Old Rutlishians Reserves opened their debut campaign in the Kingston & District League with a well earned victory at Repton.

Despite dominating the early exchanges the Ruts found themselves a goal down after 15 minutes.

But they battled back well and proceeded to dominate the rest of the half without equalising, although Paul Tuckey went close and Michael Lines saw an effort whistle just past the post.

The Ruts eventually got their reward ten minutes into the second half when Scott Hawley's cross sailed over the keeper and into the net.

And on 75 minutes the Ruts went 2-1 ahead when a good cross was converted by Paul Tuckey.

After that the Ruts held out for the win and a deserved three points.

Two goals in the last three minutes from Darren Rix saw Old Rutlishians turn no points into three as they snatched a last gasp victory.

Trailing 2-1 in the 88th minute, Rix met Mark Kerwick’s free kick with a solid header to level it up, before converting an injury time penalty to win the match just minutes later.

There was no hint of the drama to come early on though as the Ruts made a good start with Scott Hawley hitting the bar in the opening few minutes.

Andy Flanagan then put the Ruts ahead with a deflected free-kick which looped over the keeper on 20 minutes.

But they couldn’t add to that and paid the price when goals on 70 and 80 minutes saw Molesey take a 2-1 lead.

The hosts looked set for the win but reckoned without Rix’s late late show, and although manager Brian Kerwick was delighted with the victory he wasn’t as enthusiastic about the performance: “The lads badly underperformed today despite the win,” he said.

A second half penalty from Darren Rix won the game for Old Rutlishians although by then they should have been out of sight such was their domination.

Stoneleigh had their inspired keeper and his woodwork to thank for keeping them in it as the Ruts attacked at will.

However it took until the 40th minute for the breakthrough to come when Courtney Sennitt's shot was parried and Billy Finnis tucked home the rebound.

Just one minute later though and the visitors were level after a mistake in the Ruts defence.

The Ruts carried on attacking after the break and got their reward when Sennitt was dragged back in the area, allowing Rix to convert his second penalty in as many games.

And this time the Ruts held on to their lead and deservedly claimed the three points despite a late flurry from Stoneleigh.

A lacklustre display by Old Rutlishians saw them fall at the first hurdle of this season's Surrey Cup.

A mistake at the back allowed Kenley to score the only goal of the game on 55 minutes of an uneventful, frustrating match in which club skipper Darren Knott was one of the few to emerge with any credit. "I would like to thank Darren for his efforts," said disappointed Ruts manager Brian Kerwick, "and hope the younger players may gain from his attitude."

Old Rutlishians put last week's cup disappointment behind them with a blistering first half performance to thrash Kingston Albion.

The opening goal came on 20 minutes when Craig Lyle released Scott Hawley down the left and his pinpoint cross was met with a bullet header from Michael Lines.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Hawley followed up a parried shot and Hawley then set up Simon Hithersay for a neat finish on the half hour mark to leave Kingston reeling.

The points were effectively wrapped up just before halftime when Piers Capper seized upon a loose ball in the box and 'shinned' home number four.

A controlled performance in the second half saw the game out comfortably although Ruts keeper Phil Lines was forced to make one excellent save in particular.

Sub Ben Barber very nearly made it five late on when his long range free-kick hit the bar, but the four goals were more than enough to satisfy manager Brian Kerwick. "We played with the right attitude. It’s taken a few weeks but we've moulded a terrific team and really saw the results of that today."

Old Rutlishians had to settle for a point despite scoring early on and dominating most of this match.

Charlie Sargent put the Ruts on their way after good work from Scott Hawley and Paul Tuckey created an opening for him and the Ruts proceeded to squander chance after chance as they tried to kill the game.

Tuckey had a couple of good efforts saved and Andy Flanagan saw his long range strike tipped onto the bar by Hersham’s keeper, who had an excellent game to keep his side in with a shout.

And it paid off on 87 minutes when Hersham grabbed an equaliser against the run of play to end the Ruts 100% league record.

Old Rutlishians were forced to settle for a point as the strong wind turned this match into the proverbial game of two halves.

Kicking into the wind the Ruts struggled and were bombarded by Hook for the opening 20 minutes. The pressure told when Hook took the lead and then forced Mark Kerwick to clear off the line.

But on the half hour Billy Finnis equalised with an excellent shot that curled into the net to ensure the game was tied going into the break.

With the strong wind now at their backs the Ruts created plenty of chances in the second half as they pressed forward.

Michael Lines hit the bar and Charlie Shearing had a goal harshly disallowed.

But it was not all one way traffic as Hook threatened on the break forcing keeper Roland Heal into a fine one on one save and Craig Lyle to clear off his own line.

Joe Horwood then put a good chance wide after the keeper parried a shot into his path but try as they might the Ruts could not force the winner.

“We were unfortunate not to win after that good second half performance,” said manager Brian Kerwick, “and I was very pleased with the two youngsters Charlie Shearing and Joe Horwood.”

Old Rutlishians were held by a team they hammered 4-0 just three weeks ago as they missed a chance to go top of the table.

It looked like a case of déjà vu though as the Ruts settled into their stride and established a 2-0 lead. Michael Lines headed in a corner at the end of the first half before Billy Finnis scored a replica goal on the hour.

The Ruts deserved to be ahead as Darren Rix struck the underside of the bar in the first half and Andy Flanagan also hit the woodwork.

But Kingston Albion dragged themselves back into it with two quick goals on 70 and 75 minutes to make it 2-2, although Ruts keeper Craig Lyle looked to have been fouled as he was bundled into the net with the ball for the equaliser.

The Ruts had a last gasp chance to win it when Simon Young raced clear only to see his shot beat the keeper and rebound off the post, leaving a frustrated Ruts side to reflect on two points dropped.

Old Rutlishians turned in a good performance to blow away Esher United and secure their first win in four games.

Billy Finnis scored an early goal to get them started and after 20 minutes it was 2-0. Scott Hawley’s free kick was flicked on by Darren Rix and Steve Berry was on hand to volley home.

The match was all but over after half an hour when Michael Lines scored a superb goal to make it 3-0. A half-cleared free kick came out to him on the edge of the area and he rifled in an unstoppable volley off the post.

The Ruts made more chances after the break as their dominance continued, but could only add one more goal as Esher’s keeper had an excellent game, saving from Berry, Rix and Finnis.

Rix finally managed to beat him though when he swivelled and hit a shot in off the underside the bar to seal an excellent 4-0 away victory.

“I was delighted to see us playing the way we should be,” said manager Brian Kerwick.

Old Rutlishians overcame a team from the Division above them to advance to the third round of the League Cup.

Despite the atrocious conditions the first half was well contested and both teams played good football, creating a few chances each.

But it was the Ruts who made the breakthrough when a corner was deflected goalwards by a Kingston defender and Charlie Sargent got the faintest of touches to claim the goal.

The Ruts held on to their lead into the break, but early in the second half Kingston won a corner and poor marking allowed a free header to make it 1-1.

The Ruts then upped their game and really started to impose themselves and wear down their opponents. It was from another Ruts corner that Darren Rix made it 2-1, latching on to Piers Capper’s near post flick-on to crash home a header.

The Ruts thought they had won it until Ruts keeper Phil Lines made a great save from a shot late on but the rebound was tapped home by the forward for 2-2.

There was still time for Rix to have a long range shot which came back off the bar and then a canny substitution by manager Brian Kerwick introduced James Bone into the fray and he twisted, turned a defender on the edge of the box and rifled home a last minute winner.

”That was the best football we have played this season,” said delighted manager Kerwick.

Old Rutlishians produced a tremendous performance to see off Premier Division Walton Athletic and advance to the semi-finals of the Teck Senior Cup.

The Ruts started as underdogs given that they play in the division below their visitors, but the first half was evenly balanced until a bad mistake in the home defence allowed Walton to take the lead on 40 minutes.

The Ruts upped their game after the break as they searched for the equaliser. It was a while coming but on 86 minutes Mark Kerwick launched a searching through ball towards James Bone and the pacy striker nipped in to nod past the keeper and take the tie into extra time.

And Bone was in the right place at the right time on 98 minutes when he stabbed home a loose ball following a corner.

Despite their tiring limbs the Ruts held on for the win much to the delight of manager Brian Kerwick: “The lads were a credit to Old Ruts football club today,” he said. “I want to congratulate all the players on an outstanding performance, with special mention for Graham Winter.”

Old Rutlishians leapt back to the top of KDFL Division One with a win over basement team Esher United.

Playing on a muddy pitch with the wind gale force at times and the rain pouring down, the Ruts won the toss and played into the bad weather for the first half.

They played some good football at times considering the elements and carved out a few chances. Steve Berry drove to the byline before cutting the ball back for James Bone to strike home, only for a dubious offside call to rule it out even though the ref had initially given the goal.

With the wind at their backs Esher were pressurising but the Ruts held out well to reach halftime scoreless.

Kicking with the wind after the break it was only a matter of time before the Ruts broke down Esher. The first goal came on 55 minutes with Bone latching onto a loose ball in the area to slot home.

It was then a case of Esher holding on as the Ruts dominated only to miss chance after chance. Billy Finnis hit the bar and scooped over from close range before making amends on 80 minutes when he chipped in.

Esher made it 2-1 five minutes from time though and it looked like the Ruts profligacy may cost them.

But Bone then scored more or less from the corner flag with a cross cum shot which caught the wind and fooled the keeper by going straight into the top of the net to give the scoreline a more realistic look.

So the Ruts can reflect on a good three points although they need to improve their finishing after Christmas to keep hold of top spot.

Old Rutlishians grabbed a point with a Steve Rowlands equaliser ten minutes from time, but will feel disappointed they didn’t win after playing against ten men for much of the game.

Despite having to field a weakened team the Ruts were gifted an advantage when Merton Social had a player sent off after just ten minutes.

But while trying to make this count the Ruts were caught on the break and - despite looking suspiciously offside - the Merton forward scored to put the ten men 1-0 up.

The Ruts then played with three up front and applied plenty of pressure as they looked for the equaliser.

Rowlands had a scoring header harshly ruled out for a push as the Ruts made and missed plenty of chances.

Then Steve Berry thought he’d scored with a header that clearly trickled over the line, but a defender ran back and scooped it out and the ref didn’t give the goal to the disbelief of the Ruts.

Scott Hawley was unlucky with a good shot which the keeper saved well, but the pressure finally told when Craig Lyle chipped the ball into the area, Darren Rix flicked it on and Rowlands lobbed in from 12 yards.

Old Rutlishians set up a League Cup semi final with Robin Hood after recording a hard-fought victory over Kingston Albion.

The first half was littered with missed chances as both sides failed to take charge of the game and it was goalless at the interval.

The Ruts drew first blood on the hour when a cross was flicked on by Michael Lines and Steve Rowlands powered his header home for 1-0.

But the home side were level 10 minutes later thanks to a smartly taken breakaway goal. This buoyed Kingston Albion and for five minutes they laid siege to the Ruts goal looking for another.

The Ruts rode out the storm though and were rewarded with the winner eight minutes from time when Rowlands again headed in, this time from Craig Lyle’s cross.

With Andy Flanagan again impressing in the centre of midfield the Ruts comfortably killed the last few minutes much to the delight of manager Brian Kerwick. “We may have got through this keenly contested cup match but we’ve won nothing yet,” he warned.

League leaders Old Rutlishians emerged triumphant in this first versus third league match that was always going to be a crucial result for either team.

After a lengthy delay to the kick off it was Stoneleigh who started brightest and were applying all the early pressure. It was like the Ruts were still asleep, and this told when Stoneleigh capitalised on confusion between the Ruts defence and goalkeeper to score a simple tap in.

This wake up call was needed and the Ruts retaliated on 30 minutes when Marc Hawley latched onto a flicked on header from a long throw to nod home. Seven minutes later neat play in the box led to Steve Rowlands side footing past the oncoming keeper to amazingly take the Ruts into a 2-1 half time lead considering their poor performance thus far.

The second half started with Stoneleigh levelling within the first five minutes after a defensive clearance took a huge deflection off another Ruts player to fall back into the path of the oncoming striker to side foot in.

The Ruts kept their heads up though and finally took control, dominating for the next 30 minutes with good football and being rewarded with two goals from Billy Finnis. One was a tap in from a goalmouth scramble on the hour and the other was a cooly placed shot from the edge of the box on 65 minutes for 4-2.

The Ruts had a couple of late scares from expected pressure and were unlucky not to be awarded a last minute penalty when Charlie Sargent was brought down. But this did not matter as the result was most important and the Ruts stay top of Division One.

Manager Brian Kerwick said: "I was delighted with result but will probably need a heart transplant after what the lads put me through today."

Old Rutlishians maintained their tremendous league form as they made it 13 matches without defeat with this hard earned draw.

The game kicked off with the Ruts controlling things and playing some good football. This nearly led to a goal when Billy Finnis latched onto a good through ball following some neat passing only to see his shot come back off the bar.

The Ruts seemed to relax too much then and allowed Molesey to come back into it. The rest of the first half saw both teams creating a few chances but the defences held firm.

Molesey resumed the stronger after the interval and their pressure told when they converted a header from a corner on 55 minutes. It looked as if the Ruts for some reason had nothing left to get back into it, but somehow they stepped up a gear and took the game to the visitors, and during this good spell Finnis shot home to make it 1-1 with 15 minutes left.

Molesey seemed to be tiring now and the Ruts sensed the chance to steal the win but were denied again by the bar following a dipping shot from Joe Finnis and some good saves from the Molesey keeper.

Ruts themselves still had to be careful and special mention should go to keeper Phil Lines who pulled off some outstanding saves during the game to keep Molesey at bay and preserve that unbeaten run.

Old Rutlishians produced a gritty win to be proud of in cold and windy conditions to reach the final of the Teck Senior Cup.

Right from the off Kingston threw everything at the Ruts who soaked up 25 minutes of pressure with dogged defending and all round team heroics.

The Ruts finally decided to up a gear and produced a sweeping move followed by some silky skills from James Bone down the left wing, who then fired in a perfect cross for Steve Rowlands to meet at full pace and crash home his header on 35 minutes. It was a killer blow for Kingston who had much of the play but still went in a goal down at the break.

In the second half the Ruts were more confident and exerted themselves more. They carved out four more good chances and should have put the game out of reach, but while it was still 1-0 anything could happen.

Ruts keeper Phil Lines had to make two superb saves to preserve the lead, but other than that the Ruts managed to see out the game and survived the usual last 10 minutes onslaught.

A delighted manager Brian Kerwick said the team deserved to be in the final not necessarily on today’s performance, but overall: “What we did show today was that we can fight and battle if that is what the game dictates,” he said.

Rob Goldsmith scored his first ever goal for Old Rutlishians, but that was the only bright spot as they crashed out of the League Cup at the semi final stage.

The Ruts started well but fell behind after 30 minutes to a fine finish from the edge of the area. However they were back on level terms within five minutes as Goldsmith volleyed home a half cleared corner from 20 yards.

The Ruts started the second half poorly with sloppy passing giving Robin Hood the initiative and they were duly punished, falling 2-1 behind.

Robin Hood then turned the screw by making it 3-1 despite the scorer looking well offside.

With ten minutes remaining the Ruts pushed forward and should have been awarded a penalty, but the ref awarded a free-kick outside the area instead.

Then the Ruts were caught out again by not playing the simple ball and a Robin Hood midfielder ran from deep to make it 4-1 late in the game, a scoreline that was a little harsh on the Ruts.

A pulsating game at Poplar Road ended favourably for league leaders Old Rutlishians with a good victory over a resolute Merton outfit.

Merton started fast, creating problems for the Ruts from the kick off and it was no surprise when they took the lead on five minutes after some neat football.

The Ruts equalised just five minutes later when Darren Rix rose to glance home a header from a well taken corner.

With both teams continuing at a fast pace, Steve Berry challenged the keeper for a long free kick from Craig Lyle and Steve Rowlands was on hand to slot home the loose ball from six yards for 2-1.

Another free kick on 35 minutes saw the Ruts extend their lead as Stuart Hawley cooly curled home an absolute 'wonder goal' from 30 yards into the bottom corner for one of the best strikes to grace Poplar Road this season.

As soon as play resumed though the flood gates opened - quite literally. A crazy downpour made the surface slippery allowing Merton to reduce the deficit to 3-2 with a fine move capped by a good strike on the stroke of half time.

The Ruts rallied after the interval and took immediate control as Marc Hawley found room to twice test Merton's keeper with fine shots that were turned over.

Berry, who had a cracking game, was all over the Merton back four like a rash, giving them little time to dwell on the ball and giving the Ruts further impetus to dominate.

With half an hour remaining substitute Rob Goldsmith entered the fray and started to dictate the tempo of passing and play down the Ruts right. His trickery brought a fine shot parried into the path of Marc Hawley who slotted home for 4-2.

The Ruts appeared to have extended their lead even further when a Rowlands header beat the keeper and looked to have crossed the line, but it was cleared by a Merton defender and as the ref waved play on Merton broke quickly and scored.

Jeremy Capper - who was dominant in the air all afternoon - pinned Merton back and Billy Finnis ran on to a good through ball to tuck away number five and cap a solid team performance.

A damp Brian Kerwick was happy with the three points: "The determination shown by the players today was excellent," he said.

Old Rutlishians let a two goal lead slip to surrender advantage to rivals Robin Hood in the KDFL Division One title chase.

The Ruts are now seven points clear but Robin Hood have three games in hand, although the two teams have to yet to play each other in the league this season so it is still very much in the balance.

It was a competitive Hook side playing well above their league position who dented the Ruts title ambitions as they took a deserved lead after only five minutes.

The Ruts were level though when Steve Rowlands glanced home a long Craig Lyle free kick.

Despite Hook enjoying the majority of possession the Ruts went 2-1 up after neat footwork from Billy Finnis on the edge of the box, who finished well with a curler into the top corner.

And it was 3-1 thanks to a fine Paul Tuckey volley from the edge of box following a half-cleared corner.

The second half was a nightmare for the Ruts as they collapsed, allowing Hook to draw level and nearly steal victory towards the end with keeper Phil Lines having to bail the Ruts out.

League leaders Old Rutlishians ensured promotion with this victory that leaves Robin Hood as the only team who can possibly catch them.

The game was a hard fought affair played in very windy and rainy conditions and the Ruts chose to play into the wind first half. Obviously there was much pressure to be soaked up and that was the idea, to get it out of the way in the first half.

With promotion within their grasp the Ruts were fighting and chances were going to be rare. In fact there were only two and both fell to Billy Finnis (on 25 and 35 minutes) and the livewire striker tucked them away superbly.

But on the stroke of half time Repton piled the big guns forward for a long throw which seemed to be their only weapon. This time though the Ruts failed to win the initial header and the flick on was knocked in by an oncoming attacker.

The second half saw the Ruts dominate with the wind behind them but they could not add to their narrow lead. Repton resorted to some dirty tackles and got a few players booked, but the Ruts did not rise to this.

After a few last minute scares which helped to take another five years off manager Brian Kerwick the final whistle blew and the Ruts could celebrate promotion.

Old Rutlishians fell short on the first leg of their double attempt as they went down to rivals Robin Hood.

The match started with both teams playing cautiously and looking a bit nervous. Robin Hood seemed to get into their stride quicker creating the early openings and producing some good saves from Phil Lines.

The Ruts then created a couple of openings, the best of which saw a fine save from a Steve Berry shot.

But Robin Hood broke the deadlock on 20 minutes when Piers Capper appeared to be fouled but play carried on which allowed Robin Hood to play a simple ball into the box to be knocked in.

The second goal followed soon after as the Ruts seemed to be rocked by that poor decision. A corner resulted in an easy header being converted when the defence failed to pick up the runners.

The Ruts held it together until half time and came out fighting in the second half. On the hour mark sub James Bone was introduced and immediately won the Ruts a penalty when he was fouled after some neat dribbling in the box. Captain Darren Rix stepped up with all the pressure on him to coolly smash the ball into the right corner giving the keeper not a prayer!

For the next ten minutes the Ruts looked like the only team to score, but then a nothing ball was played up front by Robin Hood which Capper failed to clear and Robin Hood were in. They nearly missed this golden opportunity when Rix somehow cleared off the line but the rebound fell kindly to a forward to tap in for 3-1 and more or less end the final.

The last 15 minutes were played out with no more action to speak of, but the Ruts still have the league to go for.

Old Rutlishians avenged their Teck Cup final defeat the day before by beating Robin Hood to set up a title decider on Wednesday.

The Ruts now only need a point in their last match of the season (against Robin Hood again) to prevent their opponents catching them at the top of KDFL Division One.

Alan Whiter set the Ruts on their way with a goal after 25 minutes as they dominated the first half, with Robin Hood paying the price for choosing to leave a few key players on the bench after the exertions of the cup final.

Rob Goldsmith then had a chance to make it 2-0 but saw his lob fall just wide.

Moments before halftime right-back Steve Berry went on a bucaneering run that set Andy Flanagan free and his low pass across the area was cooly converted by Michael Lines to give the Ruts a healthy lead to defend after the break.

The game was more even in the second half but the Ruts still created the better chances. Stuart Hawley scraped the bar with a long range effort before Robin Hood set up a frantic last 15 minutes when they pulled a goal back.

There were still chances to be had on the break for the Ruts and Courtney Sewitt went close with an audacious 40 yard effort that smacked off the bar and Whiter somehow blazed the rebound wide of the open goal.

No matter as the Ruts held on for this crucial win that puts them in the box seat as far as the title race goes.

Two goals in the last five minutes saw Old Rutlishians win KDFL Division One in dramatic fashion.

Trailing 2-1 after 85 minutes and needing a point to secure the championship, Ruts substitute James Bone swung over a cross that Billy Finnis converted for 2-2. And with Robin Hood pushing forward looking for a late winner that would have won them the title, Bone dribbled past two men and neatly slotted an injury time winner to seal a 3-2 victory.

Such excitement looked a long way off early on as the Ruts dominated the first half and looked as though they’d be comfortable winners.

Alan Whiter shot narrowly wide before Michael Lines met a long free kick with a stunning 20 yard volley on 25 minutes to put the Ruts ahead.

But the game turned moments before the break when a mix up in the defence allowed Robin Hood to equalise.

This visibly lifted Robin Hood and they almost scored with the first attack of the second half but their midfielder struck the underside of the bar when he should have scored.

This seemed to scare the Ruts and they made the mistake of trying to hang on to the point that would give them the title, inviting pressure and playing on the break.

They nearly paid when a Robin Hood striker shot wide with just the keeper to beat. Whiter hit a low shot just past the post before Finnis fluffed a chance when Bone put him clean through.

Almost immediately Robin Hood looked to have won the match when they scored on 78 minutes, despite the Ruts furiously appealing for handball.

But the Ruts threw caution to the wind and staged that great, late comeback to take the title and maintain their unbeaten league record - a tremendous achievement.