Old Rutlishians AFC (Old Ruts) is made up of ex-pupils of Rutlish School, amateur sportsman from the local community and the friends and relatives of existing players. It was reformed after a 58 year absence in the summer of 1990 having originally run from 1907 until 1932 when it folded after being replaced by Rugby as the popular winter sport at the Old Rutlishians
The 1st XI got off to a flying start against Sporting Kitz FC earlier, as they took the lead just seconds after kick off, when Billy Liffen sped down the Right Wing to cross for Kevin Foster, who deftly fired a neat right volley into the Hosts net (yes, you read correctly, Foster & Right Foot in the same sentence!)
A competitive half duly ensued against our highly experienced and talented opponents who managed to level before the Interval, to make affairs all even at the break.
The Ruts upped a gear for much of the second period and pleasingly the tireless running of Liffen paid dividends, as his wide range cross/come shot evaded the Kitz Keeper at the far post. Both teams remained toe to toe in the exchanges until the latter stages, when Paul Whitthread firmly headed home a Foster Corner to make it 3 – 1 to the OR’s. Billy Liffen edged the OR’s MOTM nod from the Gaffers, although this was a thorough all round team performance seeing everyone play their part.
Joint Manager George Tidey was delighted with his team’s performance as he enthused ‘ after 3 wins in 3, it would have been very easy for the lads to get complacent, but it was quite the opposite. Most of this team were around for our 6 – 3 loss last season against Sporting Kitz, they are a well set up team. We were determined not to let that happen again. We’ll keep working hard and not let a good start to this Season go to our heads’.
The 2nd XI went down 6 – 4 at Home to South Croydon FC at Poplar Road. The Ruts found themselves 4 – 1 down in the first half, before storming back to level the match at 4 – 4 courtesy of a Sam ‘MOTM’ Leatherby hatrick and a Dean Riordan strike. Alas, their hard work in getting back into the game was undone when the Visitors struck back twice more to take the 3 points home with them.
The 3rd XI also suffered a defeat, as they went down 6 – 1 to a bright Sporting 50 Reserves FC. Pierce Gleeson netted the OR’s goal.
The 4th XI were delighted to secure their first point of the campaign against Waddon Wanderers FC, as they drew 1 – 1 courtesy of a Jason Hughes goal.
Welcome to our new weekly feature, which will see us catching up with some of our Past Players.
Name Darren Knott
Nickname Knotty
Ruts Appearances 497 (I need to make 3 sub appearances to make 500 please)
Ruts Goals 214
Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?
In Ruts Football 2nd year 1991-92 Season, I loved the idea of playing with former school pals and good friends, Great signing by big Gav…and the Ruts Bar was legendary.
Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
Beating Kingston Albion 3-0 in the 1996 Teck Cup final. They were a very good side, but we were too good that day. I remember a couple of assists for a young Whizzer Wilkes that day. Don’t remember much about the evening though…
Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
Gary Newks, could see why he played at a higher standard, his training sessions were also very good.
Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
Too many to mention, all the tours were great though. The story we’ve all heard about H’s misses running onto the pitch would’ve been up there if I was at that match. RIP H we all miss you.
Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?
Being subbed whilst playing for the third team, which drove home to me that I was indeed too old, thank goodness we started the vet’s team where no one else could run.
Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
Tough one, but has to be Boony, what a finisher
Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
Has to be the Scissor kick I scored in extra time of the semi-final against Sheen Ath, took us through to final where we beat our arch rivals Kingston Albion 3-0. Took so much effort I got cramp in both legs, ended up flat on my back, which made the celebratory bundle even more painful !
Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
On pitch; either getting sent off after chasing the fella that kicked me up in the air, I only caught him because Capper tripped him up…or missing 2 pens in one game away in Kingston somewhere.
Off pitch; Probably my epic chunder in front of the family walking past our coach on the way to the match on our first tour to Belgium in 1995 (Many nicknames established this weekend, Lee Tit’s Fisher, Justin “101” Nuggets Stanley, Ben Symbols Barber to name but a few…think I got away with one there…!)
The 1st XI overcame a first half deficit against Epsom Kings FC, as they fell behind to a Penalty. The Ruts created chances in the period themselves, with the pick of the bunch being a Paul Gough free kick striking the post and an Elliott Gibbs Header smashing against the Crossbar.
Pleasingly the half time team-talk paid dividends, as Gough levelled from the spot after Skipper Paul Whitthread was shoved in the back. Soon after, the Ruts took the lead and began to take further control of the game as a clever header from Gibbs put the Ruts 2 – 1 ahead. A BIG shout out to OR’s Keeper Evan Watson at this juncture, as he pulled off a fantastic save, which prevented Epsom from levelling the match.
This was followed by a superb individual goal from Billy Liffen after his tenacious play saw him outmuscle his marker before flying down the flank, before slotting home for 3 – 1. With the OR’s pressure continuing Toby Lempriere was alert to fire home the Ruts 4th, which finally deflated the Sails of the Epsom Ship.
Make no mistake for the most part this was a very well contested match in what is looking like a decent Division, therefore the importance of winning individual battles all around the pitch today was the key to us securing all 3 points, enabling us to maintain an impressive start the 2020/21 campaign. Captain Whitto was the Ruts MOTM.
The 3rd Team went down 4 – 0 at Cheam Village Warriors FC. The lads held their own for much of the game before finding themselves 2 – 0 down by 70 minutes. 2 more goals cemented the home win for the hosts. The lads will be looking to secure their first points of the Season next time out..
The inclement Weather saw the 2nd & 4th XI Matches postponed.
Coaches, players and spectators should follow all government and FA football specific guidance at all times. In addition we would like to emphasise the following points
All coaches, players and spectators should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every match. If anyone is symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection they must not participate or attend.
At least one member of each household must scan the NHS track & trace QR code displayed here and prominently at each venue prior to the beginning of a match.
All attendees should adhere to the latest government guidelines re social distancing at all times. This applies to coaches and players on the sidelines as well as spectators
To avoid overcrowding we ask that a maximum of 2 spectators attend per player and that they be from the same household.
Separate areas for home and away spectators to stand will be clearly marked and should be adhered to.
Attendees should follow all site-specific directions when arriving/leaving the site or using the facilities. Upon completion of the match the site should be exited as soon as possible to maintain separation from those taking part in later matches.
Proper hygiene precautions should be taken at all time. This includes, but is not limited to, hand sanitising before, during and after games and disinfection of the match ball at appropriate breaks in play. The Old Rutlishians’ Association has carried out a General Risk Assessment with respect to its locations.
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.
The new 1st XI secured a hard fought 1 – 0 League Campaign Opener against Old Plymouthians FC this afternoon. A tight close game saw the Ruts thankful for Evan Watson’s quality one on one stop in the 12th minute, before MOTM Paul Gough fired the Ruts into a 1st Half Lead. Toby Lempriere also had a debatable offside effort ruled out.
Joint Player Manager Jon Mapp enthused ‘this was a fantastic result as the lads started their Intermediate football journey with a 1 – 0 win. The team battled hard for 90 + 10 mins. We go again next week’.
The 2nd XI went down 3 – 1 at Junction Elite. Certain aspects of this match are better left unsaid on social media. Impressive debutant Sam Leatherby scored the Ruts Goal.
In the Friendly Matches, we knew it would be a tall order for the 3rd and 4th XI’s against Sutton High’s 1st and 2nds. The Ruts went down 6 nil and 2 – 1 respectively with the Ruts goal scored by Freddie Patterson. Well fought everyone. Our thanks to Boo for reffing the 2nd half of the 3rds Match.
Best wishes to the Ruts Youth Junior Teams tomorrow.
Old Ruts Football Club 