After an even first 45 minutes, the Old Ruts put in a superb second half performance to grab a deserved win.

The crucial goal came on 60 minutes, when Steve Nicola broke up a Croydon attack and fed the ball to James Bone, whose run and cross resulted in Darren Knott being held back as he went for the ball. Knott himself struck home the penalty.

Striker Simon Young was unlucky not to add to the Ruts tally as they continued to dominate, and with centre-backs Paul Beaumont and Piers Capper excelling in defence, the visitors comfortably held on for their second win in a row.

A solid display from the Old Ruts maintained their 100% start to the season.

Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, the visitors went in level at the break thanks to a good defensive performance marshalled by man-of-the-match Paul Beaumont.

After the restart a fine solo run and shot from winger James Bone put the Old Ruts in front, and striker Simon Young settled the match near the end following an incisive pass from Warren Donaldson.

Poor defending cost Old Ruts reserves their first defeat of the season as Coney Hall swept into a slightly flattering 3-0 half-time lead.

But if ever the cliche 'game of two halves' rang true it was in this match as the Ruts were completely dominant during the second period. Striker Billy Finnis and winger James Bone tore the home defence to shreds time and again, but just the finish was lacking. Eventually Darren Knott put over a superb cross for skipper Erol Yilmaz to head home, but the damage had already been done.

An outstanding display of attacking football from the Old Ruts was rewarded with nine goals at Greenside.

Simon Young and a Darren Knott penalty put the visitors two up within 30 minutes, and although Greenside soon pulled one back James Bone made it 3-1 before the break.

The second half was one-way traffic with Bone completing his hat-trick, Knott getting his second and Steve Nicola also adding a brace. Substitute Nick Bondeau scored the goal of the match with a sublime header from Knott's cross to keep the Ruts top of the table.

The Old Ruts joined the competition at the second stage following a bye and responded by knocking last year's runners-up out of the Surrey Junior Cup.

After a first-half of few chances the game burst into life following the break when Simon Young put the Ruts ahead and James Bone converted Steve Nicola's cross for 2-0. John Fisher Old Boys pulled one back, but striker Billy Finnis restored the two-goal advantage soon after.

Bone added a fourth for the Ruts before the visitors set up a thrilling finish by coming back to 4-3. Right-back Matt Crowley made a superb last-ditch tackle to prevent a John Fisher equaliser in the 90th minute, and the Ruts sealed a shock Victory thanks to Young's second of the match in injury time.

The Ruts came back from a nightmare start against Croygas to record another good Victory and stay top of the league.

Sloppy defending allowed the visitors to score after just 30 seconds and it wasn't until the 50th minute that Simon Young deservedly equalised with a splendid run and shot. Striker Billy Finnis notched his second in successive games to put the Ruts ahead on 70 minutes, before a lovely move involving Darren Knott, Nick Bondeau and Finnis was finished off by Young to seal the points late on.

The Old Ruts will be annoyed with themselves after twice letting the lead slip, but in the end were grateful to goalkeeper Steve Shaw for earning them a point.

Striker Simon Young opened the scoring on 20 minutes and although Colliers Wood equalised soon after, the Ruts went in 2-1 up at half-time when Young tapped in from close range. Shaw then made a string of fine saves as Colliers Wood had the better of the second period, but despite centre-half Steve Rowlands excelling at the back, Colliers Wood deservedly equalised 10 minutes from time.

With the first team's match called off, Old Ruts reserves were the focus of attention and responded by thumping Wandsworth to advance to the fourth round of the Surrey Junior Cup.

It took the Ruts 20 minutes to get going, though, by which time Wandsworth had punished static defending to take an early lead. However, Simon Young ran on to Paul Beaumont's through ball to equalise and man-of-the-match Steve Rowlands scored a superb solo effort on the stroke of half-time.

The home side dominated the second period, and strikes from James Bone, a Rowlands header and substitute Lee Poulter secured a comfortable Victory.

The Ruts progressed to the last 16 of the Surrey Junior Cup with a demolition job of Holmbury St Mary.

Billy Finnis started the rout after just 5 minutes when he slotted home Erol Yilmaz's through ball, before Darren Knott latched onto an incisive Steve Nicola pass to expertly chip the 'keeper. Finnis killed the game with his second goal soon after the break and left-back Pete Thomas went close when his 20-yarder hit the bar.

Nicola again played man-of-the-match Knott in after 70 minutes to make it 4-0 and substitute Nick Bondeau scored the fifth with just seconds remaining to complete an excellent team performance.

The Old Ruts had an uncomfortable ride on their way to the League Cup second round, but a solid second-half display saw them through.

It started well for the visitors, who were quickly 2-0 up through Darren Knott (penalty) and skipper Erol Yilmaz. But a determined Addington staged an amazing comeback to lead 3-2, and it needed Steve Nicola's exquisite lob on the stroke of half-time to equalise and settle the Ruts' nerves.

The second period was dominated by the Ruts and once Knott had put the Ruts 4-3 up Addington lost their composure and made some bad-tempered challenges. But the visitors refused to be provoked and sub James Bone scored late on to prevent a potential shock.

The Old Ruts progressed to the quarter-finals of the Surrey Junior Cup with a hard-earned win over a battling Surbiton side from a lower league.

Darren Knott continued his fine recent scoring form when he volleyed in on 15 minutes, but Surbiton deservedly drew level with a penalty late in the half.

The second period saw the Ruts improve slightly and re-take the lead through sub Steve Berry, who scored at the second attempt after being put clean through. Pete Thomas hit the bar with a magnificent 30-yard effort before Simon Young put the Ruts well in control with a cross-cum-shot that sailed past the startled 'keeper in the 70th minute.

A Graham Winter own goal late on had the Ruts fretting, but they withstood the pressure and staved off a potential shock. "It's the sign of a good team to win while playing below your best," said manager Erol Yilmaz.

A good team performance earned the Old Ruts their fifth win in a row as they swept aside relegation-troubled Ashtead.

In a lively opening period both skipper Erol Yilmaz and Pete Thomas hit the post for the Ruts, while 'keeper Steve Shaw was at his acrobatic best to tip Ashtead's only meaningful effort of the match round the post.

Centre-half Piers Capper headed the Ruts in front on 30 minutes, though, and the home side never looked in trouble from that moment on. Striker Simon Young then struck a superb volley from Craig Wellstead's flick early in the second-half to make it 2-0, and Ashtead were finally killed off when man-of-the-match Steve Rowlands received the ball from Craig Lyle and hammered an unstoppable 30-yarder into the top corner.

Old Ruts continued their good recent form by hammering Woodmansterne for their biggest win of the season.

Steve Nicola started the rout after 10 minutes when he swept home Simon Young's cross, before returning the compliment by sending Young clear to finish cooly at the near post. On the half hour mark Steve Rowlands ran onto Nicola's clever flick to volley home, before turning in Pete Thomas' corner moments later to make it 4-0, effectively ending the game as a contest and securing the three points.

Young completed his hat-trick with goals either side of half-time and Billy Finnis latched onto Alan Whiter's astute through ball to make it 7-0. The Ruts were running riot, and substitute Kevin Richards came off the bench to add a late hat-trick and complete a miserable afternoon for Woodmansterne.

The Ruts showed great character and determination to fight back from two goals down and win this entertaining League Cup tie.

Addington swept into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes, but an inspired display from top-scorer Simon Young brought the Ruts back into it as he reduced the arrears with a fine run and shot. Darren Knott then converted a penalty before Young seized on a defensive mistake to put the Ruts 3-2 up at the break.

Man-of-the-match Iain Worley was outstanding at the back as Addington applied plenty of pressure in the second half, but they deservedly equalised in the 65th minute. Steve Rowlands ran onto Pete Thomas' intelligent through-ball to put the Ruts 4-3 up ten minutes later, though, and 'keeper Steve Shaw then made three superb late saves to see the Ruts safely through to the quarter-finals.

The Old Ruts bowed out of the Surrey Junior Cup at the quarter-final stage when they were defeated by the leaders of the division above them.

St Andrews started the brightest and 'keeper Steve Shaw made two good saves to keep them at bay. But the Ruts got stronger as the half wore on and Simon Young had a shot cleared off the line.

The second half was one-way traffic as St Andrews piled on the pressure, but missed a glorious chance to take the lead when Shaw saved a penalty. The breakthrough was only a matter of time, though, and duly arrived on the hour. The Ruts then pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Young going close from Darren Knott's cross, but two late goals ended the Ruts' run of 7 consecutive Victories.

The Old Ruts crashed out of the League Cup at the quarter-final stage when they succumbed to a side from a higher division in a bad-tempered match.

The first-half was an even affair with striker Ben Barber a constant menace to the Hawker defence, but the hosts took the lead shortly before the break and never looked back.

A second goal after 60 minutes did for the Ruts, who couldn't force their way back into contention and ended up well-beaten, failing to score for the second match in a row.

The Ruts got back to winning ways and kept up their promotion push with a superb performance against Greenside.

Darren Knott opened the scoring when he tapped in Steve Rowland's cross and Iain Worley was then unlucky to see his header hit the bar. However, further strikes from Craig Wellstead and man-of-the-match James Bone gave the Ruts a 3-0 half-time lead.

Skipper Erol Yilmaz killed the game when he scored twice after the break, and substitute Nick Bondeau also helped himself to a couple. Steve Nicola then converted Knott's cross near the end to cement a good win.

The Old Ruts did everything but score in the first of this double-header against NPL consisting of 35 minutes each way.

Needing maximum points to close the gap on the league leaders, the Ruts laid seige to the opposition goal but found no way through. Nick Bondeau and Steve Nicola missed good chances, while Craig Wellstead hit the underside of the bar.

NPL were content to soak up the pressure and counter attack, a ploy which almost paid dividends when Ruts 'keeper Steve Shaw made a brave injury-time save to earn his side a point.

The Ruts suffered a dent to their title hopes when fate and poor refereeing conspired against them in the second match of the double-header.

Trailing to a goal from a hotly disputed free-kick, the Ruts were really up against it when left-back Steve Gathercole was harshly sent-off for foul language midway through the first-half. Although defender Iain Worley hooked home a rare goal to make it 1-1 at the break, an injury to Simon Young forced the Ruts to play the second half with nine men as they had used all their substitutions. NPL used the extra space to their advantage and scored twice more to run out comfortable winners.

The Old Ruts could only draw against a team they thrashed 10-0 in February after a poor performance.

It had started so well when Steve Rowlands converted a corner for an early lead, but the hosts, playing with 3 lively strikers, soon got into the match. They duly equalised after squandering a few chances, and went 2-1 up just before the break.

The second half was open and end-to-end, with winger James Bone guilty of missing an early chance when clean through. However, he made up for it with a fine run and cut back for skipper Erol Yilmaz to tuck away a deserved equaliser with just a few minutes left.

The Old Ruts emerged with a hard-earned point from this entertaining midweek clash.

Needing a Victory in pursuit of league leaders Colliers Wood, the Ruts started well but were soon pressed back by a determined Croygas side. As an even first-half was drawing to a close, Steve Nicola struck a magnificent 25-yard volley from a half-cleared corner to put the Ruts 1-0 up.

Striker Craig Wellstead was unlucky not to double the lead on 50 minutes with a sharp turn and shot, but it was the hosts who scored next after a free kick was poorly defended in the 65th minute. There were chances at both ends for the winner, Wellstead going close twice more and Croygas rattling 'keeper Steve Shaw's crossbar, but a draw was a fair result.

The Ruts kept up their title challenge with a good win in this bad-tempered affair.

Man-of-the-match Steve Nicola started the rout with a volley on 5 minutes and Darren Knott soon added another, but Addington scored shortly before the break to keep themselves in the game.

The second-period was controlled by the home team, who simply blew their opponents away. Nick Bondeau scored the third on the hour and further goals from Craig Lyle, Danny Poulter, Steve Rowlands and Nicola again sealed Victory.

Title-chasing Ruts secured a vital win with four goals in the last 15 minutes.

Played under atrocious conditions, the first-half was notable only for an incredible miss by Pete Thomas, who hit the post of an open goal from just two yards out.

Coney Hall took the lead just after the interval when the ball stopped dead in a puddle for the striker to lash home. The Ruts pushed for an equaliser, which arrived when Piers Capper tapped in the rebound after man-of-the-match Danny Poulter had struck the post. Capper headed his second soon after, and late strikes from Nick Bondeau and Alan Morley sealed the three points.

The Old Ruts set up a title-decider with league leaders Colliers Wood as they sealed promotion with a deserved win.

It started badly for the hosts though as they went a goal down after 15 minutes following poor marking from a corner. But the Ruts equalised soon after when Steve Nicola continued his fine recent run of form by volleying in his fifth goal in seven matches after a neat flick-on from Danny Poulter. Croydon began to get the upper hand and it needed a superb last-ditch tackle from Craig Lyle and a good save from 'keeper Steve Shaw to keep the scores level. However the Ruts scored against the run of play just before the break when Nick Bondeau crossed for Darren Knott to volley in off the post.

The second half was one-way traffic as the Ruts tore into their opponents creating chances at will. Nicola and subs Craig Wellstead and Alan Morley all went close before Bondeau unselfishly laid on a tap-in for Steve Rowlands to make it 3-1. Croydon notched a late consolation following a poor back-pass and could have levelled late on when Shaw superbly tipped a goalbound header onto the bar. But the Ruts held on and are now a point behind leaders Colliers Wood, who they meet in the last match of the season.

The Old Ruts snatched the Junior Division Two title from their opponents' grasp with this deserved Victory in the final match of the season.

Colliers Wood started the game one point ahead of the Ruts so only needed a draw, and on a baking day and rock-hard pitch good football and chances were at a premium.

But as an even first half drew to a close, Lee Poulter was flattened in the area by the onrushing 'keeper and Darren Knott kept a cool head to convert the penalty for the vital breakthrough.

After the break Colliers Wood pressed but the Ruts created the better opportunities. Danny Poulter went close after fine interplay with Nick Bondeau, and on the hour Lee Poulter was put clean through by Alan Whiter and he smashed the ball in for 2-0.

The Ruts looked comfortable from that point on and Steve Rowlands latched on to sub James Bone's pass in the 85th minute before exquisitely lobbing the 'keeper to cap a glorious afternoon for the Ruts.