The 1st XI overcame Reigate Priory FC at Poplar Road this afternoon, although in reality the score-line didn’t truly reflect the overall balance of play at various times during the match.
However, after a relatively even first 40 minutes the Ruts disturbed proceedings by hitting two incredibly quick fire goals in prompt succession. Firstly a trademark 25 yard free kick from Zak Graham broke the deadlock and then the effervescent Paul Whitthread finished a fine team move by firing home in the area.
The Ruts then added 3 further goals to their tally after the break, although they needed to remain fully alert at the back themselves, as the visitors regularly threatened and only adverse finishing, determined defending and the alert Evan Watson thwarted the danger in the second period.
That said, the Ruts remained potent going forward themselves and a superb Zak Graham strike took the sting out of the game around the hour mark and pleasingly this was then shortly followed by a terrific Chris Beard strike.
To wrap the game up Chris Beard was battered to the ground in the Reigate area shortly before the whistle, which then enabled Zak Graham to claim an excellent Hatrick from the spot, which also earned him the OR’s MOTM award on the day.
The 2nd XI went down 3 – 0 at Shaftesbury Town FC, with no further detail to offer at this stage.
The 3rd XI suffered narrow back to back 2 – 1 defeats in their double header against Reigate Old Boys FC, with Kevin Foster and Matt Vandepeer notching the OR’s consolations in the respective matches.
The 4th XI returned to winning ways with a welcome 3 – 2 victory over Barnslake FC. The Ruts scorers were Aaron Betteridge, Owura Appiah and Dean Riordan.
Best wishes to the Ruts Junior teams tomorrow.
