By Gavin Lennard

On September 1st 1990 Ruts manager Graham Clayton and yours truly were relatively trim 24 year olds and on that very day ORAFC played its first official game for some 58 years with Clayton notching a brace to secure a 2-0 win in a friendly. Roll forward 17 years to last Saturday and the same long serving duo were at the very same venue, marginally less youthful and trim than before and this time around Clayton was in the manager’s seat for this SIL(W) Premier Division opener.

In 2005/2006 the Ruts did the double over their opponents, whilst in 2006/2007 the tally was levelled with Ripley winning both league fixtures. Roll forward to 2007/08 and both teams expected another competitive match.

The early exchanges were end to end, a theme that was to be maintained for the duration. The OR’s enjoyed more of the quality possession, although Ripley had more of the clearer cut opportunities.

Within the first five minutes Ruts keeper Phil Lines was forced into making two timely blocks with his feet (which proved to be useful tools for him all afternoon!) On 12 minutes Paul Hull was clean through on the Ripley goal although his decision to carry the ball rather than shoot saw the opportunity pass.

On 16 minutes centre half Mike Lines did well to close down a Ripley defender in the corner and after gaining possession he dispatched a delightful far post cross to Richard Lines whose firm header was tipped over by the keeper for a corner.

Almost immediately Andy Flanagan made a fine block in the Ruts area to keep the scores level. The pinball movement continued with the next opening coming on 32 minutes. Mike Lines dwelled in possession for a moment and Ripley were clean through on goal. Fortunately twin brother Phil was alert to thwart a goal although the Ruts were fortunate to see the deflection hit the post and Mike Lines able to redeem himself with a swift clearance away.

On 38 minutes Paul Hull earned the Ruts a free kick on the edge of the Ripley box after he was floored whilst in possession. His resulting effort was punched clear and Nick Raggett’s follow up volley was blocked. Soon after an acute Creates effort went narrowly wide of the Ripley post.

In the final stages of the half Andy Flanagan delivered a quality cross which saw Richard Lines' back header go wide. Moments later Lines powered through the Ripley defence only to fire straight at the keeper. Somewhat surprisingly the interval arrived goalless.

The second period commenced in a similar fashion with the end to end theme continuing as both teams seeked to gain control. On 55 minutes the Ruts produced a concerted spell of pressure and forced a succession of corners and throw-ins in an attempt to break the deadlock.

Clayton replaced Luke Creates with Kevin Foster on 56 minutes and before Foster had settled Ripley saw a header blaze over the Ruts crossbar. On 59 minutes Ripley went through on goal and only alert keeping from Phil Lines saw him force the Ripley forward wide.

On 63 minutes Paul Hull forced another free kick on the edge of the Ripley box and Nick Raggett’s belter fizzed narrowly wide. Substitution number two saw debutant Matt Wonnacott replace Steve Berry and for five minutes the Ruts created several further good openings.

On approximately 75 minutes (I lost an accurate sense of time when I inadvertently hit the stop button on my Nokia Alex Ferguson) Richard and Mike Lines picked up cautions for dissent in the aftermath of the same incident which saw Paul Gorringe calm down an inflamed situation.

After 80 minutes skilful work from Andy Flanagan on the byline saw his pin-point cross converted by Hull. Unfortunately for the OR’s the Linesman judged the ball to have crossed the byline in the build up and the effort was nullified.

A few minor handbags were exchanged as the game edged towards its climax and a late Mike Lines challenge saw Mr Gorringe briefly touch his pocket. Pleasingly common sense prevailed and a relieved Lines was able to continue.

Clayton replaced the injured Andy Flanagan with promising youngster Ryan Stephens as chances at both ends remained in abundance.

Ripley’s best efforts during this spell saw a shot fire narrowly wide and Phil Lines somehow clear a loose ball following a save with two Ripley players breathing down his neck.

Paul Hull then went clean through on goal for the Ruts and his decision not to shoot saw an opportunity pass and a corner gained. A quick clearance saw the Ruts exposed two on two in defence and only the timely interception of Lawrence Ennis thwarted danger.

The pendulum swayed back towards the Ripley goal on 87 minutes when Richard Lines controlled the ball creating a delightful opening, but his long range strike went narrowly over.

Promptly back to the other end to see Phil Lines make another excellent block with his legs, although the two final efforts of the day saw young Ryan Stephens' well-hit volley blocked and a Richard Lines header blaze wide.

And so to the final whistle - a draw was a fair result given the exchanges. Referee Paul Gorringe had an excellent game which enabled the game to flow for long periods. It was a lively opening fixture with both clubs intent on obtaining three points rather than settling for one, although quite how the match remained goalless is a mystery!

With OR’s Fantasy Football not commencing until mid-October it was not necessary to nominate a single Man of the Match. Although Phil Lines, Steve Nash, Nick Raggett and Richard Lines narrowly edged their team mates to pick up the majority of the votes.

P.Lines, N.Marshall, M.Lines, A.Flanagan, L.Ennis, N.Raggett, S.Nash, S.Berry, L.Creates, R.Lines, P.Hull. Subs: K.Foster, R.Stephens, M.Wonnacott (all used)

- To see photos of this game, click here -

By Gavin Lennard

The hosts held the upper psychological hand going into this fixture as in seven previous meetings the Ruts had won just once, drawn once and suffered five defeats including a League Cup final, a League Cup semi final and an abandoned match due to adverse weather.

The customary early season availability issues prompted a few changes and was followed by the Saturday night news of the departure of one of the days starting line up (see the club news page).

With the pitch at the Wheatsheaf hidden by fairground attractions, the day was perfect’ly’ poised for the match ahead and the Ruts certainly came out of the starting blocks brightly.

After just three minutes a swift move involving half the team saw the OR’s move down the left flank and cross into the mixer. WHFC were unable to clear the ball from danger leaving Paul Hull to stroke home for the Ruts.

Ruts continued the fast momentum moving forward although the hosts had no intention of sitting back themselves and on seven minutes their player danced through a flat footed Ruts defence to level with Phil Lines completely exposed in the Ruts goal.

Almost from the restart a Marshall cross from the right was met by the head of Richard Lines who was unlucky to see his header skim the Woking bar.

Ruts second goal arrived on the 11th minute courtesy of a sublime Dave D’Rozario effort. D’Rozario was hot on the heels of two home defenders and whilst they decided whether to pass back to the keeper or to clear the ball D’Rozario pinched possession and placed a delightful lob over the advancing keeper to restore the Ruts lead.

The remainder of the period saw the OR’s hold the upper hand and create most of the chances from open play. WHFC’s biggest threats appeared to be from numerous set pieces around the OR’s penalty area.

With the interval looming Hull picked up the ball and went on a mazy cross-field run towards the Woking goal. With little chance of him passing he proceeded to bear towards goal and as he edged wide of goal the advancing keeper Shelley connected with him leaving the referee Dominic Spena pointing to the spot and offering the Ruts an excellent opportunity to give WHFC a taller order for the second period. Frustratingly for the Ruts, Steve Nash’s effort was saved by Shelley who did well to get right across goal to his right putting the ball out for a corner.

The second period was relatively even although the Ruts best efforts appeared to be long range with Mike Lines, Richard Lines and Nick Raggett all going close. Unfortunately Raggett got injured in the process of firing in his effort (probably because he used his left foot) and he was soon replaced by Kevin Foster.

Midway through the period Barney the Ruts linesman pointed his flag to the corner spot rather than for a goal kick which left the Ruts bemused (a polite way of putting it! Who’d be a club linesman eh Martin!?)

From the resulting corner the OR’s stood static and a Woking player levelled after rising unchallenged to make it 2–2.

Ruts replaced a tiring Paul Hull with Steve Berry as Clayton brought on fresh legs and shortly after Rag’s partner Nash picked up an injury and even the Beast temporarily limped although fortunately both managed to battle through to the end.

I briefly thought the game was destined to be a draw although both teams continued with their attempts to convert rather than concede.

Ruts universally adaptable dynamo Andy Flanagan then chose to complete the afternoon’s script himself by producing a truly stunning goal worthy of winning any game.

Flanagan picked up the ball from the left centre of midfield and edged the ball diagonally across field whilst teeing him self up for a right foot shot, and boy did it arrive! With 25 yards to go Flanagan unleashed a ‘venomous rasper’ which flew over the Woking keeper burying itself in the top of the hosts net. An excellent goal at any level.

Ruts played out time to secure the three points. This was a decent all round team performance epitomised by Dave D’Rozario who worked tirelessly alongside the Ruts equally forceful captain Richard Lines. D’Rozario’s workrate, skill and exquisite goal gained him the nod ahead of a few others – well done to everyone in breaking the two year duck.

I must confess to having a few head scratching moments from this match, the most baffling of which is how the referee saw fit to caution so many players.

P.Lines, N.Marshall, M.Hawley, L.Ennis, M.Lines, A.Flanagan, N.Raggett, S.Nash, P.Hull, D.D’Rozario, R.Lines – Subs S.Berry, K.Foster, T.McGuigan (not used)

By Gavin Lennard

Last season’s misdemeanors prevented Ruts manager Clayton from selecting Steve Nash, Nick Raggett, Mike Lines and Kevin Foster for this cup clash and Lawrence Ennis withdrew from the squad on Thursday evening after picking up a calf injury. Paul Hull’s departure left just seven of the previous week’s squad available for selection.

Pleasingly what followed was a polished and accomplished display that totally averted a potential ‘banana skin’ with the Ruts emphatically booking their place in the next round.

The return of their prodigal son Trigger up front was a pleasing sight and on 17 minutes he announced his return with good skill to fire home from an acute angle. Almost immediately the impressive Neil Whyte fired an unstoppable 30 yard shot past the despairing Unis keeper to make it 2-0.

Whyte was then clipped by a Unis defender in the area and received a yellow card for his troubles, rather than a penalty, as the impressive Mr Cooper was well positioned. The unfortunate Whyte had to accept his bewilderment.

Frustratingly on 25 minutes Trigger landed awkwardly and damaged his ankle, he managed to limp on for another 10 minutes before another shot proved one too many for his body and he was replaced by Scott Hawley.

D’Rozario had a good opportunity to add a third on the stroke of half time although his effort on this occasion was unusually off target.

So the second period left the OR’s with some work still to do and it arrived on the hour mark courtesy of a penalty. Dan Mahoney played an exquisite pass across field to Scott Hawley, Hawley’s cross was promptly handled in the area by a Unis defender and Mr Cooper pointed to the spot.

D’Rozario coolly converted from 12 yards to effectively kill the game off as a contest whilst Phil Lines remained a virtual pedestrian for much of the game back in the Ruts goal.

Scott Hawley went close with a terrific shot and the Unis goal remained under pretty much constant threat.

Goal number four was another Flanagan stunner which followed good build up play initially involving Hawley duo Marc and Scott with Scott’s cross cleverly controlled by Dan Mahoney into Flanagan’s path resulting in a ‘curling delight’ from 20 yards for Mr Flanagan which completed another great strike from him.

With 20 minutes to go the skilful James Bone replaced Neil Whyte (who’d tirelessly worked his socks off throughout).

Not content with solely being labeled as Phil Rea’s competitor as Housewives Favourite, Neil Marshall (the Ruts constantly tanned Player of the Year) claimed the weeniest of touches on a free kick which resulted in the ball hitting the back of the net to make it 5-0. Some say it was an own goal, although Marshall was Adam Ant the dandy Highwayman that it was his goal.

With the clock ticking away Richard Lines pulled a stunner from his sports locker and rifled a 40 yard screamer goalward, only for the steaming fingers of the Unis keeper and a sore crossbar to keep the ball at bay.

This was a solid team performance with every single player positively contributing to the cause. It was particularly pleasing to see everyone pass the ball swiftly around and also the improved fitness levels were evident.

Dan Mahoney deservedly won the OR’s Man of the Match award for his tireless box to box anchoring display in midfield which permitted his team mates greater freedom. As Berry and Creates haven’t had a mention – well done boys, you both did well!

The Ruts return to league action against Chiddingfold at Poplar Road next weekend with Clayton offered healthy selection headaches which can only ripple through the club benefiting all of the teams.

P.Lines, L.Creates, M.Hawley, R.Lines, N.Marshall, D.Mahoney. D.D’Rozario, S.Berry, A.Flanagan, L.Poulter, N.Whyte. Subs used: S.Hawley, J.Bone. Unused Sub: J.Strating

By Phil Rea

Some tough decisions were needed from the newly appointed first team coach in order to pick the first eleven for the Ruts second game of the season at Poplar Road.

The Gaffer had spent sleepless nights screwing up bits of paper and feeling guilty about what he was about to do. But its ok, The Television X 20 minute preview is not that bad and you never really see anything anyway.

No seriously, his big decision was should he stick with players that had filled the void and performed so well in the cup the previous week or should he bring back the regulars that had put on an impressive display against the tougher and most likely title challengers Woking & Horsell.

The answer lay in a mixture of the two and the line up was: Phil Lines in goal, Lawrence Ennis, Marc Hawley, Neil Marshall and Dan Mahoney across the back, Luke Creates, Nick Raggett, Steve Nash and Andy Flanagan filling the midfield with Dave D'Rozario and captain Richard Lines up front. To be fair it was an impressive starting eleven that had experience, strength, height and speed…

The bench was made up of Rea, Mick Lines and the returning Paul Hull. Many people had not realised Hully had actually left, others that knew were still in mourning, so it was a happy sight all round to see him come to his senses and pull on the blue and yellow kit once again.

As Hully knows well, the grass is not always greener, but that thankfully was not the case on Saturday as the Poplar Road pitch was lush and flat, a perfect playing surface for a team that like to play the ball around.

The Ruts started very well and we took full advantage of the smooth surface, passing the ball well, lots of one and two touches with some good movement, which boded well for the game ahead. It was clear after 10 minutes that the strength and fitness levels were higher than their opponents and it seemed a matter of who rather than when the Ruts were going to score.

Andy Flanagan seemed the most likely in the opening 10 minutes, his outrageous late winner against Woking a few weeks earlier has encouraged him to shoot from virtually anywhere and he almost scored again from 35 yards. The Chiddingfold keeper was keeping the visitors in the game. When Raggett had a point blank header saved from no more than three yards it almost felt like it could be one of those days.

Thankfully it was actually a good old fashioned long ball that opened the scoring. Luke Creates hoofed... sorry, struck a fantastic angled ball over the defence and it was a straight race between a stampeding Beast (Lines) The Portuguese pin up (D’Rozario) the Chiddingfold centre backs and the keeper. Now when a Wilder-Beast gathers pace, most other mammals steer clear, and it was surely this thunderous diversion by Lines that allowed the cheeky gazelle D’Rozario to nip in, beating all to the ball, skilfully rounding the stranded keeper and coolly slotting into an open goal. The new found pace of PPI was impressive and had he found this pace last year he would have surely got another five goals to add to his tally of 13.

The Ruts confidence was growing and the home team had a number of chances to double the lead, the best falling to new recruit Dan 'Hightower' Mahoney who narrowly headed wide from a corner. Danny P was opening a book on how many goals the Ruts would score, when out of the blue the unlikely break came for the visitors. A Chiddingfold player got free down the right and a weak cross fell to their lone striker who finished well.

This was completely against the run of play and heads could have fallen, but a team led by Richard Lines is surely made of sterner stuff and there was enough evidence from the previous 25 minutes to show that there was a good few goals left in the Old Ruts tank.

The Ruts regrouped very quickly - in fact it was less than a minute before the squad's youngest player Creates notched his very first goal for the first team in great fashion by smashing into the roof of the net a la Alan Morley.

It was 3-1 then 4-1 rather quickly with Raggett and Flanagan adding to the tally with very well taken goals. Andy scoring his 3rd goal in three games.

The game now was all but over and taking the sloppy goal scored by Chiddingfold aside it was a great first half performance with the whole team playing their part.

“So far so good” was told to the troops at half time by the Gaffer who was quietly pleased with his team's performance. He urged the players to continue in the same way and not take their foot off the pedal. “Teams to follow may not be as easy to break down and it is important to stay disciplined.”

An unchanged Ruts side went out for the second half and for the first ten minutes it was the visitors that seemed to have come out with something to prove. They were making more of a game of it, not necessarily by creating chances, but by working a little harder and talking a bit more to each other. To be fair the most they got was a few corners and a couple of half chances, and the Ruts superiority came through with some excellent assured passing through the defence from Ennis and through the midfield from Nash meant some really good chances were arising almost on every venture forward.

Neil 'Tantastic' Marshall was revelling in his favoured right back position. His hair looked good and his new face moisturiser was really diminishing those laughter lines around the eyes and he was also seeing a lot of the ball. Apparently the opponent he was marking mentioned to a team mate that he smelt good too. Things couldn’t get much better until his stylish one-two with D’Rozario that almost brought the goal of the game. He cheekily tried to side foot/chip the keeper from 30 yards, only to see the keeper get a finger to it and it tantalised the bar before going for a corner. His only regret was not waxing his legs this week to match his chest - it could have made the difference.

Dave D’Rozario was combining well with the midfield and his little deft touches and dummies were unlocking the defence and making for an entertaining match. It was his awareness that created the next goal. A ball heading for a goal kick was backheeled into Creates path in the box and a cool left foot shot into the corner made it 5-1.

“Change your mind” Hull, “Change your Wife” Rea and “Change your pants” Mike Lines were brought on to replace Nash, Raggett and Hawley with 20 minutes to play after it was decided that some players were tiring.

Further good work from Marshall on the right flank was rewarded with the Ruts 6th goal after his cross was dummied cleverly by D’Rozario and into Lines' path, which he duly dispatched with the grace of a rhino in ballet shoes.

Hully made it 7-1 after managing to appear to hover in the air for a while before poaching a header from a yard out - a happy return for a Ruts Legend who was fairly lucky to leave Poplar Road with his pants in one piece.

With the goals flying in and so many people on the scoresheet this week it bodes well for the season ahead. However, future opponents may not be as generous.

But an all-round good performance and definitely a side brimming with confidence. Bring on Eversley!!!!

Phil Lines, Lawrence Ennis, Marc Hawley, Neil Marshall, Dan Mahoney, Luke Creates, Nick Raggett, Steve Nash, Andy Flanagan, Dave D'Rozario, Richard Lines. Subs: Phil Rea, Mick Lines, Paul Hull (all used)

By Michael Lines

This week saw the Ruts try and keep the good sequence of results going as they travelled to Frimley Green to play Eversley and try and come home with three valuable points. They lined up: - P.Lines, Ennis, Mahoney, Marshall, Hawley, Raggett, Rea, Flanagan, Creates, R.Lines, D’Rozario, Subs: - Hull and M.Lines.

Only the one change from last week's thrashing and that was Phil ‘I had too many options so I'll just give the oppo the ball’ Rea coming in for in the injured Steve Nash.

The game started well and it was clear from the outset that surely it was only a matter of if not when the Ruts would make the breakthrough. Lots of possession but few chances early on, until a through ball sent Lines through one on one, only to see the shot drift agonizingly the wrong side of the post.

It was a case of keep knocking on the door and eventually their keeper would surely open it and not hold us out for much longer. This indeed was the case and a cross into the box was flicked on and despatched coolly at the back stick by Rags to give the Ruts the lead on the stroke of half time.

On a side note I'm pretty sure Phil ‘I can’t remember the last time I made a save’ Lines maybe touched the ball a handful of times, testimony to the sure defending in front of him (but still managed to step on his own toe whist fetching a ball out of the ferns and break it, he says).

Flanagan and Creates had the beating of their men and were always causing danger down the flanks. Only the one booking in the first period and that was the captain Lines going for the ball and catching their man with his trailing foot. Their supporters calling for blood was far fetched and a yellow was always going to be the worst punishment.

1-0 HT

Second half and the pitch was starting to show a bit of wear and tear but this didn’t stop the Ruts from playing the football we wanted and a second and decisive goal came from Phil Rea. A corner on the far side, Mahoney rises well and heads into the bottom corner, great goal from Dan but NO! Rea decides he’ll steal a goal and pokes it in from maybe half a yard.

More goals followed from D'Rozario and Rags as the game was finished as a contest. The home side barely put up a fight but did go clean through and Lines in goal pushed the striker well wide and the chance had gone. Hully came on for the captain R.Lines and D'Rozario was replaced by M.Lines with 20 minutes to play.

Creates continued his fine goal scoring run with a well taken finish to make it 5-0 and a foolish handball from the Eversley centre half give the Ruts a late spot kick. Up stepped Hully, but as Rags was on his hattrick he handed the ball over and Rags made no mistake with a very well struck penalty. 6-0 and job done!

A quick word about the official who was average at best, booked Marshall for BEING fouled and Mahoney for saying nothing! Frustration settled in with Eversley pretty quickly and a few late tackles were flying in, but we rose above it to record another great victory and everyone comes off happy and three points better off.

P.Lines, Ennis, Mahoney, Marshall, Hawley, Raggett, Rea, Flanagan, Creates, R.Lines, D’Rozario. Subs (both used): - Hull and M.Lines

By Dave D'Rozario

Old Ruts managed to squeeze past St Andrews to book their place in the second round of the Surrey Cup.

The Old Ruts line up was unchanged with P. Lines in goal and Marshall, Mahoney, Ennis and Hawley across the back. The midfield quartet consisted of Creates, Raggett, Rea and Flanagan with D'Rozario and R. Lines starting up front.

The Ruts started slowly and were almost undone in the first five minutes when hesitation in defence presented St Andrews with the first chance of the game - fortunately they did not convert the opportunity. The Ruts didn't take note of this early warning and within a couple of minutes St Andrews did take the lead when a long searching ball in behind the back four was not dealt with allowing the striker to nip between Ennis and Lines to poke home for 1-0.

This seemed to be the catalyst to wake the Ruts up and although the quality of the football remained below par, the effort and general commitment improved. On 25 minutes with their first meaningful attack of the game the Ruts drew level. A ball into the box found D'Rozario, who clipped it into the path of Raggett who struck sweetly first time into the bottom corner for 1-1.

Shortly after the equaliser the Ruts had a gilt edged chance to take the lead when an excellent set piece from Marshall found Rea unmarked eight yards from goal, but unfortunately Rea glanced his header wide.

However, on 35 minutes the Ruts did manage to take the lead when a long kick from Phil Lines found brother Richard Lines, who flicked the ball on perfectly into the path of D'Rozario who lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper - 1-2.

In fairness to St Andrews they rallied well and their heads didn't drop after going behind and the remainder of the first half was a competitive and even affair.

A positive half time chat saw Ruts manager Clayton ask his side to show better quality on the ball and a greater desire to win the right to play and compete with St Andrews.

Unfortunately, in spite of this the Ruts started the second half much like the first and were not winning enough first and second balls. This allowed the oppo the chance to get back into the game which they duly accepted 10 minutes into the second half. A sweeping move culminated with a cross field pass finding the right half unmarked. He controlled well and drilled his strike past Lines for 2-2.

With the game rapidly becoming a gritty cup tie with both sides battling for supremacy Clayton tried to freshen things up by replacing Creates with Strating down the right side of midfield.

With both sides defending well it became clear that the next goal could well be decisive. Fortunately for the Ruts the defining moment came on 77 minutes when we were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. A Raggett strike was deflected (HEAVILY !!!) into the top left corner - 2-3.

Shortly after the goal Corrigan came on to replace Hawley.

St Andrews continued to show great fighting spirit and had a very good chance to equalize late on, but excellent work by Lines thwarted the effort. In summary, it wasn't a classic performance by the Old Ruts but a battling performance which sees us through to the next round to face Tadworth. Phil Rea was awarded Man of the Match for his hard working performance!

P.Lines, Ennis, Mahoney, Marshall, Hawley, Raggett, Rea, Flanagan, Creates, R.Lines, D’Rozario. Subs (both used): - Corrigan and Strating

By Richard Lines

Old Ruts made it six wins out of the first seven games to remain unbeaten in the league and sit in third position with a game in hand over the top two after this game against Shottermill & Haslemere.

Mr Clayton had to make some last minute changes to the starting line up, recalling Mike Lines and Kevin Foster from the reserves to the starting eleven and bringing Neil Whyte and youngster Dwayne Mitchell into the squad.

This ground brought back a few bad memories after the farcical semi final against Shottermill last season which saw the Ruts lose and finish the game with eight men. Fortunately there was to be no repeat of that day and in a game that threatened to boil over on a number of occasions there was only one Shottermill player booked over the 90 minutes.

The Ruts started the brightest, knocking some decent passes around, but this didn't last more than five minutes and Shottermill showed they were not going to be dominated despite having some youngsters in the side.

Shottermill created the first real chance. After breaking into the box their forward looked odds on to score before Marc Hawley came from nowhere to slide in and deny a sure goal with a great last ditch tackle.

It was a busy start for the defence, with a couple of long balls bypassing the central midfield duo of Phil Rea and Nick Raggett who struggled at times to get into the game, but worked hard enough throughout, and putting the defence of Neil Marshall, Marc Hawley, Mike Lines and our own ultimate utility player Andy Flanagan lining up along side Mike in the centre of defence.

It was next down to Mike Lines to show how valuable having long legs is. With another goal bound looking effort from a Shottermill player, Mike managed to put the effort over the bar from less than a yard out saving the Ruts blushes.

Without playing particularly well, the Ruts were still in the game and playing some decent football in spells. Kevin Foster was getting plenty of the ball on the left wing and putting in some decent crosses for the front pairing of Rich Lines and Dave D'Rozario (Foster is off corners now though after putting three straight out for goal kicks).

The opening goal of the game came after some good work on the right wing by Luke Creates, who released D'Rozario who beat his man well and stood up his cross to the back post where captain Rich Lines rose above his marker and powered a textbook header into the bottom left corner past the helpless keeper.

Ruts second goal of the first half came from a clearance from the back. The ball was high in the air and with a Shottermill player thinking he had a free header Rich Lines rose above him to flick onto D'Rozario, who dragged the defender across then released Foster into the box who smartly finished past the oncoming keeper to give Ruts a 2-0 lead.

The majority of the first half was a good spirited affair between the two sides and the ref, with the main exception of the Shottermill midfield number 9, who maybe was not in a good mood because the tanning shop was closed Saturday morning. He was to pick up the only yellow of the game after a late tackle after losing out to Raggett in the centre.

After not seeing his side play the best football, Mr Clayton was not happy with the Ruts style of play and encouraged his team to play the football we know we can.

It wasn't long before the Ruts extended their lead to three after winning a corner, Mike Lines rising well at the back stick to head an effort goal bound, only for Foster to divert it off his chest past the defender on the post to claim his second of the match.

The Shottermill number 9 again was involved in an incident after kicking out at Rich Lines after Lines had gone past a Shottermill player on the byline.... no second booking came only to leave Lines thinking not so much Mysterious Girl but Mysterious decision as to why the Peter Andre look-a-like was still on the pitch.

It didn't matter in the end as the Ruts were starting to dominate all over the pitch. The central defence pairing of Mike and Andy were dealing with breaks from Shottermill attacks - Mike winning everything in the air and Flanagan clearing up behind him!

There were a few more chances for the Ruts before the fourth goal, in particular Rich Lines putting just over the bar from a corner and D'Rozario having a goal disallowed after some good work by Creates closing down the centre half and robbing him of possession in the six yard box, laying the ball back for D'Rozario only for the ref to say Creates had pulled back the defender. The defender shortly after admitting what everyone bar the ref had seen, that a Mysterious sniper (maybe number 9's Mysterious girl?) from the trees had actually taken him out and not the boy Creates.

Goal number four came with still 30 minutes to run on the clock. Marshall - who was having his usual sturdy game at right back - released Creates down the right by-line. Shottermill players thought it had gone out and stopped while Creates took the ball on and crossed into the box, only for a defender to smash it into his own net off his knee.

This was to be Creates last action of the game, making way for the youngster Dwayne Mitchell. He came on on the right and was straight into the action, linking well with Marshall and the front two. There were to be two further incidents in the game, maybe coming through frustration on the Shottermill side. Marshall was taken out well after the ball had gone which saw Marshall asking the question why, only again for perma-tan number 9 to feel the need to stick his greased locks in. The tackle and the reactions were not punished which surprised some.

Neil Whyte was on after replacing Rich Lines up front, who at 4-0 was resting a sore ankle. He was only on 10 minutes before he was subjected to a shocking late tackle from behind which saw him unable to carry on and the Ruts left wondering what the ref had seen for this to go unpunished, forcing the Ruts to play out the last ten minutes a man down.

Phil Lines in goal had been fairly quiet again, having just a few corners and crosses to deal with until a few minutes from time he made a great save flying across his goal to keep out a good header to keep his and his team's fourth clean sheet of the season.

Man of the Match went to Marc Hawley for his all round hard work and link play with Foster on the left. The Ruts will still look to improve their football and work hard in training before next week's game.

By Gavin Lennard

The Ruts went into this match on the back of an impressive results streak which hadn’t seen them lose since the beginning of August in their first pre-season friendly match and they were hoping to keep their recent goal glut going.

With a few known absentees already, Ruts manager Clayton was also hampered by the late withdrawals of Marc Hawley (who dropped a car jack on his foot on Friday!) and Luke Creates (his heavily pregnant fiancee’s birthday!!) A top tip Lukey Boy… yes, you will make El Pres a Grandad soon (thank you) but keep those trousers on boy and leave the Saturday afternoon slots free for football!

As a result of the changes Clayton decided to play 3-5-2 for the first time this season and as the game commenced it was clear the OR’s required time to adjust to this change. On 16 minutes Milford went ahead following a good flowing move on their left flank, culminating in their scorer despatching a classic effort beyond Phil Lines.

The majority of the first half saw the hosts play the better possession game and the visitors limited to less frequent strikes on goal. The exception being a sublime Trigger strike which the Milford keeper's despairing hand couldn’t keep out on the half hour mark, although the linesman's flag was already up for offside. The Ruts also had a reasonable penalty appeal turned down midway through the period.   Half time arrived with the visitors knowing they needed to greatly improve and they promptly did with both Poulter and D’Rozario going very close to levelling early on.

Trigger converted for the second time in the match with another rasper only to frustratingly see the waving flag once again. D’Rozario then turned a Milford defender inside out to create a clear opening although the fortunate flailing foot of the keeper kept the scoreline as it was.

The Ruts kept pressing and although their hatful of second half chances merited something it wasn’t forthcoming and the team will now be looking to commence a fresh winning run starting next weekend.

The OR’s MOTM award was a hard one to find this time around, although the Lines Twins both acquitted themselves well. Well done to Milford & Witley on their victory.

P.Lines, M.Lines, N.Marshall, L.Ennis, N.Raggett, P.Rea, D.D’Rozario, K.Foster, A.Flanagan, R.Lines, L.Poulter. Substitutes, S.Berry & D.Corrigan used, J.Allen unused

By Dan Mahoney

On a crisp autumn day, the Ruts were drawn to play an Ockham side struggling to compete in the division below.

With the pitch looking in excellent condition, the OR’s started rather slowly and gave Ockham reason to believe they might be able to compete. However, it became clear after a slack first 10 minutes that the Ruts were going to have far too much quality for the visitors.

After blowing out the week's cobwebs, the Ruts begun to get the ball down and play, especially down the left hand side with Marc Hawley and Kevin Foster combining smoothly on a number of occasions. It was good to see Hawley returning from injury with an assured display. However, the Ruts No 3 surely has to get in the gym after being put in the hoardings on more than one occasion by the burly number 10 for Ockham. Come on Marc, puff your chest out!

The inevitable first goal came about 15 minutes in and signified the start of a snowball. The impressive captain Richard Lines led from the front by powering a header past the Ockham keeper and settling any nerves that might have been lingering.

The Old Ruts defence looked solid throughout the game, including the incredibly composed Phil Lines who modelled his limited involvement on a young Fabien Barthez. The only couple of times that the visitors looked to threaten came when linesman Creates, who struggled to keep up with play throughout, waved play-on. Possibly Creates could have learnt from his linesman partner who kept a much tighter control on the game! Ennis managed to contain his anger at the officiating by getting the ball down and ensuring the team played from the back. This was well supported by Marshall, Hawley and the solid Mike Lines, who were all keen to be on the ball whenever possible.

Following the first goal, as expected, the Ruts begun to play their own brand of football which inevitably resulted in two more quick goals. The marauding Richard Lines ended up in a position bearing down on the keeper and his heavy touch took him past the oncoming keeper. It was surprising to see the usually honest Lines make a meal of faint touch and coax the referee into pointing at the spot. Dave D’Rozario stepped up and coolly doubled the lead.

Almost immediately, the tricky Kevin Foster made a strong run across the box to meet a good cut back with the top of his shin guard. 3-0.

The Ruts still found more than enough time to add to their lead before the break. After collecting a weak cross, the Ockham goalie presented Dave D’Rozario with a chance to scrape the ball out of his hands and he duly obliged. There was some debate as to whether the goal should be allowed, but the linesman on the far side wearing a fetching blue hat kept his flag by his side.

Andy Flanagan, who had been starved of the ball out on the right, managed to get in on the action before the half time whistle, slotting into the bottom right hand corner. 5-0 at the half.

Gaffer Clayton urged the Ruts to continue some of the good football that had developed throughout the first half and wanted the goal total to be doubled. One man that had very different ideas was the relentless Lee Poulter up top. Trigger was desperate to impress certain members of the crowd and had a selection of chances throughout the game, the majority created by himself. However, Trigger was unable to turn his good work into goals. The only times during the match that the Ockham keeper looked a force was when anything came in from the boot or head of messer Poulter. Trigger was even fouled for a certain penalty in the second half, but instead battled on only to have his shot saved off the line. At least we can give him the plaudits for honesty, unlike captain Lines and his first half ballerina effort in the box.

The OR’s second half display was not as fluent as the first half. The next breakthrough came once again through D’Rozario. A long ball over the top utilised Dave’s pace (?!) for him to skip past the keeper and push the ball as wide as possible, just to make the finish a good challenge for him. No problem.

Clayton freshened things up by bringing his loyal linesmen into the fray, with Mahoney and Creates added for creative influence?! It certainly worked, as Mahoney clipped / scuffed a ball into the box for D’Rozario to control, turn on a sixpence and smash home for his fourth. 7-0 to the Ruts.

Creates also had a strong impact on the game, with his pinpoint crossing never failing to find the Ockham goalkeeper's hands with excellent efficiency.

There was still time for one final substitution, goal hero D’Rozario being dragged off and an unrecognisable striker being brought into the fray. There were chants from the touchline such as ‘There’s only two Mickey Quinns’ but the new target man could not be identified.

All in all it was a decent performance from the Ruts against particularly weak opposition. Let's hope the momentum will roll into the big Surrey Cup fixture next week.

Incredibly, the MOM award went against the four goal hero D’Rozario and to captain Richard Lines. Lines, who did play very well, had the audacity to award himself the accolade with the final vote of the day.

By Kevin Foster

By Daragh Corrigan

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts produced a subdued performance and surrendered the lead twice as they drew 2-2 with Spelthorne.

The visitors started the brightest and could've taken the lead when Paul Hull dribbled the ball past the Spelthorne keeper - who'd come charging out of his area - to retain possesion on the byline. As the Spelthorne defenders raced to cover, Hull couldn't decide whether to shoot from an acute angle or cut the ball back, and by the time he tried to find Dave D'Rozario the chance was snuffed out.

At the other end Spelthorne were resorting to long balls which were mostly gobbled up by centre backs Lawrence Ennis or Neil Marshall, but on 15 minutes their left winger raced onto one and shot against the bar. Ennis got back well to block the rebound attempt.

Neither side was playing much attractive football on a bobbly pitch and it was no surprise that the breakthrough came via an aerial route. On 34 minutes Luke Creates sent over a perfect curling cross from the right which Hull deftly headed into the corner for 1-0.

The lead was shortlived as just four minutes later Spelthorne were level when their number 7 was given too much space outside the box and he shot low and hard in off the post.

Hull had another chance to score moments before the break but his heavy touch allowed the keeper to come out and smother and the chance was gone.

Manager Graham Clayton demanded more commitment and passion for the second half and the opening moments were certainly an improvement. The Ruts forced the pace and deservedly regained the lead on 50 minutes when Daragh Corrigan's corner was only half cleared to Marshall, who nodded in.

The Ruts were now in the ascendancy despite not playing anywhere near their capabilities, and a third would've killed off their opponents. D'Rozario had the perfect opportunity when he cut inside his man and shot from 12 yards, but the keeper was out smartly to block.

Then a free kick was delivered into the Spelthorne box and sub Billy Finnis headed goalwards, only for the keeper to get enough on it to divert it clear of danger.

On 65 minutes the complexion of the game changed when Ruts keeper Phil Lines injured his shin coming out to punch clear and had to go off. Richard Lines came on up front with Hull donning the keeper's jersey.

Spelthorne surprisingly didn't test Hull with any long range shots, but they slowly got back into the game as the Ruts maybe subconciously concentrated on defending their keeper and lead rather than going for a third goal.

On 75 minutes the hosts drew level when Hull was given no chance from 10 yards and the smart money was now on Spelthorne - with their tails up - going on to snatch a winner.

And they would have were it not for a terrific save from Hull with 10 minutes left. He plunged low to his right to turn a seemingly goalbound header wide that had the Spelthorne dugout on their feet screaming goal - then holding their heads in dismay as all they got was a corner.

There was still time for Hull to palm away a long shot as Spelthorne almost stole all three points, but a draw was a fair result, although the Ruts will rue not taking their chances at 2-1.

Corrigan just edged Hull as Man of the Match for a lively performance at left back and some excellent dead ball deliveries.

P.Lines, Creates, Corrigan, Marshall, Ennis, Raggett, Rea, Foster, Flanagan, Hull, D'Rozario. Subs (all used): Finnis, R.Lines, Nicola

By Andy Flanagan

By Gavin Lennard

By Gavin Lennard

By Richard Lines

P.Lines, Marshall, M.Hawley, Ennis, M.Lines, Raggett, Rea, Hull, Berry, D'Rozario, Poulter. Subs: Foster, Cousins, (Nicola not used)

By Gavin Lennard

By Gavin Lennard

By Gavin Lennard

By Gavin Lennard

By Gavin Lennard

Email conversation between El Pres and Hully six days after the match:

El Pres - Did you do the report mate?

Hully - Sorry I completely forgot, work is so hectic now I remember why I don't normally offer!!

El Pres - So will you knock one up today?

Hully - Can't at work mate, I’m too busy to be honest - sorry for saying I would.

So there you go folks and that is why our normally ever so reliable weekly match report hasn’t been done! Anyway, it’s a genuine oversight by our left footed colleague although he now owes me a very large alcoholic beverage post match tomorrow.

On this occasion Monday is a distant memory, Saturday even more so.
A week off for El Pres? No effing chance don’t you know.

Match report duty was assigned to Hully
Did he remember? No he forgot unfortunately.

Ruts were not firing on all cylinders last week,
Eversley were ‘up for it’ and a win they did seek.

D’Rozario converted on the stroke of half time,
A neat conversion from our striker sublime.

The visitors leveled with a goal – the details I cannot recall,
Does that matter? No, it’s academic as they’d made the score one all.

A share of the spoils looked to be on the table,
Until cue our super versatile wee man most able.

Man of the moment Supersub Flanagan received a ball most incisive,
His quick footwork and great shot were to prove all decisive.

A great effort from BIG Andy to notch the Ruts a vital win,
The excited Ruts support then caused quite a din.

Dave D’Rozario secured Ruts Man of the Match
Who said 'He’s in El Pres’s FF team is there a catch!?'

By Paul Hull

Old Ruts welcomed Shottermill & Haslemere who were just visiting Poplar Road on Saturday with the ORs looking to see how they mayfair and gain a further 3 points towards the title run in.

The afternoon started brightly enough as Phil 'HF' Rea commented during the warm up that Shottermill looked young, healthy and fit while the ORs all looked like they were carrying large community chests. HF was obviously quickly put in his place and it was in fact established that
he was speaking about himself!

The Ruts lined up with Phil Lines in goal, Lawrence Ennis, Mick Lines, Luke Creates and Marc Hawley in defence (despite the latter two being late due to neither of them getting the other one out of bed in time - nudge, nudge, wink, wink!)

Phil Rea, Nick Raggett, Andy Flanagan and Neil Marshall played across the middle. Dave D'Rozario partnered Paul Hull in attack whilst Paul Skinner and Daragh Corrigan completed the day's line up.

The pre-match talk from Clayton demanded a strong physical performance and to ensure the ORs played the football they know that they can.

Both teams started brightly and in the early stages it appeared that the ORs defence were in electric company as Shottermill's number 10 looked extremely lively.

This should have been the warning the ORs needed as after 20 minutes they found themselves 2-0 down and in a right picadilly. The first goal came from a fairly hopeful through ball which the Shottermill forward managed to latch onto. Phil Lines was left strand-ed trying to reach the ball first and he was beaten as the ball was coolly slotted home into the corner.

Moments later a good passing move from Shottermill found one of their players unmarked at the back post and he made no mistake to leave the ORs facing an uphill struggle.

The ORs dusted themselves down and tried to get themselves back into the game. The remainder of the half saw them camped in and around the Shottermill area but strikes from Hull, D'Rozario, Raggett and Hawley all whistled wide. Shottermill's defending and the ORs failure to create any
real clear cut chances meant they went in 2-0 down at half time.

Clayton got the ORs together and he felt that if they kept plugging away in the same fashion in the second half then the goals would surely follow.

The first 20 minutes of the second half continued in much the same vine as the previous 20 and Shottermill contiuned to defend well and frustrate the ORs. It was time for a tactical switch and Clayton decided to make a change to his fleet replacing Hawley with Corrigan. Creates switched to left back, Marshall to right back and Corrigan took up Marshall's place on the right wing.

Finally the angel that Clayton was praying to must have been listening as his prayers were answered with 20 minutes to go. The ORs mounting pressure had earned them a corner which Andy Flanagan superbly whipped directly into the top corner of the Shottermill goal - game on. Don't get me wrong, it was by no means time to pass go and collect £200, but the ORs had finally got themselves back into the match.

The ORs pressure told again with ten minutes left on the clock. Good work on the right between Raggett and Marshall gave Marshall the space to deliver a kings cross which Hull met with a bullet header to level the match.

Clayton now sensed blood and threw on Skinner to replace Creates for one last final throw of the dice!

The winning goal arrived with only a minute or two to spare. Raggett picked up the ball in midfield and drove at the Shottermill defence quickly playing a couple of one-two's with Hull. As Raggett entered the area the ball was cleared as far as Flanagan who calmly played the ORs get out of jail free card and drove the ball into the bottom corner to save the ORs for the second week running.

Andy Flanagan's two important goals earned him the Ruts M.O.T.M award.

P.Lines, Creates, Ennis, M.Lines, M.Hawley, Marshall, Raggett, Rea, Flanagan, Hull, D'Rozario. Subs (both used) Skinner, Corrigan

By Gavin Lennard

The OR’s 10th Intermediate County Cup expedition proved as fruitless as the previous nine with the Ruts continuing to be teased with hope yet ultimately tripping over, quite often at the quarter or semi final stages, which yet again is a slight pain as it bears no gifts other than a fixture backlog.

The frustration this time around was compounded by the knowledge that if we had actually put in a worthy performance we would have been good enough to win. However, the stark reality is that the hosts were the better team on the day.

Ironsides started brightly and their artillery appeared to largely consist of free-kicks and long launched throw-ins on their narrow pitch to cause problems for the OR’s defensively. However, the Ruts generally coped well for the first 25 minutes although they were limited to few openings themselves.

On 27 minutes Ironsides' lively right winger broke free and delivered a pin-point cross for a team mate to bury at the far post. This shook the Ruts into life and D’Rozario had a decent effort go agonisingly across goal soon after.

The equaliser did come on 32 minutes when a Raggett free kick wasn’t cleared and Mike Lines fired home a well struck volley across the area into the far bottom corner of the home goal.

Great, game back on... but lo and behold, within two minutes Ironsides were back in front. Phil Lines caught the ball and felt he was fouled which caused the ball to come loose and be tapped in from close range.

Was it a foul? I honestly don’t know as I was at the other end of the pitch with the sun in my eyes! What I do know is that the referee was far too easily influenced by the loudest shouters and this helped to sway the game’s pattern. (I must stress this is not sour grapes. I praise refs when they perform well and criticise them when they don’t!)

Straight back to the opposite end again for a Ruts free-kick 25 yards out. Mike Lines lifted the free kick towards the Battersea far post and Nick Raggett’s excellent timed run allowed him to glance past the despairing keeper to level for the Ruts.

This should have been the signal for the Ruts to become stronger and take the game to the hosts. Alas it was not to be as on the stroke of half time Ironsides were awarded a debatable penalty. I don’t think there was any dispute that a ‘ball to hand’ took place - some are awarded and some are not, the annoyance of this is that in my humble opinion the referee actually didn’t see the incident and went on the loudest shout. Anyway, that’s irrelevant now as we were 3–2 down as the half time whistle blew.

The second period saw the Ruts start quite well and there were a few periods here and there where their supporters were briefly teased with the thoughts of a leveller. This was not to be though - after the quick goal frenzy of the first period the spectators had been lulled into a false sense of expectation that more would follow. This simply didn’t occur as the half remained goalless and the hosts secured themselves a 3–2 victory, which to be honest on the overall balance of play was just about fair.

So the Surrey Cup dream is shelved for another year, leaving the Ruts free to concentrate on the League and League Cup semi-final in the months ahead.

P.Lines, Marshall, M.Lines, Rea, M.Hawley, Flanagan, Creates, Skinner, Raggett, D’Rozario, Hull. Subs: Poulter and Whyte (both used), Corrigan (not used)

By Gavin Lennard

The Ruts were rocked by the day’s news that team-mate Paul Skinner had been involved in a serious accident the night before, which puts things in perspective with regards to a simple football match.

From everyone at the OR’s we are thinking of you and wish you well Paul.

I’ll keep it very brief this week.

The OR’s opened well and proceeded to play decent football for much of the first half. Good work down the left side and a cross by Ennis was met by the head of Raggett to put the OR’s ahead and D’Rozario lifted the Ruts' second over the Shalford keeper to double the home lead.

Corrigan had efforts hit the bar and fly over as the Ruts created enough chances to build up a bigger lead. Shalford had other ideas though and on the stroke of half time reduced the arrears with a headed goal which evaded the Ruts defence. So despite creating many more openings, just one goal separated the teams at the break.

The Shalford keeper went off injured at the interval to seemingly give the Ruts an advantage, although early in the second half a miscalculated pass by keeper Phil Lines was gratefully seized upon by a Shalford striker who fired in the equaliser.

The