Old Rutlishians got their Division Four campaign off to a winning start with a good victory at Double H Reserves.

Seb Senior set them on their way with a tap in on 20 minutes, and Peter Thomas made it 2-0 15 minutes later when he despatched a sublime left-footed free-kick into the net from fully 30 yards.

Double H hauled themselves back into the match after the break when they made it 2-1 and had a great chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty five minutes from time.

But their taker missed and Senior punished them when he calmly converted a one-on-one chance moments later to wrap up the match.

Two first half goals from James Fenton and Seb Senior wrapped up a comfortable victory for Old Rutlishians.

Keeper Steve Shaw was a virtual spectator as the Ruts had most of the play, taking the lead on the half hour mark when Fenton cleverly lobbed the keeper from 30 yards.

On 40 minutes it was 2-0 as James Shawki fed Simon Minihane, whose cross was tapped in by Senior.

The second half saw chances come and go but no goals, although the Ruts were denied what looked a certain penalty when Graham Winter was hacked down in the box. The ref waved play on as Winter lay injured on the turf, prompting his concerned mum to run onto the pitch and check her baby was all right!

Old Rutlishians continued their good form with a terrific result at Chessington.

The match was evenly contested for the first 15 minutes with both teams missing good chances. A freak goal soon gave the Old Ruts the lead when a throw in was launched into the Chessington penalty area by Darren Noonan, and the ball nestled in the far corner. The referee ruled that the goalkeeper had touched the ball on the way in and awarded the goal, therefore making it an own goal!

The score remained 1-0 at the break, but the Ruts turned the screw in the second half and were rewarded by a brace from Erol Yilmaz, both of them tap-ins after good distribution from Noonan.

The Ruts made it 4-0 with Danny Poulter proving he still has predatory instincts when he stooped low to bury a bullet header from Peter Thomas' driven corner.

Chessington rallied immediately after and scored a consolation due to some slack marking but that couldn't take the shine off a good afternoon's work.

Old Rutlishians' 100% start to the season came to an end as they were dumped out of the Surrey Cup in the first round.

Darren Noonan's consolation goal was the only bright spot of a miserable afternoon for the Ruts who will look forward to resuming league duties next weekend and defending first position in the table.

Old Rutlishians hammered their opponents in a woefully one-sided encounter to cement their place at the top of the table.

They stormed to a 6-0 halftime league thanks to Simon Minihane (2), Seb Senior (2), James Bone and a stunning 30 yard lob from player manager Graham Larcombe.

Bone added another in the second half although he could have had a double hattrick as Outcasts were carved open at will.

Darren Noonan scored the other goal and the Ruts have now won their opening four league matches.

Old Rutlishians threw away a two goal lead but in the end were grateful for a point as Claygate dominated much of a well contested game spoilt only by some dubious refereeing.

The Ruts went ahead against the run of play on 20 minutes when Erol Yilmaz played Seb Senior clean through and he kept a cool head to shoot home.

Claygate continued to press but the Ruts defended well and extended their lead on the hour with a well worked goal. Simon Minihane delivered a superb cross which Yilmaz met with a diving header to score his 50th Old Ruts goal and give the Ruts a rather fortuitous 2-0 lead.

The Ruts were then guilty of relaxing and Claygate’s pressure paid off on 70 minutes as they made it 2-1.

And five minutes from time Claygate scored a deserved equaliser to ensure a fair share of the spoils.

Graham Winter scored a dramatic late winner to settle a bad-tempered match as the Ruts kept up the pressure on leaders Oxshott Royals.

They took a first half lead thanks to a wonderful 25 yard free kick from Nick Bondeau which curled into the top corner.

Although Double H equalised after the break it was quickly 2-1 when Erol Yilmaz scored from the edge of the area after excellent approach play from Bondeau.

Ruts keeper Steve Shaw then allowed a harmless looking shot to squirm past him and the visitors looked to have snatched a 2-2 draw.

But Winter was in the right place at the right time to knock home an 85th minute tap in and claim all three points.

Old Rutlishians turned in their worst performance of the season as they crashed out of the Teck Cup.

Their good early season form looked set to continue when Seb Senior finished well to give them an early lead, but Oxshott levelled before the break.

The home side dominated the second half and deservedly added a couple more goals to win the game.

Ruts keeper Steve Shaw was the busiest man on the pitch and his numerous excellent saves were responsible for keeping the scoreline respectable on a disappointing afternoon for the Ruts.

Old Rutlishians completed the league double over Chessington as they moved to the top of the table.

They dominated the opening half hour and were unlucky not to score when Nigel Watford’s delicate chip beat the keeper but hit the bar.

At the other end Roland Heal was called into action a couple of times as Chessington got back into the match towards the end of the half. He made one good save in particular as he rushed out to thwart a Chessington striker who was clean through.

The match was still scoreless as the game approached the 70 minute mark, although Chessington went close when they hit the bar with a thunderous shot.

But then Darren Noonan launched a long throw into the area and Erol Yilmaz scored a terrific diving header for his fifth goal of the season.

And Watford scored to seal the points late on and give the hard-working Ruts a win they just about deserved, with special mention going to James Shawki who had an excellent game at right back.

Old Rutlishians comfortably beat title rivals Heathfield to pull six points clear at the top of the table.

The Ruts were generally on top and took the lead on 25 minutes courtesy of Simon Minihane. Nick Bondeau played a good through ball and Minihane outpaced two defenders to reach it first and guide his shot past the advancing keeper from just inside the area.

On the hour mark Darren Rix struck a powerful shot to make it 2-0 and the Ruts were cruising.

Bondeau was then unlucky to see his strike tipped over the bar before an own goal five minutes from time wrapped up the points.

Old Rutlishians slumped to their first league defeat of the season after a poor performance away to a team they thumped 8-0 a couple of months ago.

The Ruts had no cutting edge and failed to muster any goalbound effort of note.

But they hang on to top spot in division four and have the perfect opportunity to get their campaign back on track when they entertain bottom side Hook Venturers next week.

Old Rutlishians extended their lead at the top of Division Four with a win over bottom team Hook Venturers.

After last week’s woeful display which saw them crash to their first league defeat of the season, the Old Ruts came out firing on all cylinders. This bright start was rewarded by an early penalty which Nick Bondeau coolly despatched from the spot.

Soon after it was 2-0 when Seb Senior scored from close range and the Ruts looked well on their way.

But Hook rallied and in fact controlled the remainder of the half, scoring two goals in quick succession to go in level at the interval.

The second half was pretty much one way traffic as the Ruts realised a draw would be no good to them.

Eventually the pressure paid off when Nick Bondeau whipped in a fierce corner, the ball dropped to Nigel Watford and he made no mistake from 12 yards to give the Ruts all three points.

Old Rutlishians moved six points clear at the top of KDFL Division Four with a comfortable win over relegation-threatened Surbiton Griffins.

The visitors took the lead in the first half when Darren Noonan's long throw was poorly dealt with by the defence, allowing Graham Winter to head home from six yards for a 1-0 halftime lead.

Surbiton were unable to trouble the Ruts after the interval as the defensive lynchpins of Noonan and Danny Poulter were reunited for this fixture and were rock solid.

Eventually the Ruts sealed a truly forgettable game with a goal from Seb Senior, who slotted home from 10 yards after Nigel Watford squared the ball to him, and it is now full steam ahead for the top of the table clash with second-placed Oxshott this Saturday.

Old Rutlishians moved nine points clear of Oxshott Royals at the top of Division Four after this win, although Oxshott have three games in hand.

This was a real six pointer as the two heavyweights of Division Four met for the first time in the league this season and it was Oxshott who started better, taking the lead on 10 minutes when keeper Roland Heal parried a shot straight to a grateful forward.

But Graham Larcombe’s troops are made of stern stuff and showed good character to get back in the game.

Darren Noonan launched one of his trademark long throws and Graham Winter did well to glance it in the far corner for 1-1.

With the Ruts continuing to pressurise an Oxshott defender made one too many rash tackles and was sent off, giving the Ruts a glorious opportunity to snatch a winner in the second half.

And they promptly took their chance on the hour mark when Noonan fired in a cross-cum-shot that found its way in to put the Ruts 2-1 up.

At the other end Heal was excellent, producing a couple of quality saves to keep the Ruts ahead and with a superb performance from Nigel Watford at centre half, Oxshott were having difficulty breaching the Ruts defence.

On 80 minutes the match looked as good as over when the red mist descended on the Oxshott keeper and he pushed Simon Minihane, earning himself a red card and conceding a penalty.

Nick Bondeau stepped up and calmly scored only to be forced to retake it as the substitute keeper hadn’t got his gloves on yet! Unfortunately Bondeau blazed his second effort over the bar, but the nine men couldn’t find a way back and the Ruts comfortably saw the game out.

In the heat of battle we rose above it and deservedly won the game,” said delighted manager Larcombe.

Old Rutlishians beat lowly AFC Fenns to strengthen their stranglehold on KDFL Division Four.

It took until just before halftime to open the scoring though when Simon Minihane touched Peter Thomas’ cross into the path of Nigel Watford, who made no mistake with a bouncing shot into the bottom corner.

AFC Fenns then shocked the league leaders with an equaliser on the hour and were only prevented from taking the lead by a brilliant save from Roland Heal, who tipped an effort onto the post and away.

The last 10 minutes were very eventful as the Ruts pushed forward looking for the win. They won a penalty but unfortunately Darren Noonan’s effort resembled a conversion attempt more than a football shot as it ballooned over the bar.

Then Minihane was denied a goal in the bizarrest of circumstances when his shot crept in at the near post but was disallowed as the ref couldn’t be sure it hadn’t gone through a hole in the side netting. Amazingly, a goal kick was awarded instead.

But justice was done in the last minute when Thomas sent over a teasing free kick that somehow evaded everybody, bobbling all the way across the box and nestling in the far corner of the net to clinch a 2-1 win and three more precious points.

Old Rutlishians won their fifth game on the trot with a solid 2-0 win over Claygate Swans.

The Ruts dominated from the start and never looked in trouble at any stage, although it took until 35 minutes before they took the lead courtesy of a Darren Noonan header.

Simon Hithersay then had a couple of chances that went begging and Peter Thomas hit a free kick that was on its way in until deflected wide by a defender.

It was all one way traffic with Nigel Watford outstanding in defence and Jamie Shawki continuing his fine recent run of form with another excellent display at right back.

Russell Nixon and Seb Senior went close as the Ruts looked to seal the game but the second goal didn’t come until 20 minutes from time. Steve Berry turned his defender in the box before being fouled and Jeremy Capper did the honours from the penalty spot.

Old Rutlishians ensured promotion by making it 13 wins from 15 league games after this victory over AFC Fenns.

They started well when man of the match Nick Bondeau ran down the line, cut inside and hit a brilliant shot over the keeper for 1-0.

James Fenton then doubled the lead when he sent a looping header into the net after Simon Hithersay had flicked on Darren Noonan’s long throw.

AFC Fenns pulled one back on the hour and applied plenty of pressure as they sought an equaliser, which would have arrived but for a brilliant saving tackle six yards out by Nigel Watford when a goal seemed certain.

Seb Senior was unlucky not to make it 3-1 when he hit a wonderful shot which hit the post, but no matter as the Ruts comfortably saw the game out.

Old Rutlishians need just one point from their final game of the season to seal the Division Four title after this crucial win over their nearest challengers.

Even if they lose they can only be denied on goal difference if Oxshott win their remaining five games and make up 11 goals on the Ruts as well.

So things look promising for Graham Larcombe’s boys, who were totally focused for this game and it paid dividends with two early goals putting them well in command. Nick Bondeau scored the first after seven minutes with a looping shot before Seb Senior made it 2-0 10 minutes later.

The game was a little scrappy but the Ruts played some nice football in patches, in particular when a lovely cross from Peter Thomas was headed in by Russell Nixon to make it 3-0 at halftime.

Oxshott gave themselves a lifeline on 55 minutes when they pulled it back to 3-1.

But Ruts keeper Roland Heal was rarely threatened after that and when he was beaten Nigel Watford managed to clear the ball off the line.

Jeremy Capper almost added a fourth when he powered a shot against the bar and the rebound was fired just wide by Simon Hithersay.

But there was no further score and the Ruts played the game out to seal the three points and place one hand on the League trophy.

Ben Barber scored a hattrick as Old Rutlishians sealed a memorable league campaign by winning the Division Four title thanks to this rout of Heathfield.

Barber put the Ruts 2-0 up early on, converting good through balls from Darren Noonan and Nigel Watford.

Then as Ruts keeper Roand Heal came out to gather the ball a Heathfield striker got a toe to the ball and they pulled it back to 2-1.

But the Ruts were always in control and Barber sealed his hattrick, racing onto a Simon Minihane pass to finish well.

Simon Hithersay was rolling back the years in midfield, prompting the Ruts to play some lovely attacking football on the deck, and the Ruts superiority was confirmed by further strikes from Minihane and Seb Senior.

Old Rutlishians won a thrilling match full of incident to book a League Cup semi final tie against Outcasts.

They made a good start but it was Claygate who opened the scoring on the break after 15 minutes.

Ben Barber levelled soon after though with a close range finish, but Simon Hithersay’s handball allowed Claygate to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot.

The Ruts looked in real trouble when a Claygate striker nipped ahead of keeper Roland Heal to nudge his side 3-1 in front, but moments before the break the Ruts pulled it back to 3-2 with a penalty of their own courtesy of Nick Bondeau.

The Ruts played well at the start of the second half but the game turned when captain Danny Poulter set a shocking example to the rest of the side by getting himself sent off for dissent.

Thankfully the remaining 10 men didn’t follow their captain’s lead and doubled their efforts to compensate for his absence. Indeed with man of the match Darren Noonan controlling the midfield the 10 man Ruts actually dominated the rest of the match.

Barber made it 3-3 with a superb left-footed strike and with ten minutes remaining the comeback was complete when a hapless defender headed into his own net to put the Ruts 4-3 ahead.

The spirit drained out of Claygate and the Ruts comfortably held on to keep their double dream alive.

Old Rutlishians reached the final of the League Cup after coming out on top of what was generally a poor game.

Russell Nixon put the Ruts on their way after 20 minutes, latching onto a Seb Senior flick on the halfway line and expertly chipping the oncoming keeper.

Outcasts rallied and their pressure paid off when they broke down the right hand side after half an hour, and when the winger chipped the ball in a forward struck an excellent volley past Roland Heal for a good goal the Ruts could do nothing about.

The Ruts then forced some pressure and Noonan's jinking run caused confusion in the Outcasts area, resulting in their centre half putting through his own net for 2-1.

In the second half the Ruts relaxed and invited Outcasts on to them - dangerous tactics but Senior and Nixon had ample chances to put the game out of reach, unfortunately they missed them all.

The last few minutes required all of the Ruts concentration as Outcasts had a flurry of corners, and Jamie Shawki produced a miracle goal-line clearance to secure the Ruts a place in the final.

Captain Danny Poulter celebrated his 100th club appearance by lifting the League Cup after a tense win over Hook gave them the double.

Having finished eight places above Hook on their way to the KDFL Division Four title, the Ruts were hot favourites but started nervously and the game was poor to watch.

After a frantic first 20 minutes Hook broke away and lofted a hopeful ball into the Ruts penalty area. Nigel Watford was under pressure from two forwards and inevitably bought one crashing to the floor, conceding a penalty. This was duly dispatched and the Ruts trudged off at half time a goal down.

After a severe talking to during the break, the Ruts came out and finally began playing the football they’d been playing all season, putting Hook onto the back foot. After 60 minutes the pressure told when Darren Noonan calmly turned his marker and fired home the equaliser.

The Ruts were now buoyant and continued to dominate. Jeremy Capper was proving to be a master substitution in the centre of the park as he was now controlling the game.

After more pressure was soaked up by Hook a free kick was awarded to the Ruts on halfway. Poulter stepped up and curled in an excellent cross which was met with a crashing header from substitute James Fenton for 2-1. The Ruts were now in the driving seat and delighted to have scored one of their goals of the season in such an important game.

Late in the game the impressive Courtney Sewitt went on a mazy run before hitting the underside of the crossbar and Simon Minihane was on hand to calmly tuck the rebound away and give the Ruts a healthy 3-1 lead.

Hook proved their character though as they came back again, another good run from their effective forward ending with Poulter mistiming his tackle and conceding another penalty which was converted for 3-2.

Fortunately for the Ruts the final whistle blew almost immediately and they had completed an excellent season by securing an historic league and cup double.