, although both sides went for it toe to toe.

Alex Blenkinsop put the OR’s ahead with a lofted effort from outside the box to secure the Ruts the interval lead and they had their MOTM Evan Watson to thank for making a superb agile save down to the bottom right of his goal to enable that lead.

OP’s levelled around the hour mark and both teams then had the odd chance to secure all 3 points. However, on the overall balance of play, a point each was probably a fair outcome.

The 2^nd XI bounced back from a 2 goal half time deficit against Junction Elite FC at Poplar Road, as they spun the game full circle by eventually securing a 3 – 2 win. The Ruts scorers were Kyle Moore, Mark Todd and an O.G. Dean Riordan was the OR’s MOTM.

The 3rd and 4^th XI’s both suffered a number of late blowouts and no shows, with the 3s challenge of playing top of the table Merton Social an even taller task, as they only had 10 men which contributed towards a hefty 9 – 0 defeat.

The 4^th XI went down 4 – 2 at Purley Old Boys. Billy Mahoney and Abdel Hafidi notched the Ruts Goals.

Best wishes to the Ruts Youth Junior teams tomorrow.

Ruts Appearances 201

Ruts Goals 23 

When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I played against the club for Rutlish School. Loved it and have been part of the club ever since. Must mention how immensely proud of Ruts Youth I am. We have provided 100’s of local youngsters and their parents with some magical moments including winning the Surrey Cup and playing at Stamford Bridge. We are very close to achieving the original objective of getting the players to become Senior Players at ORAFC. This will happen within 2 seasons.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

 There are 2. The QF of the Surrey Cup in 2004/05 was the highlight as a player for me. No point retelling the tale as I’m sure everyone has heard it multiple times.

Then there was the Semi Final of the Surrey Cup for Robbie Baird’s youth team. We played a very good Barnes FC team and found ourselves 1-0 down due to a shocking penalty decision. In the final minute we threw everything at them, the ball dropped to my eldest son Jamie in the box, he duly buried the equaliser, the noise from the support was amazing (75 plus watching). We ran out of gas in extra time but that goal and the amount of support we had was a sign Ruts Youth was going places. The following season we drew Barnes again in the quarter final, the boys played superbly to avenge the defeat on their way to lifting the trophy – Great memories.

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

In the early days Mark Barber was great in building confidence of younger players. A special mention to Boo Boo though, who made me Captain in our double winning Season.  However, due to his commitment, longevity, leadership on and off the pitch and ability to get a side out regardless of absentees it is without a doubt Erol Yilmaz.  

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory. 

Easy one. Step forward Peter ‘Polo’ Thomas. A tough tight game over Wimbledon Common Extensions saw Polo marauding forward and into the opposition six yard box. The ball rolled into his path for a simple tap in. Instead of calmly side footing the ball home he decided to try and break the net. Unfortunately for Polo the ball cannoned squarely off the post and rebounded to the half way line. Everyone on the pitch stopped because we were laughing too much. Made even funnier by how cross he was.

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

I don’t really have too many negative memories on the playing side as I enjoyed being part of it so much. Off the pitch the only negative is how only a handful of people do so much to provide football. If only more people pitched in then the jobs would be less time consuming. There are many people that have loved playing for us but only a handful put anything back. 

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

I’ve played with all the usual suspects that get mentioned when this question crops up. They are all well worthy of being listed. However, from a personal perspective I most enjoyed playing alongside Darren Noonan. We built a great defensive partnership in the double winning season and were appalled on the few times the opposition did manage to score.

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

Without a doubt the goal that drew us level in the Surrey Cup QF. Shalford were 2-1 up and cruising with 10 minutes to go. I was sub and harassing the managers to put me on. Eventually they ran out of ideas and I was slung on. The ball was pumped forward and I managed to control it and dispatch the ball past the on rushing keeper with my left foot. There’s a rumour I stood there Cantonaesque in celebration. I was more than likely in shock.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)

Socially there are hundreds. Playing wise I’d say my ill advised run out last season. I was run ragged by an average forward and had the ball pelted into my not small hooter. The only completed pass I made that day. Boots well and truly hung up.

Football Resumes this Week – Thank the Lord!

The 1st XI are Away to Old Plymouthians FC. Venue – Ashtead Rec Ground, Barnett Wood Lane, KT21 2BZ. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.

The 2nd XI are at Home to Junction Elite FC at Poplar Road. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.

PLEASE NOTE there will only be Toilet Access. The Changing Rooms, Bar and Clubhouse will not be accessible this Week.

The 3rd Team are Away to Merton Social FC. Venue – Fishponds Playing Fields, Fishponds Rd, SW17 7LF. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.

The 4th XI are Away to Purley Old Boys. Venue – John Fisher Sports Ground, Limpsfield Road, Warlingham,CR6 9RD. Kick Off is at 2.30pm

Best Wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend.

Nickname – Fish       

Ruts Appearances           195        

Ruts Goals – 4

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

I have been a life member since I was 16. After many years of Thursday evening kick-abouts Gavin finally got his arse in gear, got us a kit and in a League (which we won first time) and here we all are now.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

Winning the Joe Hankin Memorial Trophy as Manager and Captain

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

Apart from me ?

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.

Too many to pick, but has to be Greg Suares playing as keeper throwing the ball in his own net!

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

I don’t have any

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

Graham Clayton, what a touch. But the ball had to go to his feet

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

My second goal -an edge of the box job.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)

 Roland Heal was in goal – taking the ball around him before calmly putting it in our net for a quality OG.

Nickname – Whizzer

Ruts Appearances – 374

Ruts Goals – 132

Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?

Something to do on a Saturday afternoon.

Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?

Teck Cup final @ Kingstonian 1996.

Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?

Easy – H

Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.

Football tour to Amsterdam in 1998, don’t remember much but the Hostel room had wild bunnies jumping over it and we had pigeons in our room every morning.

Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?

Seeing Graham Clayton in the shower.

Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?

Matt ‘ Mad Dog’ Blomeley….ha-ha (have to say H but not for his football ability).

Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?

Teck Cup Final brace, particularly the 2nd when I lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box after telling Boony to keep an eye on the keeper as he liked to come off his line.

Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)

Don’t get embarrassed, but remember the look on the other teams face when we stripped down to our thongs in Hungary.