Coney Hall 1-1 Old Rutlishians
Scorer: Jimmy Bolton
15 September 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Ruts opened their Intermediate Division One campaign in the Surrey South Eastern Combination with a hard-fought draw. They took the lead on 15 minutes against the run of play, when Jimmy Bolton's cross-cum-shot was deflected into the net. But Coney fought their way back into the match and grabbed a deserved equaliser 10 minutes before the break. The second half saw the Ruts improve, but it was still Coney forcing the pace. There were chances at both ends and Graham Berry nearly nicked it for the Ruts when his 85th minute effort hit the underside of the bar. And in the last minute 'keeper Keith Bird pulled off an excellent save to earn the Ruts a point.

Old Rutlishians 3-3 Godstone
Scorers: Craig Wellstead, Alan Whiter, Ian Lennard
22 September 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The 10-man Ruts battled back for a deserved point in a six-goal thriller at Poplar Road. A match described as "extraordinary" by Ruts manager Howard Meredith burst into life after 20 minutes when striker Craig Wellstead lobbed the ‘keeper to put the home side ahead. And although Godstone equalised before half-time, Alan Whiter restored the advantage with a cool finish on the hour. The game changed dramatically, however, when Ruts striker Lee Poulter was harshly sent off for two yellow card offences within a minute, and Godstone seized their chance well to quickly storm 3-2 ahead. All hope looked lost for the Ruts, but club record-goalscorer Ian Lennard was on hand 5 minutes from time to make it 3-3 with a neat spin and finish.

Old Rutlishians 3-1 Addington
Scorer: Lee Poulter (3)
29 September 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A quickfire first-half hat-trick from striker Lee Poulter gave the Old Ruts their first win of the season. Poulter ran onto Craig Wellstead's flick after 20 minutes to round the 'keeper and open the scoring. 5 minutes later, he made it 2-0 with a left-footed curler after being put clean through. And to cap an excellent start by the Old Ruts, Poulter completed his treble on the half-hour with a delicate lob after good work from Ian Lennard. Addington pulled one back just before the break, but despite having the better of the second-half they could not find a way back into the match.

Oxted & District 3-1 Old Rutlishians
Scorer: Alan Whiter
6 October 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A poor performance condemned the Old Ruts to their first defeat of the season in Surrey South Eastern Combination Division One. Oxted started the brighter of the two sides and took a deserved half-time lead through a long range effort which sailed in over keeper Craig Wellstead's head. And by 65 minutes the lead was 2-0 as Oxted gained reward for their dominance, despite the excellent display of Ruts centre-back Steve Rowland. But with 15 minutes to go midfielder Alan Whiter gave the Ruts some hope when he pulled one back. Running onto an incisive Lee Poulter through-ball, Whiter superbly volleyed in over the keeper. From then on the Ruts threatened an equaliser, with Ben Barber and Poulter going close. But moments from time Oxted broke away to make it 3-1 and claim the three points.

Old Rutlishians 2-1 Warlingham
Scorers: Craig Wellstead, OG
13 October 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts had keeper Keith Bird to thank for their second win of the season as he produced a match-winning second-half performance. Warlingham can feel aggrieved not to have at least got a point after dominating a sterile first-half, although they lacked a cutting edge. Ironically, the best chance of the period fell to Ruts striker Kevin Richards, who forced a good save from the visiting keeper in the first few minutes. Soon after the break Warlingham almost broke the deadlock when Bird was forced to tip a good shot round the post. They deservedly took the lead moments later though, when slack marking gave their striker time and space to lob Bird. But the Ruts finally got into the game as an attacking force and in the 65th minute they were level when a teasing cross from Graham Berry was nudged past his own keeper by a hapless Warlingham defender. Phil Rea then went close when his point-blank header was well-saved, before sub Craig Wellstead scored what proved to be the winner with 15 minutes to go. Running onto a Lee Poulter flick-on, he lifted a wonderful 25-yard shot over the keeper. Warlingham poured forward in search of an equaliser, but Bird made four good saves to keep them at bay and secure a rather fortuitous win.

Battersea Irons 2-3 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Lee Poulter (2), Simon Young
20 October 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts produced their best performance of the season so far to score an impressive away Victory over Battersea. They had much the better of the game and were 2-0 up at the break thanks to a double from in-form striker Lee Poulter. His first was a gift from the Battersea keeper who got caught outside his area allowing Poulter to tap in. He then sidestepped the advancing keeper after being put clean through and as a covering defender desperately tried to clear, the ball ricocheted off Poulter into the empty net. Simon Young had been called up from the reserves to partner Poulter and looked to have made the points safe in the 55th minute when he intercepted a poor back-pass to slot home the third. But the home side responded by playing three up front for the last 20 minutes and threatened to steal an undeserved point when they scored in the 70th and 80th minutes to pull it back to 2-3. In a frantic last 10 minutes the Ruts withstood enormous pressure and Jimmy Bolton almost produced a breakaway goal, seeing his effort well-saved, but Battersea could not force the equaliser. "I'm absolutely delighted with the lads, it was a good team performance" enthused manager Howard Meredith.

Old Rutlishians 4-4 Croygas
Scorers: Jeremy Capper (2), Leon Trowbridge (2)
27 October 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts missed an opportunity to close on the league leaders when they conceded a late equaliser at home to the division's bottom team in this eight-goal thriller. Croygas, having lost all five of their league matches this season, belied their status as the basement club and went 2-0 up within half an hour, thanks in no small part to some defensive errors. Jeremy Capper got the Ruts back into it soon after with a terrific drive from outside the area, and he then equalised after getting on the end of a good cross to head home. However, Croygas scored again just before the break to lead 3-2. A better start to the second half saw the Ruts regain the initiative as wing-back Graham Berry was brought down in the area and Leon Trowbridge converted the penalty. Trowbridge then put the Ruts 4-3 up when he scored with an excellent cross-shot after being put through by Simon Young. But just as the game looked safe, Croygas made it 4-4 in the 85th minute when their unmarked striker lashed home from 12 yards out. And they could have nicked all three points in injury time but for a brave block from Ruts keeper Keith Bird, who ensured a fair result as neither side deserved to lose.

Addington 3-3 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Lee Poulter (2), Phil Rea
3 November 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts chalked up their fourth draw in eight league games as they were made to settle for a point at lowly Addington. They gave themselves an uphill task by conceding a soft early goal and despite creating four or five good chances to equalise, went in a goal down at half-time. An excellent strike just after the break put Addington 2-0 up, but by the hour mark the Ruts were back in it when Lee Poulter scored a penalty after Jimmy Bolton had been brought down in the area. Ten minutes later and the Ruts were level, defender Phil Rea neatly slotting home Poulter's cross from eight yards. By now the visitors were bouyant and it was no surprise when Poulter ran onto Bolton's through ball and shot home for a 3-2 lead. But just as it looked as though the points were safe, Darren Long gave away a penalty and Addington made it 3-3 from the spot. There was still time for Simon Young to shave the post as he went close to winning the game late on, but the match finished all square and the Ruts must reflect on another draw from a game they should have won. "We must stop the kamikaze defending and tighten up our back line," warned chairman Gavin Lennard.

Notvry Athletic 3-4 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Lee Poulter (2), Kevin Richards, OG
10 November 2001	SSEC Senior League Cup, R2

A glorious 87th minute strike from Kevin Richards won the Old Ruts this incident-packed League Cup second round tie, but it was harder work than expected. After totally dominating the first 15 minutes the Ruts opened the scoring when Lee Poulter finished well after being put clean through and a cricket score looked on the cards against a side one division below them. But Notvry equalised soon after, and to make matters worse Ruts keeper Keith Bird was injured trying to prevent the goal. So midfield hard-man Jeremy Capper donned the gloves and was immediately called into action when Dave Cundy handled in the area, but Capper dived low to his left to tip the penalty round the post. On 30 minutes the home side were reduced to 10 men for foul language, but the referee evened things up moments later when Cundy was harshly adjudged to have pulled down his man in the box and promptly received his marching orders. Capper could not repeat his spot-kick heroics this time and Notvry went in at the break 2-1 up. On 50 minutes the Ruts were level thanks to yet another penalty award, Poulter making no mistake after Steve Rowlands was fouled. But Notvry would not lie down and soon went 3-2 ahead. Capper then pulled off three terrific saves to keep the Ruts in the match, but they had chances of their own and were aggrieved when Poulter's 25 yard strike hit the bar and bounced over the line, only for the referee not to give it. The equaliser came on 85 minutes thanks to a calamitous own goal. Jimmy Bolton's shot caused panic in the Notvry area, and a defender's clearance ricocheted off a teammate into the net setting the scene for Richards to book a third round tie at home to Battersea Ironsides or NPL.

Old Rutlishians 3-2 Colliers Wood Res
Scorers: Jimmy Bolton, Simon Young, Steve Rowlands
17 November 2001	Surrey Intermediate Cup, R2

A wonderful late winner from Steve Rowlands saw off the challenge of Colliers Wood and booked the Old Ruts a place in the Surrey Cup third round. Ian Lennard's delicate chip was deftly brought down by Rowlands in mid-air, and he turned to volley it sweetly into the bottom corner for a deserved 3-2 win on 80 minutes. The Ruts had started the game brightly, dominating the first 20 minutes, and got their just reward when midfielder Jimmy Bolton hammered them in front from six yards out. The home side made plenty more chances as Bolton and Jeremy Capper bossed the midfield, with striker Simon Young going close a few times, but they could not add to their tally and went in one up at half-time. Colliers Wood, who had come into the game more just before the interval, equalised on 50 minutes via a dubious penalty awarded against Scott Hawley for pushing and they went 2-1 ahead 15 minutes later. Parity was soon restored when Young used his blistering pace to get on the end of Capper's through-ball and slot home for 2-2. And in an even last 20 minutes it was Rowlands who popped up to earn the Ruts a trip to second division Continental Stars in the next round.

Ashtead 2-0 Old Rutlishians
24 November 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A depleted Old Ruts side missing seven first-team regulars was no match for league leaders Ashtead, but can be proud of a spirited performance. Although manager Howard Meredith was forced to call-up players from the reserves, the Ruts' makeshift team acquitted themselves well and managed to go in at the break 0-0. Defending resolutely and looking to hit Ashtead on the break, the hosts were restricted to just one clear chance which keeper Steve Shaw bravely blocked with his legs. Ashtead dominated the second half as they searched for their ninth successive league win, but needed a controversial goal on 55 minutes to go ahead. Shaw was clearly fouled as he went to claim a corner, but the referee allowed the challenge and the loose ball was swept in from close range. The Ruts immediately pressed for an equaliser and Lee Poulter beat the offside trap, but his chip cleared the bar as well as the onrushing keeper. Moments later Tom Goodwin just failed to connect with the goal at his mercy after Scott Hawley's corner was nodded back across goal. Ashtead continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession though and they killed the game on 85 minutes when their unmarked striker headed into the top corner. "We worked hard but got no reward today," lamented Meredith after the match.

Old Rutlishians 2-2 Oxted & District
Scorers: Lee Poulter, Steve Nicola
1 December 2001	SSEC Intermediate Division One

An injury-time own goal meant the Old Ruts had to settle for a disappointing draw yet again, but they only had themselves to blame after squandering a succession of second-half chances. A late equaliser has denied the Ruts Victory three times in the last four league matches, costing them valuable points, but none was as cruel as this. An Oxted shot from a half cleared corner smacked the crossbar and rebounded into the net off a luckless defender, undoing all the home side's previous good work. They had started well and set about Oxted quickly, Kevin Richards playing in Steve Rowlands with a superb pass after just two minutes, only for the midfielder to shoot wide. But it was Oxted who opened the scoring on 15 minutes when the Ruts defence failed to clear properly and 'keeper Steve Shaw was given no chance from six yards. Lee Poulter was giving the visiting defence all sorts of problems and he deservedly equalised on the half-hour mark, sweeping home Richard Hayward's low cross. Ian Lennard then went close with a well-struck long range effort and Oxted's striker contrived to shoot over from close range to keep it 1-1 going into the break. Soon after the restart Rowlands' right-wing cross was fumbled by the Oxted 'keeper and Steve Nicola was on hand to thump home from a tight angle for 2-1. The home side then started to dominate, and Nicola almost added another when he chested down Hayward's cross, turned his marker and was unlucky to see his shot clip the post. Oxted immediately hit the bar at the other end, but as they pushed for an equaliser left themselves open to the counter attack. Pacey sub Simon Young had a couple of efforts saved as he tried to seal the game for the Ruts, and was then inches away from Poulter's excellent driven cross. But the killer goal eluded the home side and they were punished for sitting on their lead in the last 15 minutes with that unfortunate equaliser.

Old Rutlishians 3-5 Battersea Irons
Scorers: Lee Poulter (2), Ian Lennard
8 December 2001	SSEC Senior League Cup, R3

Ian Lennard scored his 300th goal for the Old Ruts - a club record - but that was the only good news of the day as a woeful performance saw them crash out of the League Cup. By the time Lennard converted Steve Rowland's cross the Ruts were already 5-2 down and well beaten, but they had actually started the game well and were 2-0 up inside 20 minutes. Top scorer Lee Poulter chased a through ball and won a 50-50 challenge with the keeper to tap the ball in on ten minutes, and then doubled the lead with an exquisite lob after good work from Jeremy Capper. But the Ruts relaxed and sloppy defensive errors let a determined Battersea back into the match. The momentum was with the visitors and by half-time the shell-shocked Ruts found themselves 2-3 down. To make matters worse Capper had to take over from injured 'keeper Steve Shaw for the second half, and by the hour it was all over as Battersea added two more for a deserved 5-2 lead. The Ruts got into the game as their opponents eased up and Lennard was able to notch his late milestone, but that can't disguise a very disappointing display.

Continental Stars 3-2 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Matt Blomeley, Jeremy Capper
15 December 2001	Surrey Intermediate Cup, R3

The Old Ruts were on the receiving end of a shock result as they were knocked out of the Surrey Cup by a determined side from the division below them. Continental settled better on a terrible pitch and controlled the opening exchanges. Ruts 'keeper Steve Shaw blocked well with his legs and then tipped a long-range effort over the bar as the home side looked for the opening goal. It finally came in the 25th minute, when a simple long ball over the top of the Ruts defence caused havoc and the striker cooly lobbed Shaw. The Ruts' best chance came just before the interval when midfielder Alan Whiter burst through, but he was denied by a smart save. The second-half continued in much the same pattern, with Continental applying plenty of pressure and the Ruts looking to hit them on the break. This led to the equaliser on 55 minutes when Steve Rowlands played in Matt Blomeley, who finished well from a tight angle. Five minutes later the Ruts found themselves in front when Phil Rea's flick from a corner was nodded in at the back post by Jeremy Capper for a fortuitous 2-1 lead. The Ruts' luck ran out soon after though when Capper limped off injured, and with no subs left following earlier injuries to Ian Lennard and Lee Poulter, they had to play the rest of the game with 10 men. Continental were then all over their opponents looking for the equaliser, but a stubborn Ruts defence held firm until the 86th minute when Shaw was beaten to take the tie into extra-time. The tired 10-men tried to hold on, but a goal was inevitable given the chances Continental were creating and by half time of extra time it was 3-2. But the Ruts rallied and threw men forward for the second period. Steve Nicola was denied by the 'keeper after a good cross from Rowlands, Blomeley had a 40-yarder tipped wide and then headed a Nicola cross straight at the 'keeper. Continental wasted enough chances to have made the game safe by then, but they held firm to deservedly take their place in the next round, although the Ruts will rue their injury misfortune.

Old Rutlishians 2-1 Battersea Irons
Scorers: Lee Poulter, Jimmy Bolton
5 January 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts overcame a sluggish first-half display to open the New Year with three hard-earned points. Battersea settled much quicker and were ahead within 10 minutes, their striker nipping in to prod the ball past exposed 'keeper Steve Shaw. The visitors went on to dominate the rest of the half with their short passing game, but spurned enough chances to have the match sewn up and the Ruts were thankful to be only 1-0 down at the break. The home side tightened up considerably in the second period and slowly came into the game. Tigerish midfielder Leon Trowbridge led the way by constantly breaking up Battersea attacks and allowing the Ruts to counter using the pace of strikers Lee Poulter and Simon Young, who were giving their markers all sorts of problems. On the hour mark it paid dividends when midfielder Steve Rowlands released Poulter down the inside-left channel, and he ran on to cooly lift the ball over the advancing 'keeper for 1-1. Battersea were still enjoying most of the possession, but they weren't creating many clear-cut chances and Shaw didn't have a difficult save to make, although his handling from crosses and the occasional long-range effort was impeccable. At the other end Jimmy Bolton hit the post with a cheeky corner and then swung over a cross which Kevin Richards headed goalwards, only to be denied by an excellent save. With 10 minutes left a Ruts counter-attack resulted in the winning goal. Rowlands again played in Poulter on the left, and although this time his shot was parried, Bolton was on hand to clinically drill home the rebound from 12 yards. They could have wrapped it up soon after when Steve Nicola harried the 'keeper into a poor clearance straight to Young, who saw his shot come back off the inside of the post, but it remained 2-1 to give the Ruts their first win in five matches. "It's crazy," said manager Howard Meredith after the game, "in the first half we played just long balls, but in the second we passed it well and scored two good goals."

Old Rutlishians 2-0 Sutton High
Scorers: Lee Poulter, Simon Young
12 January 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A goal apiece from strike duo Simon Young and Lee Poulter gave the Old Ruts a second successive win and kept alive their slim hopes of catching the leaders. In a tight first half, Sutton played plenty of neat football in the middle of the park but faltered in the final third, whereas the Ruts' more direct approach earned them a few opportunities. Poulter went close with a long range drive that fizzed just over, and Steve Nicola hit a smart left-foot volley that was well saved. The Ruts improved their passing after the break and took hold of the game. Darren Long headed a corner just wide before Poulter created the breakthrough on the hour. He beat his man brilliantly on the right touchline before playing in Young, who held off a defender and slotted in at the near post for a deserved 1-0 lead. Sutton tried to step up a gear but they found no way past a stubborn Ruts' defence well marshalled by Phil Rea. Keeper Steve Shaw didn't have a noteworthy save to make as the visitors struggled to create any clear chances. In fact it was Sutton's 'keeper who was kept the busier of the two. He was forced to make a superb stop after Young controlled Alan Whiter's through ball on his chest and unleashed a full-blooded volley which deserved a goal. And then he looked on in relief as Poulter headed Graham Berry's pin-point cross over from six-yards. The killer goal finally arrived ten minutes from time thanks to Nicola's persistence. He closed down a defender's attempted clearance and the ricochet ran perfectly for Poulter to smash home his fifth in five games and wrap up a good afternoon's work for the Ruts.

Croygas 2-1 Old Rutlishians
Scorer: Lee Poulter
19 January 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A terrible performance from the Old Ruts saw them slump to a surprise defeat against a Croygas side desperately fighting relegation. The match started according to form, with the Ruts on top and Croygas looking a little nervy. Striker Tom Goodwin almost scored after five minutes, his lob being plucked out of the air by the full-stretch Croygas 'keeper. The home side soon got into the match though, and should have gone ahead when their striker found himself clear, but Ruts 'keeper Steve Shaw stood firm and made an excellent block with his legs. Croygas then hit the post before Ruts centre-back Phil Rea showed good vision to launch a 50-yard ball into the path of top scorer Lee Poulter, who got there just before the onrushing 'keeper and diverted it into the net for 1-0. The Ruts should have gone on to dominate against their lowly hosts, but Croygas showed more determination and spirit than the Ruts throughout the match and this enabled them to pull level on the half-hour mark. A long goal-kick aided by a swirling wind bounced over Rea's head and the striker ran on to lob the advancing Shaw. Midfielder Leon Trowbridge could have put the Ruts back in front just before half-time when his 30-yard volley smacked the crossbar, but it was Croygas who got the important third goal with a good header straight after the break. This knocked the stuffing out of the Ruts and buoyed Croygas, who fought tooth and nail for every ball. Poulter almost equalised on 70 minutes after Goodwin put him in, but he rounded the 'keeper and shot over from a narrow angle. And ten minutes from time Poulter beat two men on the edge of the area and blasted a tremendous effort against the bar. This apart, the Ruts looked short of ideas and found no way past a stubborn Croygas defence. The home side almost scored on the break a couple of times as the Ruts pushed forward late on, but in the end the team that wanted the points more deservedly got them. "Some of the players need to take a serious look at themselves," fumed Ruts manager Howard Meredith.

Godstone 2-2 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Steve Nicola, Dave Cundy
9 February 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A torpedo-like header from centre-half Dave Cundy rescued a point for a depleted Old Ruts as they came from behind twice to force a draw at Godstone. Cundy dived in unchallenged to convert Scott Hawley's corner for an 80th minute equaliser and ensure a fair result as neither side did enough to win. If the Ruts' hadn't given away two soft goals they could have taken home all three points, but the story of their season continued as lapses at the back proved costly once again. Manager Howard Meredith was forced to pick eight men in his squad who started the season in the reserves as injuries and unavailabilities took their toll. But that was no excuse for going behind in only the second minute when 'keeper Steve Shaw - blinded by the low sun - let a weak header through his hands to gift Godstone a dream start. The Ruts responded well, and Tom Goodwin had a shot from just outside the area saved. Moments later a long-ball from sweeper Phil Rea caught the Godstone defence square and Ben Barber fired just over. The home side had chances too, most notably when their striker dragged a chance wide when clean through. But the Ruts levelled on the half hour mark when Steve Nicola played a one-two with Barber on the edge of the area before cutting inside the last defender and cleverly flicking the ball over the 'keeper as he dived at his feet. A melee in the Godstone area could have seen the Ruts go ahead soon after but the ball wouldn't sit kindly for Barber and the chance went begging. And just before half-time the home side went 2-1 up when the Ruts' defence failed to push up in unison and a surprised Godstone striker found himself unmarked and onside just outside the box before cooly rounding Shaw and tapping into an empty net. The second half became increasingly scrappy as the boggy surface deteriorated by the minute and the players struggled to cope with the energy-sapping pitch. As such there were few clear-cut chances, although Goodwin saw another low drive well parried. Godstone had a good penalty appeal harshly turned down, and the ref seemingly evened things up a minute later when the Ruts' pacy striker Simon Young was brought down when clean through and play was waved on to the amazement of all 22 players. After Cundy equalised with his first of the season there was still time for Shaw to make a brave smothering save as Godstone could have nicked it in added time, but the match ended all square. "We didn't deserve any more than a point," said a disappointed Meredith.

Accra 94 3-2 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Alan Whiter, Lee Poulter
16 February 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts gave unbeaten league leaders Accra an almighty scare with a committed, spirited performance, but were ultimately undone by two late goals. Leading 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining, the Ruts looked good for a morale-boosting Victory after just two wins in their last eight games, but strikes on 72 and 74 minutes allowed Accra to come back for a 3-2 win. The visitors came to defend deep and in numbers, intending to use the pace of strikers Lee Poulter and Ben Barber on the break, but in the opening 15 minutes they were overrun and could have been out of the match as Accra hit the woodwork twice and had a goal disallowed for offside. The Ruts soon settled and Poulter had a great chance when he raced clean through, only for the 'keeper to make a good block. In fact, despite Accra having the majority of possession and territory, it was the Ruts who carved out the best openings on the counter as Poulter was one-on-one against the 'keeper four times in the first half, but his efforts were all well saved. The home side made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark when their midfielder ran down the inside-left channel to hit a good shot into the top corner. The lead lasted only five minutes, though, as Alan Whiter received a good ball from Steve Rowlands and chipped the 'keeper from the edge of the box for 1-1, which was a fair scoreline given the number of clear-cut chances created. The second half continued with Accra dominating but finding it hard to penetrate a dogged defence, and the Ruts looking dangerous on the break. Barber sped down the right and put over an excellent cross which Poulter met with a diving header, but the 'keeper managed to throw out an arm and push it away. Poulter's luck finally changed on the hour when good running from Steve Nicola won a free-kick on the right. Craig Lyle's cross caused chaos in the Accra box and Poulter latched onto the loose ball to shoot home for 2-1. Accra swarmed forward looking for the equaliser, but wasted chances with some wayward finishing. The boggy pitch was starting to take its toll on the fitness of the hard-working Ruts, forced to chase hard and harry for most of the game, and Accra finally wore their opponents down and turned the match on its head with those late strikes. There was still time for Barber to force the 'keeper into yet another excellent save, and Whiter fired over as the Ruts tried to come back, but Accra were still dominant and Steve Shaw had to make a brave save to keep his side in it late on. Despite finishing up empty handed, the Ruts can take plenty of positives from this game and will rue the excellent display of the Accra 'keeper.

Old Rutlishians 1-4 Merton Town
Scorer: Lee Poulter
23 February 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts' poor form continued as they suffered their first home league defeat in two seasons, and are now languishing in mid-table obscurity as Merton Town keep up the pressure on the leading pack. Giving a side of Merton's quality a two goal lead inside 10 minutes is suicidal, but that's exactly what the Ruts did and although they battled well for the remainder of the match, it was always too high a mountain to climb. Midfielder Jeremy Capper almost reduced the arrears when his shot hit the underside of the bar and Lee Poulter headed the rebound over. But Poulter did pull it back to 2-1 on 55 minutes with his eighth goal in eight games, curling a 20-yard free-kick around the wall and into the bottom corner. At this stage the Ruts were dominating and looked likely to get an equaliser. Skipper Phil Rea went close on a couple of occasions, but as they committed more men forward Merton caught them on the break with two one-on-ones that left 'keeper Steve Shaw with no chance and gave the scoreline a rather flattering look. Merton deserved the Victory because they were clinical and took their chances, but Ruts manager Howard Meredith was far from happy with a few refereeing decisions, especially one incident in which a Merton defender was extremely lucky not to see red for a blatant professional foul. "I thought the ref had a poor game," he said, "although I don't want to use that as an excuse."

Old Rutlishians 4-2 Coney Hall
Scorers: Lee Poulter (3), Graham Berry
2 March 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A Lee Poulter hat-trick helped earn the Old Rutlishians their first win in five matches as they secured an impressive Victory over title-chasing Coney Hall. The Ruts were out of the blocks quickly and Alan Whiter's powerful strike skimmed the bar after just five minutes. Playing some good football, they soon got the goal they deserved when right wing-back Graham Berry ran on to Phil Rea's through ball and slid his shot past the 'keeper. Berry almost added a second when Steve Nicola swung over a teasing left-wing cross, but he was stretching to reach it and volleyed over from close-range. Coney were outplayed in the first-half and fell further behind on 35 minutes when Rea played in Poulter, who cut inside a defender and tucked home the rebound after his initial shot was saved. Craig Lyle then hit a long-range effort wide and Poulter blazed over after a superb pass from Berry, before Ruts' 'keeper Steve Shaw made a brilliant block to ensure his side went in at the break 2-0 up, parrying a powerful strike from a Coney forward. The second-period saw a spirited fight-back from Coney, who exerted plenty of pressure as they chased the game and pinned the Ruts in their own half. Throwing men forward, they pulled one back with a header on the hour and in the very next attack thought they had equalised, denied only by a last-ditch clearance off the line. The Ruts pulled themselves together and were looking dangerous on the break, trying to use Poulter's pace as Coney committed men forward for the equaliser. On 70 minutes the ploy worked when an unmarked Poulter finished off a break-away for 3-1, and ten minutes from time he completed his hat-trick with the goal of the game, beating two men on the left touchline and curling the ball in from an acute angle as the 'keeper advanced. Coney then netted a consolation penalty after a very debatable decision from a fussy referee who endeared himself to neither side on the day, but the Ruts ran out deserving 4-2 winners thanks in no small part to their excellent first-half performance.

Old Rutlishians 3-3 Ashtead
Scorers: Lee Poulter, Alan Whiter (2)
16 March 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

An excellent performance from the Old Ruts saw them take a point off title-chasing Ashtead, but it could have been even better had they not hit the woodwork four times in a match they deserved to win. The Ruts were on top from the first whistle and went ahead in the second minute. Leon Trowbridge's superb pass set up Lee Poulter for a left-foot volley which was too hot for the 'keeper to hold, and strike-partner Alan Whiter was following up to tap the rebound in. Five minutes later it was nearly 2-0 when Phil Rea's scorching drive came back off the post. Ashtead were rocking, but slowly got into the match and equalised on 20 minutes through a sharp turn and shot. The Ruts continued to press and Rea hit the post again, this time with a header, before Whiter turned smartly on the edge of the area and curled an effort against the bar just before half-time. Ashtead were fortunate to be level as the teams kicked off the second half, but within three minutes they had stolen ahead when slack marking allowed their midfielder a free header. The Ruts surged forward and continued to make chances. Rea found himself clean through, but fluffed his attempted chip over the outrushing 'keeper and the ball skidded harmlessly wide. Then Poulter was one-on-one with the 'keeper and after his initial effort was saved, he turned the rebound against the bar. At the other end Ashtead hit the bar themselves, but the equaliser finally came on 65 minutes when Steve Nicola swung over a dangerous cross and Whiter beat the 'keeper to the ball to nod in off the post for 2-2. Within a minute Ashtead re-took the lead through another simple header and the Ruts swarmed forward once more looking to pull level. They got their chance from the penalty spot five minutes from time when the ref spotted a handball, and Poulter stepped up to score his 28th goal of a prolific season. Midfielder Jeremy Capper was then sent off for a second-bookable offence after a late challenge, but it was the 10-men Ruts who went closest to nicking it in injury time when Rea's shot was deflected wide by a last-ditch tackle. So a point each from an entertaining game which showed that on their day the Ruts can match any team in the division, and bodes well for next season if they can repeat the same spirit and determination they displayed against high-flying Ashtead.

Sutton High 3-2 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Graham Berry, Alan Whiter
30 March 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Rutlishians' inconsistent season continued as they followed up an excellent display against title-chasing Ashtead with a woeful one at relegation-threatened Sutton High. They gifted Sutton all three of their goals, the first on 20 minutes when Steve Rowlands gave the ball away on the edge of his own area and a Sutton striker hit a rising drive over 'keeper Steve Shaw. The Ruts then got into it and equalised on the half-hour when Steve Nicola split the defence and Lee Poulter ran clean through. Although his shot was blocked and half-cleared, Phil Rea picked up the pieces in midfield and played in wing-back Graham Berry, who cut inside and shot home. For the rest of the half the Ruts were well on top and should have scored three or four, but Poulter was having an off-day up front and the score remained 1-1 at the break. With good football at a premium due to the rock-hard pitch and energy-sapping weather, the second half was a bit scrappy and all three goals came from the penalty spot. On the hour mark Rowlands was adjudged to have brought down his man and Sutton converted their first penalty for 2-1. Nicola then played in Poulter, but his lob went the wrong side of the post, and Poulter headed just wide after a good run and cross from Berry. With just ten minutes left, a surging run from Alan Whiter caused panic in the Sutton box and the ref did well to spot his shirt being pulled. Whiter picked himself up to make it 2-2 from the spot. The momentum was with the Ruts as they pushed for the win, but when Sutton broke in the 86th minute, Rowlands sealed an uncharacteristically nightmare performance when he hauled down his man in the box and the home side converted the penalty to win the game.

Merton Town 1-1 Old Rutlishians
Scorer: Lee Poulter
6 April 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

A dramatic equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game denied the Old Ruts a deserved Victory as they were forced to settle for a point at Merton. The referee blew for full-time as the Ruts were kicking off following Merton's injury time goal, which cancelled out Lee Poulter's first-half strike. Top-scorer Poulter had received Dave Cundy's pass in the 20th minute and cut inside from the right before despatching the ball into the net from a tight angle. On a blustery day and a rock hard pitch, it was hard for either team to play football and the match produced little goalmouth incident. Poulter could have wrapped the game up ten minutes from time when he spun on a sixpence, but missed his shot completely when a goal looked likely. So the Ruts notched up their eighth draw of the season, much to the disappointment of manager Howard Meredith: "We deserved to win overall," he said.

Warlingham 3-3 Old Rutlishians
Scorers: Phil Rea, Steve Nicola, Alan Whiter
13 April 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

An excellent second half performance saw the Old Ruts turn round a 0-3 halftime deficit and salvage a point against rock-bottom Warlingham. The hosts were fighting for their lives - knowing that anything less than a win would relegate them - and started far more determinedly than the Ruts, opening the scoring early on with a free header from a corner. On 20 minutes it was 2-0 as Warlingham broke quickly from a Ruts free kick to score, and ten minutes later a defensive mix up allowed the hosts to make it 3-0 and start dreaming of avoiding the dreaded drop. To make matters worse for the Ruts, 'keeper Steve Shaw was forced off at the interval with an injured ankle, meaning Craig Lyle had to deputise in goal and sub Steve Berry was handed his first team debut. A halftime rollicking from manager Howard Meredith saw the Ruts kick off the second period looking to salvage some pride, and in truth they dominated proceedings with Graham Berry in particular tormenting Warlingham down the right flank after a tactical reshuffle allowed him to push forward more. On the hour mark Phil Rea headed in a Matt Blomeley corner to start the fightback, and Warlingham started to get jittery. The Ruts then pulled it back to 2-3 when Blomeley intelligently headed Rea's deep cross across the face of goal for Steve Nicola to nod home from six yards. With just five minutes left, Alan Whiter chased a ball down the inside right channel and hooked a looping cross-cum-shot into the far corner of the net for a dramatic equaliser. Warlingham had a penalty appeal turned down in the closing stages, and Nicola fired a long range effort just over as both sides tried to win it, but a draw was a fair result even though it relegates Warlingham and keeps the Ruts firmly anchored in mid-table.

Old Rutlishians 3-3 Accra 94
Scorers: Tom Goodwin (2), Lee Poulter
20 April 2002	SSEC Intermediate Division One

The Old Ruts finished off their league campaign with a creditable draw against leaders Accra, despite having to field a severely depleted side. In fact, so many players were injured or unavailable that the Ruts had to call off their reserve match at the last minute, and the squad against Accra contained just five first team regulars and three players making their full first team debuts. With Accra looking for a win that would all but guarantee them the title, the patched-up Ruts were up against it and 'keeper Roland Heal had to make an outstanding block in the first minute. The visitors went on to totally dominate the early exchanges and a hammering looked on the cards as they quickly swept into a 2-0 lead. But the Ruts refused to buckle and on the half-hour mark right-back Steve Berry set off on a mazy run before slipping the ball into Lee Poulter's path, and the striker cooly slid home his 30th goal of the season. Gaining in confidence, the Ruts got into the match more, but just before the break Accra went 3-1 up from a direct free kick and looked likely to score more in the second half. They wasted some good openings though, and the Ruts made them pay on 70 minutes with a total fluke. Tom Goodwin launched a 40 yard long ball looking for Poulter, but got too much on it and the ball sailed over the embarrassed 'keeper and into the net. With Accra starting to lose their cool as they realised they may yet throw this one away, the Ruts pushed forward for the equaliser and it duly arrived with ten minutes left. A half-clearance fell to Steve Nicola on the edge of the area and his goalbound volley was diverted past the 'keeper by Goodwin. Poulter almost pulled off an amazing Victory in injury time when his free kick deflected off the wall, but the wrong-footed 'keeper recovered just in time to keep it out. So excellent spirit and a generous helping of luck combined to earn the Ruts a point which leaves them with a 6th place finish - not bad considering the injuries and 'draws snatched from the jaws of victory' which have blighted their season.