By Richard Hayward

Old Rutlishians reserves started the season impressively as they chalked up a big win.

It was a good performance considering their patchy pre-season form and Craig Rumbol scored on his competitive debut early on to settle the nerves.

Alan Morley also scored a good goal in his second game of the day, while Adam Clark notched a great debut hattrick, with late goals from Rob Goldsmith and Rumbol again wrapping up a convincing win.

It was a good all round performance and the return of Nigel Watford and Matt Crowley added some needed experience and grit.

Gavin Coutts also pulled off a couple of good saves to ensure he and the defence kept the clean sheet they deserved.

Manager Graham Clayton said: 'I was pleased with the performance and we also have some good players to come back'.

The reserves would like to thank first team strike duo Alan Morley and Lee Poulter for playing again even though Poulter lost half of the match balls with his wayward shooting.

By Richard Hayward

A slightly lacklustre performance from Old Rutlishians was made more flattering by a late flurry of goals as they eased to another big league win.

The Ruts started well but - after sizing up the relatively weak opposition - went to sleep a bit. The laid back approach was highlighted by three of the worst open goal misses from an Old Ruts player in recent years (courtesy of Adam Clark, Graham Winter and a complete shocker by Rob Goldsmith).

The Ruts best passage of play was midway through the first half when the ball was spread nicely to both wings, but service from the flanks was erratic.

Craig Rumbol opened the scoring with a near post header before fine strikes from Winter and Clark wrapped up the game by the half hour mark.

The Ruts defence and goalkeeper were again mainly untested with the only reply coming from a freakish lob from a challenge by Nigel Watford.

Clark completed his second hattrick in two games to add to late strikes by Paul Hull (2) and Russell Nixon.

It appears that a good squad has developed with a terrific team spirit considering half the team have come down from the first team and most of the others are new signings. However, manager Graham Clayton is a hard taskmaster and stated: "I am not that pleased with the performance. Sloppy mistakes will have to be cut out if we are to compete well in all the cup competitions this season."

By Richard Hayward

Old Rutlishians produced their best performance of the season so far and were rewarded with their biggest scoreline and a clean sheet.

Playing on the lovely pitch at Poplar Road clearly suited this good passing team, especially after an early shower added some extra fizz to the surface.

However, the away team applied the early pressure, forcing a brave save from Roland Heal as the Ruts started sluggishly with several players in new roles including Nigel Watford up front and Richard Hayward at right back, while Dave Cundy and Jeremy Capper made their first starts of the season.

Once the Ruts settled down and retained some possession their superiority soon became evident. Craig Rumbol and Capper were pulling the strings in the middle and being aided by good movement from the forwards and wide players.

The space that Adam Clark began to find himself in was suicidal by the defence as countless through balls were threaded down the channels for him to waddle onto. He finished his chances very clinically though and the Ruts found themselves 3-0 up by the half hour mark.

The Ruts finally relaxed and knocked the ball around and the fourth goal was a pleasure to behold. Several one-twos were exchanged down the right before play was spread to the left where, to everyone's surprise, Gary Langton was waiting. When he finally managed to get the ball out of his feet he crossed for Clark to sweep home his fourth, a fitting end to a glorious move described by manager Graham Clayton as "one of the finest goals I've seen at the Ruts".

Number five was almost as good with another sweeping move involving the backline starting from their own goal line, finished again by Clark. Capper got in on the act bravely diving full length to head home before a back post volley off Rumbol's shin made it 7-0.

After a succession of wasted second half chances Clark wrapped up his double-hattrick with another good strike.

Morale and competiton for places is extremely high in this squad and with two more home games on the bounce it is imperative everyone comes training to keep the momentum going.

By Richard Hayward

Old Rutlishians secured another big victory despite not performing to the standards they've already set for themselves this season.

The Ruts started well enough when Graham Winter headed down for Rob Goldsmith to lash home a volley from the edge of the box after five minutes.

The next 10 minutes were all the Ruts and Nigel Watford doubled the advantage with a neat finish.

It was after this that the game became sloppy and Guildford occasionally threatened with their direct game. With a brand new central midfield partnership of Steve Andrews and Leon Trowbridge taking time to gel and the forwards trying to flick everything on rather than bringing the rest of the team into the game, possession was not being retained well enough.

It stayed like this until half time with only the solid back line and a composed goalkeeper denying Guildford a way back into the match.

After player-manager Graham Clayton gave the team the hairdryer treatment during the interval, the Ruts improved in the second period, especially the last half hour as Guildford tired, but it was still a long way off recent performances.

Watford and Adam Clark made it 4-0 before man of the match Matt Crowley hit a thunderous cross-shot into the top corner to his - and everyone that knows him - complete surprise.

The game was wrapped up by another Clark goal before a string of opportunities were missed late on with Winter adding to his personal list of howlers.

Fortunately for him it was eclipsed by a complete fresh air hack a yard out from player manager Clayton. A late tactical substitution had seen him assume the striker's role, a position which has grabbed him many goals in a distinguished career - a career which many feel should have finished before Saturday as his one yard miss will testify. He then furiously tried to take a chunk out of the goal post Andy Dibble style.

A thoroughly entertaining end to a mediocre game.

By Richard Hayward

Old Rutlishians produced a very lacklustre performance on Saturday but still managed to maintain their 100% start to the season.

The performance was in stark contrast to other displays this season and hard to explain. The watching supporters were doubtless unimpressed by the lack of passion and enthusiasm shown against a Hammer side who the Ruts beat 7-0 only last month.

In fact the Ruts went a goal down after half an hour when an over hit free kick was caught by the wind and sailed over James Howarth's head Seaman style.

This was not enough to fire up the Ruts immediately but after missing a couple of chances Lee Poulter was the first to react to a deflection on the edge of the box and he fired home for 1-1.

Just after the interval Adam Clark beat the offside trap and poked his shot past the keeper to give the home side the lead.

Hammer got back on terms when their striker was allowed a free header four yards out, but Steve Andrews scored his first ever Ruts goal with a terrific long range shot to put the Ruts 3-2 ahead.

Clark then smashed a free kick through the trembling wall to give the Ruts some breathing space but Hammer had the final word when their midfielder scored a clever scissors kick after sloppy defending at a corner in injury time.

Over-confidence played a part in a disappointing afternoon for the Ruts and will need to be addressed soon as tougher challenges lie ahead.

By Richard Hayward

A very poor day at the office for Old Rutlishians saw them slip to their first defeat of the season.

It was a comprehensive victory for Knapshill even though the Ruts went one up when Steve Andrews let fly with a powerful volley from the edge of the area. The first half was scrappy and there was no indication that the game would end as a convincing hammering for the Ruts.

Both teams shared chances in a pretty even first half with the pivotal moment being Knaphill's keeper pulling down Adam Clark and injuring himself.

The Ruts poor play stemmed from the forwards not holding the ball up and midfielders getting caught in possession too often. With the opposing midfielders breaking forward big gaps began to appear in between the centre backs and the Ruts soon realised they were in a real game.

The home side equalised after half an hour when their midfield playmaker rose highest to head home a looping cross. This was the same player who then beat a defender on the bye line and ran into the box unchallenged to fire in at the near post for 2-1.

The Ruts went into half time shell-shocked by the double strike but still confident they had the ability to turn this game round.

Straight from the restart the Ruts lost the ball and a long ball behind the left back and sloppy marking in the middle meant it was 3-1.

Heads went down and the home side went 4-1 ahead after more poor marking at the back post. the Ruts were not only leaking goals at one end, but they did not have the creativity to test a goalie that could barely stand up.

This became 5-1 late on 70 minutes but no description is available as this author had been dragged off and walked off in disgust at another poor performance. His replacement on the left was lively and caused problems but the game was lost and the team went through the motions for the final 20 minutes.

A clear lack of backbone was shown in the second half and the worrying issues that were raised the previous week were not answered. The question is - does this team have the stomach for a fight?

By Graham Clayton

The week after their gutless performance against Knaphill, Old Rutlishians got back on track with a good victory over Liphook at Poplar Road.

The Ruts gave four players their SIWL debuts and one player was making an earlier than planned return from injury.

Although the game was played in treacherous conditions both teams managed to do what England could not do last week and played some good football. Full credit should also go to the man in the middle Terry Hawkett who contributed to this with his superb handling of the game.

The early encounters were pretty even before a good ball from Paul Hull sent Steve Berry through on goal. However, he waited too long to pull the trigger and the opportunity was gone.

The Ruts kept on probing down the flanks with Gary (call me a taxi) Langton linking up well with the
impressive Graham (Bernie) Winter, who had rediscovered his form after a period on the bench. Matt (have it) Crowley and Scott (Coca Cola kid) Hawley were also combining well down the right.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half when the impressive Hull sent a defence-splitting ball through for Nigel Watford to run onto. Liphook's keeper obviously did not know he had the silent assassin homing in on him and to his credit got to the ball at the same time as Watford to
block the shot. However, the ball cannoned out to the waiting Hawley thirty yards out who calmly placed the ball back into the onion bag.

The Ruts were looking for some breathing space and had a few chances from corners and an excellent effort from Berry that went just wide. But Liphook did not drop their heads and continued to play some attractive football causing the Ruts a few problems.

The only other clear cut chance of the half fell to Hull who found himself beyond the front runners with just the keeper to beat. However, nightmares of Wednesday night and the ladder came back to haunt him and rather than swinging his right foot and risking falling flat on his face again he tried to wait and use his trusty left peg, but the keeper closed him down and made another good stop.

The second half started well for the visitors. With Hull tiring after returning from injury and Watford having run himself into the ground in the first half, Liphook were finding plenty of room.

However, James Howarth produced a faultless display on his return between the sticks and the Ruts defence looked as confident as they had been in the early stages of the season. Tom Hughes was making his full debut alongside the evergreen John Wood, both playing as if they had partnered each over at the back for years.

As a result Liphook were restricted to a few long range efforts which were never going to threaten Howarth.

On 60 minutes Darren Rix came on for the exhausted Watford and immediately turned the tide enabling the Ruts to regain the initiative and create a number of chances. The best was from a well worked near post corner in which Hull found Hawley six yards out and his first time effort on the turn
was heading for the corner but the Liphook keeper made yet another fine save.

The Ruts kept applying the pressure and this eventually lead to the tireless twinkle-toed Berry being brought down on the edge of the box.

The hours the gaffer had spent on the training pitch were rewarded when Hawley played an intelligent ball to his left for Paul Beaumont to hammer a 20 yard shot into the roof of the net for a goal that his excellent unselfish performance deserved.

Just before the end Hull hit another fine effort from the edge of the area which was superbly saved by the Liphhook keeper who was undoubtedly man of the match.

The gaffer had the following to say after the match: "What a good performance by all 12 players, it looks like I can hang my boots up again. I was pleased that we bounced back after the disappointment of last week - having so many players coming into the team and impressing it should make for some interesting team selection meetings in the coming weeks. Special mention should go to Tom Hughes who, given this performance, has a very bright future ahead of him as long as he uses Wood as his role model and not Noonan".

By Paul Hull

Old Rutlishians look like they may soon break Arsenal's unbeaten games record (if they can go another 48 games without defeat!), after seeing off Ockham with a thoroughly professional performance in what were truly terrible conditions.

Both sides started brightly and it was Ockham who won the early exchanges, knocking a few long balls in behind the Ruts defence. However, these were duly dealt with by James 'Safe Hands' Howarth, Tom 'Detention' Hughes, John 'Goal a Career' Woods, Matt 'Tight T-Shirt' Crowley and Gary 'Kit Grass' Langton.

The Ruts then began to come into the game as the midfield started to impose themselves. Graham Winter and Leon Trowbridge looked dangerous down the flanks and they started to find space behind the Ockham full-backs. Ockham then found it hard going in the centre as the two Paul's - Beaumont and Hull - worked tirelessly for the Old Ruts cause (Webmaster's note - Hull worked tirelessly?! Have we signed another bloke named Paul Hull I don't know about?!)

The somewhat fortuitous breakthrough for the Ruts came after 20 minutes. Some intelligent runs off the ball by Steve Berry and Nigel Watford up front caused the Ockham defence to panic and the Ruts profited from the resulting corner. The trusty left peg of Hull swung the corner into the near post where the oncoming keeper watched the ball skid off the wet surface as it went flying
through his legs.

This seemed to inspire the Ruts, who were by now enjoying their best period of the game. Moments later, Berry was put through on goal but his weak effort led the Ruts to appeal to the ref for a pass back...

Another goal followed five minutes later when the impressive Hull chipped a ball over the Ockham full back for the forward run of Beaumont. A touch to bring the ball under control and a pinpoint cross to the back post which was met by Bernie's head (eyes closed) meant the Ruts were now walking in a Winter wonderland.

The Ruts continued to dominate and another goal soon followed. Crowley received a throw out from the ever impressive Howarth which he slipped down the line to Beaumont. Beaumont played a neat one-two with Trowbridge leaving him acres of space on the right to run into. A neat ball inside found Berry on the edge of the box and his first time touch put Hull through on goal who
produced a sublime slide rule finish past the keeper into the bottom right corner for 3-0.

It was a tale of two halves for the Ruts again and this is something they will need to improve if they are to have a successful season.

Ockham started much the brighter in the second half and had most of the play for the opening 20 minutes. Although they were reduced to a few long range efforts it was a warning to the Ruts that they needed to improve quickly.

Having worked his socks off, Watford left the field after 65 minutes with a slight injury and the gaffer replaced him up front with Foster. This took some pressure off the Ruts defence and they began to get back into the game again.

Shortly after some good build up play led to a Ruts free kick about 30 yards out from goal. It was perfect positioning for a left footed curler and Paul ' Johnny Wilkinson' Hull positioned himself ready to strike at goal despite Trowbridge screaming for the ball in acres of space on the wing. Having seen
his 'strike' sail way above the crossbar he knows deep down that he should have probably slipped Trowbridge in when he had the chance...

Moments later, Hull found himself in a similar position after a ball from Trowbridge (ironic or what?!) and his shot deflected into the path of Kevin Foster who hammered it home from 12 yards.

This deflated Ockham who had battled to try and get back into the game and they found themselves 5-0 down shortly after when a long ball by Wood was flicked on by Bernie (who could easily have got a part in 'Eyes Wide Shut') and Berry fired into the roof of the net from just inside the box.

Adam 'Fezza' Clark returned from injury off the bench for Crowley with ten minutes to go and looked like he had never been away with a toe poke wide five minutes from time.

The Ruts saw the rest of the game out professionally in awful conditions with the only other real chance falling to Wood after his obligatory goal a career effort sailed wide.

By Adam Clark

Old Rutlishians produced a very good team performance where everyone pulled together and gelled as well as they have all season, with the defence, midfield and strikers all sorted and a top-notch lino to boot.

The playing surface was not up to scratch but the Ruts had to make the best of it as both teams were in the same ship. To add to the Ruts problems they had the first team drop Richard 'Tiny' Hayward back into the fold at centre back

However, coming all this way the Ruts were not going to get caught early on by a quick goal. So they prepared well with another great warm up from John Wood and were ready for kick off - or should have been.

The Ruts were up for this having known that they would have to play well because of the strong subs bench of Graham Clayton, Adam Clark and Rob Goldsmith, who is getting his fitness back from a long four weeks out.

They got off to a great start and looked a very well structured team with everyone knowing their jobs. The early pressure was mounting on Milford as a few offsides were given and it was only a matter off time before the visitors would break through.

Then the torrid time that Steve Berry was giving the Milford left back forced a corner which hard-working midfielder Paul Hull stepped up to take. His near post corner went straight through the keeper's legs and the Ruts were 1-0 up after 18 minutes - it was just what they deserved.

Although the first half was a bit scrappy it did see some great wing play from Graham Winter down the left. The two forwards' work rate was also second to none - Nigel Watford and Kevin Foster were a different gear carving through the defence with their pace and flair.

In the 35th minute a free-kick was given against Milford 30 yards out on the right hand side. Paul 'David Beckham' Hull stepped up to loop a free kick into the 18 yard box and Nigel Watford leapt like a salmon to glance a header past the keeper to give the Ruts a comfortable lead.

The second half started much like the first with the Ruts taking hold of the game, and with Goldsmith finally turning up to grace us with his presence for the second half ready for a bit of action, the Ruts had a full compliment of players.

On 60 minutes the club's top scorer Adam 'Fezza' Clark was introduced from the bench to a round of applause from his fan club, who later presented him with a pink T-shirt which he felt duty bound to wear. Unfortunately for them, however, the cars on the A286 were in more danger this week than Milford’s goalkeeper.

The Ruts were getting stronger with every second and with Milford pushing three up front they needed to work hard. But with great work from the two Paul’s (Hull and Beaumont) in the middle of the park limiting Milford's supply to their forwards and the defence snuffing out what little did get hoofed up, Milford could not get back into the game.

Graham 'Gaffer' Clayton decided to make a big gamble for the last 20 minutes and risk playing Rob Goldsmith, but as always he made a good decision, although I think he should have played himself. The persistence of Foster, Berry and Goldsmith made it look like a matter of time before the Ruts would increase their lead, but the third goal never came.

Overall it was a solid team performance and the team is starting to gel so lets all keep it up. The gaffer had the following to say after the match: "This was a very solid performance against a good team, which gives us a good insight as to were we need to be. With a lot of players challenging for 11 places the future looks bright. It was especially pleasing to see another young player come into the team and perform so well."

By Steve Nicola

A solid defensive performance saw Old Rutlishians Reserves edge past a good Holmesdale side and claim their place in round three of the Surrey Cup.

The Ruts started with the confidence expected of a side that had won eight of their nine games so far and took the lead on 10 minutes when Paul Hull picked up possession on the left wing and slid a clever ball into the path of striker Nigel Watford. As the keeper advanced Watford cooly tapped it past him and, despite a defender's sliding effort to prevent it going over the line, it had just enough pace to roll in and the Ruts were a goal up.

This served to inspire Holmesdale rather than the home side though and they took the game to their hosts looking for an equaliser. The lively Holmesdale number 9 was causing all sorts of problems and hit the inside of a post with a snapshot. He then forced Ruts keeper James Howarth into a brave block as he broke free of the defence and minutes later crossed for his strike partner to side-foot into the side-netting when it looked easier to score.

The Ruts had their moments too, most notably when Adam 'Fezza' Clark lobbed the keeper but put his effort just wide.

However, the first half rapidly degenerated into a niggly, stop-start affair not helped by some over-officious refereeing. Hull earnt himself a yellow card after a clash with an opponent that was to prove costly later in the game.

At one stage Hull noticed his under-used right boot was torn and tossed it aside while Graham 'Gaffer' Clayton was despatched to find a replacement. Rumours he actually damaged the boot in 1998 but only just noticed have yet to be confirmed. Clayton may as well have brought him a flip-flop to wear so little did he use his right for the rest of the game.

Despite hard-working Steve Berry providing a good outlet on the right wing, the Ruts didn't threaten the Holmesdale keeper enough and were fortunate to be ahead at halftime.

Knowing they weren't performing at their best, the Ruts seemed determined to keep Holmesdale out and take a win any way they could get it. The defence looked firm and was well marshalled by veteran skipper John Wood using all his 63 years experience in the game to keep the backline organised.

As such Howarth didn't have another troublesome save to make, but the Ruts were looking increasingly dangerous on the break as Holmesdale threw more men forward.

On 60 minutes Fezza turned his man inside out before curling a right-footer which the keeper did well to palm aside for a corner.

But their best chance to put the game to bed came when Hull hit an audacious 40 yard lob that caught the keeper off his line but unluckily struck the post. Fortunately for the Ruts (or fortunately for Homesdale?) the rebound fell for the unmarked Fezza to take four touches when one would have done and try to round the keeper. Losing control of the ball as the keeper challenged him, Fezza did a triple salko with pike in an effort to salvage something out of the move but only succeeded in getting himself a yellow card for 'simulation'.

Hull was then unlucky to receive a second yellow late in the game but the 10 men held on to advance to the next stage where they know a better performance will be needed to progress much further in the competition.

By Leon Trowbridge

Old Rutlishians returned to league action with a resounding 5-1 victory at home to Burymead to move up to second place in the table and within a point of leaders Knaphill.

The Ruts set a high tempo from the beginning against a young Burymead side who have been struggling in the bottom half of the table. They were rewarded for their early endeavours with a goal from Kevin Foster who slotted home at the far post after good play down the right by Scott Hawley.

The opening goal appeared to spur the Ruts on and they were now pressing forward at every opportunity. Further efforts from Foster, Adam Clark, Hawley and Nigel Watford were all kept out before Foster hit his second goal on the half hour mark with a neat right footed finish in the box following good approach play down the left.

By this stage the Ruts were in total command and really should have been 3-0 up moments before the break when Clark’s powerful effort appeared goal bound, only to be kept out by an outstanding block tackle from his strike partner Watford!

The second half turned into a largely scrappy affair with the Ruts at times allowing complacency to slip into their game, something which did not go unnoticed by manager Graham Clayton who barked furiously from the touchline at his players.

The third goal practically killed the game as a contest and it arrived in somewhat fortuitous circumstances as Richard Hayward’s low drive from the edge of the box looked like it would be a routine save for the Burymead goalkeeper, but it ended up in the back of the net.

Ruts keeper James Howarth was a virtual spectator for much of this affair and his only notable piece of action was to pick the ball out of the net following a fierce drive from outside the box by the Burymead centre forward.

This seemed to shock the Ruts back into action again and after Leon Trowbridge had wildly lashed his second ball of the afternoon in the direction of the ‘eyesore formerly known as Crown House’ substitute Rob Goldsmith showed the way forward with a fine finish from 25 yards for 4-1.

Moments from full time, man of the match Kevin Foster completed his first ever Ruts hattrick with a brave header six yards out following more good wing play from Hawley.

Sterner tests will no doubt face the Ruts in the coming weeks, but the manager will be pleased with the application shown by his players and the three points earned which means they are well placed for an assault on this year's title.

Dark Day by Jeremy Capper

Tiny was late
He might have been working, you just can't tell
Even Waffle was sub at first
Our Matty was fining while the gaffer was chiming "forget about cyber football".
Lording it, Caps and Leon were demanding whilst Kevin starred as fleet of foot
Dominant at the back, Woodsy controlled and marshalled
Running the left, Gary yelled "pass it five yards"
Uproar just before half-time, someone's been shot said Bezza or Fezza
There lay Hully screaming, screaming,
Screaming, screaming.

By Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians claimed a good victory in this bad tempered affair to stay hot on the heels of league leaders Knaphill.

Elm Grove were determined to impose themselves on the game and the unfortunate recipient of some over zealous tackling was tricky young winger Kevin Foster, who was kicked up and down the left flank for most of the first half.

On 20 minutes he was blatantly tripped in the box but the referee amazingly waved play on. Moments later, a rush of blood from an Elm Grove defender saw him kick out at Adam Clark in the penalty area and earn himself a second yellow, and the referee atoned for his earlier decision by pointing to the spot. Up stepped John Wood to stroke home a very soft penalty which barely reached the back of the net, although he'd given the keeper 'the eyes' apparently and sent him the wrong way.

As so often happens, the 10 men upped their work rate (and also their foul rate) and were well in contention until just before the break when the prolific Leon Trowbridge swooped to knock home a loose ball from fully two yards out.

2-0 down at the interval, Elm Grove tried to get back into it but rarely threatened. They were making it hard for the Ruts to add to their tally though, with Nigel Watford coming closest when he struck the post after a great turn and shot on the edge of the box.

A late reshuffle saw pacy Steve Berry move up front and the tiring Elm Grove defenders could not cope with him. Twice in the last 10 minutes he broke away and finished with well struck low shots to make it 4-0 and seal the three points in style.

By Graham Clayton

Old Rutlishians went to Godstone for their third round Surrey Cup match with confidence high after some recent good results.

With Matt Crowley returning from first team duty fines in the dressing groom were plentiful, the most
prominent one going to Jurgen the pornstar for receiving relief at work which made him late for the meet time (although it was agreed £1 for relief was probably worth it).

Things didn't get off to a good start when, with the pitch resembling a cow field, Paul Hull aggravated his groin injury warming up. Despite this the gaffer decided to start with him which turned out to be a decision right up there with giving Fezza the penalty two weeks earlier, because 90 seconds into the
match Paul's game ended and he was replaced by Fezza.

The game started with both teams trying to play to feet but finding it difficult. The Ruts looked more dangerous in front of goal though and after 15 minutes the pressure finally counted when in-form Kevin Foster shot home from close range.

This seemed to spur the Ruts on and with the impressive Paul Beaumont and Jeremy Capper driving the team on from the middle it was only a matter of time before the Ruts got the second. Pacey striker Fezza finally broke the offside trap (which had turned the normally placid Steve Berry into a ranting Mr Angry) to beat the keeper under his legs and end his own personal goal drought .

The Ruts wasted some good chances after that as the Godstone heads went down, with the closest coming from a 25 yard curled free kick from Fezza that went just wide of the top corner.

Finally Leon Trowbridge skipped past a couple of tackles to continue his impressive form and score
his third in as many games.

With the game approaching half time, Fezza stepped up for another free kick 25 yards out. Finally he listened to the advice of Gary Langton and the Gaffer and put his foot through the ball - the result was an unstoppable shot that the keeper could only watch fly past him. 4-0 at half time.

The second half started in the same vein with the Ruts pressing and Godstone trying to catch them on the break, but with John Wood and Dave Cundy in good form they never really looked dangerous and mainly resorted to hitting aimless balls into the box which were never going to trouble James Howarth in the Ruts goal.

However, the Ruts continued to press and with full backs Gary Langton and Matt Crowley pushing ever further up it was only going to be a matter of time before the fifth, which finally come after Kevin Foster skipped past a Godstone defender only to receive the now customary boot into orbit. With the normal candidates fighting for the honour of taking the spot kick a voice was heard over the commotion: 'I want the penalty!' Everyone turned to see the keeper sprinting past the normal spot
kick taker to grab the ball (much to the annoyance of Mr Berry who by then was in need of counselling for his anger) although as it turned out there was no need for panic as James gave the keeper the eye before sending him the wrong way and smashing the ball into the bottom corner.

Even though the lively Graham Clayton had been introduced to the game it was in danger of fizzling out. However, Jeremy Capper refused to allow this and after some geeing up the best move of the match followed - a lovely one touch move from one half to the other resulted in Steve Berry releasing all his anger to smash the ball past a stranded keeper for the goal his performance had deserved (and put a smile back on his face).

After the match the gaffer had the following to say: "This was another good performance on a bad pitch from a team in form. The players deserve a lot of credit today, if they continue to work hard and play like this who knows what they can achieve."

By Dave Cundy

Old Rutlishians put in another fine performance away this week (for the first half at least) against third placed Fairlands Wanderers, beating them comfortably 5-0. This now means they have notched up an impressive 13 wins out of 14, conceding only one goal in the last eight matches.

It was another long drive up the A3 which took the team past Guilford to get to Fairland's ground which disappointingly was nothing much to write home about.

The Ruts started much the better side and immediately put Fairlands under pressure. The clock had barely reached five minutes when Steve Berry's low pass across goal was met by Kevin Foster who tapped it past the keeper.

Not long after that and with the Ruts dominating the game, Paul Beaumont's through ball from midfield was collected by Berry and he calmly made it 2-0.

Serious cracks were now visible in the Fairland defence and with only 15 minutes on the clock it was 3-0 when Steve Nicola's neat pass was collected by Foster who shot home past a now very nervous looking keeper.

Fairlands never really looked dangerous apart from the odd chance and corner kick, although the Ruts did themselves no favours at times by losing possession whilst trying to play the ball out from the back.

With half time fast approaching it became 4-0 when the lightning-quick reflexes of Richard Hayward enabled him to poke home from five yards after a free kick was cleared off the line.

The second half was a much messier affair as the home side pressed for a goal but hard work and determination from all the Ruts players kept them at bay.

They did however come close early on when, following a corner and goalmouth scramble, Nicola managed to clear off the line at the far post.

Not long after this the Ruts were back in charge again when Jeremy Capper made it five by smashing home an unlikely right foot volley with the outside of his boot from Berry's left wing cross.

On 70 minutes substitute Nigel Watford nearly made it six but the post saved Fairland from further embarrassment.

With conditions bad and the Ruts taking their foot off the gas the last 20 minutes were not pretty to watch. There was a lack of shape to the team and despite one or two half chances from the home side, the Ruts hung on to their clean sheet and continue the chase of Knaphill for first place in the division.

If the Ruts want to win the league though they'll need to play the kind of football they played for the first 20 minutes for the whole 90.

Old Rutlishians entered this contest second in the table, unbeaten in nine games and fresh from inflicting a 5-0 stuffing against Fairlands a week earlier. Their opponents, in contrast, had most of their squad missing and had to start the game with 10 men. A cricket score should have been on the cards but sadly this game never really served up the Christmas feast the Ruts had promised.

Both teams started hesitantly and the Ruts didn't make the extra man count in the early exchanges. Elm Grove were proving to be tougher than first expected and their makeshift team were clearly ready to battle to gain something from the game and erase the memory of the 4-0 mauling they had recieved at Poplar Road.

As the first half wore on the Ruts gradually began to take control of the game. The pace of Kevin Foster on the left wing, combined with the skill of Steve Berry up front was causing Elm Grove all sorts of problems. The breakthrough finally came when Berry's shot was parried by the keeper onto the well rounded belly of Scott Hawley and the ball trickled in for 1-0, the training of mince pies and lager clearly paying off.

Far from being shell shocked by the goal, Elm Grove continued to battle hard. They could have levelled the scores on 30 minutes but for the sharp instincts of Matt Crowley clearing off the line.

This seemed to spur the Ruts into life and they pressed on for the second goal. Paul Beaumont and Leon Trowbridge were beginning to run the midfield with their tough tackling and Hawley was providing quality on the right.

They say that christmas is the time of 'good will to all men' but Dave Cundy took this a bit too far when an uncharacteristic lapse of concentration led to a gift of a pass for an Elm Grove forward just outside the Ruts area. Thankfully some good cover work from John Wood meant that nothing came of it and the blushes were spared.

It was only a matter of time before the lead was doubled and that moment arrived when some good work on the right by Hawley led to the ball whizzing across the Elm Grove box. It was viciously buried at the far post by none other than big Dave Cundy. His redemption was complete and the game was all but won.

The half time break was almost upon us but there was still time for some pantomime antics on the touch line. Ruts manager Graham Clayton and the Elm Gove manager were involved in a heated argument, presumably over who had the best physique to play Santa Claus this Christmas.

With tensions running high the second half promised much but ultimately failed to deliver as the game petered out into a drab affair. The only highlight came with the additions of Steve Nicola and Adam Clark who did enough to suggest that they will play a big part in the title race come the new year.

The Ruts are now only four points behind Knaphill with a game in hand and they go into the new year with much confidence. If the team plays to its strenghs and puts in 100% the league is there for the taking. Roll on 2005!

Report to follow...

On Saturday Old Rutlishians were forced into a battle against a hardworking Windlesham team that took the Ruts slightly by surprise when they started strongly and had the best of the opening 20 minutes.

It took a fine goal from Richard Hayward after 25 minutes to settle the Ruts. Kevin Foster - who had been switched to emergency centre forward - crossed for Hayward who took one touch and hammered the ball into the top corner from twenty five yards.

Windlesham were still causing problems for Jeremy Capper and Leon 'Goal Machine' Trowbridge in the middle of the park though. This encouraged manager Graham Clayton to string five across the middle, pushing Foster up top and bringing the hardworking Paul Hull into the centre.

Tactically this worked well as it closed up the space and forced the game into a stalemate. This did not concern the Ruts knowing that their tireless defence and goalkeeper would not concede as they had kept six clean sheets in a row. There were also gaps appearing for Foster who latched onto a Hayward through ball and forced a fine save from the goalkeeper.

The only real nervous point in the second half was when the ref made the first of several curious decisions, penalising keeper James Howarth for the six-second rule despite the forward kicking out at him and then refusing to leave the area. The Ruts ‘parked the bus’ though and the wall stood firm. John 'Peter Pan' Woods was then booked for simply asking a question.

Steve Andrews and Adam Clark were introduced to bring on some fresh legs and helped the Ruts raise it for the last 20 minutes. Gary 'Chopper' Langton got himself booked for a wild lunge on 75 minutes before the game was put out of sight with ten minutes left when Hull rounded the last two defenders and fired home despite Clark and Hayward being in far better positions for the square ball.

All in all a good performance and the toughest test since Holmesdale camped in our penalty area in the Surrey Cup first round. Credit to Windlesham who tried to play football and did not roll over as others have done.

Injury was definitely the fashionable word for this encounter as the Ruts lost both Paul Hull and David Cundy (Dave, sack the chiropodist mate!!) prior to kick off and then midfielder Scott Hawley after only 10 minutes.

With the early setbacks now behind them, the Ruts were soon to find out they would have to work hard for the points against a very determined and well organised Old Salesians outfit.

The first half was a relatively listless affair with both sides offering plenty of endeavour but little end product. Up front Steve Berry and Adam Clark were looking lively and it was this combination which set up the only goal of the game on 20 minutes. Berry fed Clark, who held the ball up well on the edge of area before unselfishly laying it off to Kevin Foster who slotted home his 11th goal of the season.

Both sides continued to cancel each other out for the remainder of the half and the only other notable piece of action came when Ruts full back Gary Langton took his own player Leon Trowbridge out with a strong challenge, which left the midfield player struggling for much of the match.

The Ruts started the second half stronger and looked more solid with Richard Hayward a commanding presence in the heart of defence and Foster beginning to look more dangerous on the left. Indeed it was Foster who almost created the second goal of the afternoon with a dangerous low cross into the box which just evaded Berry at the far post.

Moments latter Steve Andrews found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a fierce drive which rebounded back off of the crossbar with the keeper seemingly beaten.

With time running out, Salesians poured men forward in search of an equaliser, but the Ruts - aided by the combative Jeremy Capper in midfield - held firm and almost doubled their lead when Clark's clever dummy bought him space inside the area, only to be denied by a good block tackle from the Salesians centre half.

So despite a relatively subdued display, the Ruts collect another victory which keeps them four points behind the leaders, but with two games in hand. Afterwards manager Graham Clayton conceded that although his team had won, they must perform better in the coming weeks and eradicate the complacency which he feels has crept into his squad.

Fortunately, thanks to a determined and at times assured effort from his side, Graham Clayton's reserves stumbled to a win.

After the morning he had endured, the last thing Clayton needed was to see his side miss an early goal, but an incisive Liphook move added to his gloom. Khalilou Fadiga played a neat pass to Ricardo Gardner on the left flank and his cross was met by Ricardo Vaz Te. James Howarth, the Ruts goalkeeper, got a weak hand to his header and could only divert the ball out for a corner.

The Ruts, though, refused to be downcast and grew increasingly as an attacking force. Paul Hull scored with a rather soft freekick from 20 yards. The midfield duo of Jeremy Capper and Leon Trowbridge bristled with pace and intent and exposed the limitations of an ageing F Hierro.

Liphook Park is a world away from the Bernabéu and the sight of the Real Madrid legend toiling in the wake of lower-league youngsters was an incongruous one. Capper and Trowbridge are surely destined to play at a higher level, but for the time being they are adding a touch of precocity to Clayton's side.

Sadly, the precocious turned provocateur and a needless lunge by Capper sent Nicky Hunt to Liphook Royal Hospital. It was feared he had suffered a broken ankle, but X-rays revealed nothing more serious than severe bruising. "I don't think he was looking to win the ball," Rob Allardyce, the Liphook manager, said of Capper. "Nicky was in a huge amount of pain."

It was a shame that Capper sullied an otherwise impressive display with such a grievous tackle. He was at the hub of the Ruts's efforts to get back into the game and, but for some half-hearted finishing, they might have gained a more just reward. Danny Hall produced an excellent save from Adam Clark after Kevin Foster had miscued, and Scott Hawley looped a shot over the crossbar soon afterwards.

Liphook regressed as the game went on and were content to rely on their ability to grab an equaliser on the counter-attack. They nearly did on several occasions, but Howarth made fine saves from Jim Davies and Fadiga. The best chance fell to Davies, but his prodded effort from six yards lacked conviction.

Old Ruts did enough to suggest they will climb up the divisions and Clayton said he hoped they would. In many respects it was just another day, a middling game that will soon fade from the memory.

By Jeremy Capper

Call it misfortune, call it arrogance, but Old Ruts' supporters will call it nothing short of sacrilege that Maddy Orobator cast his menacing shadow over the club once more yesterday, the anniversary of the Loret de Mar disaster.

This, they will say, shows the tycoon’s disregard for the club’s rich history as well as his sheer bloodymindedness; others, perhaps followers of rival clubs, will wonder precisely what Rut’s fans are fighting for.

The club’s unrivalled ability to generate cash is not the only reason why Rut’s fans are so hostile towards the type of figure that other clubs may greet as a potential saviour. They fear that their heritage is under threat, that the moment they surrender to outside forces will be the moment that Old Rutlishian A.F.C. becomes just another club. Such fears were expressed in pubs on Saturday evening after their attempts to pay their respects to the victims of Loret de Mar went almost unnoticed amid the humdrum of another matchday.

With each passing year, the cord that connects football clubs with their past is loosened. Old heroes die, new heroes emerge and it seems in many cases that the modern idols are so lacking in substance and feeling that they are not fit to hold a candle to their predecessors. Thank goodness, then, for Leon Trowbride, a hero for any era and - according to Graham Clayton - a player who, “in 50 years from now, 500 years from now, will still be remembered as one of the greatest ever at this club”.

On Saturday, Trowbridge was the most notable difference between the Ruts and a Lightwater side who, even with chronic injury problems, looked entirely comfortable and were even beginning to threaten an unlikely victory until ten minutes into the second half when Keane took matters into his own hands. He latched on to Adam Clark’s back-heel, rolled back the years with a once-characteristic burst into the penalty area and passed to Hull who shot low into the bottom corner past the outstretched right hand of Maik Taylor, the Lightwater goalkeeper.

This, Clayton observed, was “the Trowbridge of ten years ago”, which was not a slur but merely a recognition of of the way the Ruts player has had to alter his game in order to achieve the longevity that now, after a couple of years of uncertainty, finally seems to be his right. No longer able to move from box to box because of the risk to his ageing limbs, he sits so deep at times these days that he is almost a third centre half, but, Clayton said, “when we needed some urgency and someone to open them up, he provided it”.

It was Hull's 65th goal for the Ruts, some 15 months after his 49th, and it capped a week in which he had also grappled very publicly with nut in the shed, in a verbal and psychological as well as a footballing sense, and won hands down.

Adam Clark broke his seemingly never-ending goal drought with a well worked header. It was little wonder that his name was shouted as loud as ever when he led his team-mates on to the pitch at 2.55pm on Saturday and similarly inevitable, after he had dragged them up by the bootlaces, that it should echo around the stadium again as he left the pitch two hours later.

Bruce Banner, the Lightwater manager, acclaimed Clarks’ contribution afterwards, but it could, he said, have been very different. Walter Pandiani, the Uruguay striker signed on loan from Knaphill last Monday, struck a fierce volley in the 33rd minute that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and bounced down on the goalline. Five minutes into the second half, with the score still 0-0, Julian Gay got behind the Ruts defence but wasted his opportunity to shoot. On such moments do important matches such as this turn.

Several months ago, when stuck in their early-season torpor, the Ruts might have lost interest in this game, but the momentum gathered of late and sustained by Trowbridge on Saturday ensured a fifth defeat in six matches for Lightwater. Injuries alone do not explain their poor form, given that their squad is comfortably of mid-table strength, and a lack of confidence was apparent as Ken Cunning, usually a pillar of consistency, underhit a backpass that resulted in a well taken second goal from the otherwise subdued Wayne Rodney.

It did not seem like a performance to strike fear into the hearts of Windlesham, but many Ruts supporters feel that bigger issues than the league title are at stake right now. If it came to a choice between silverware and sovereignty, they would suggest that the real battle is that against Maddy.

By Jeremy Capper

Top players talk about matches, managers, team-mates, families, wages. Particularly wages. And when they get together on international duty, that talk can lead to unease and restlessness when they return to their clubs.

Adam Clark, especially after his non-playing role for England in their friendly against Holland last week, will have returned to the Ruts with much on his mind. Clark, the forward, is something special - as pure a striker of the ball as there is in England, perhaps in Europe. He is a jack-in-the-box
presence, a Zebedee-esque spring who never allows defenders to settle. At 5ft 7in, lack of stature is not a problem. Pace, quick feet, the ball glued to his boots, more than make up for an aerial threat that is nigh on negligible.

The Ruts recognise Clark as something special and as someone at the lower end of the superstar pay scale, too. It is why barely 12 months into his 4½-year contract, signed when he moved from little league for a fee of £7, the club is keen to negotiate a new deal. It is open season for the
"tapper-uppers", the shady go-betweens who specialise in illegal approaches, and Clark could be a prime target. "Adam is unbelievable," Graham Clayton, the Ruts sporting director, said. "He has the quality of a very good striker in that when you miss a chance, you score from another a minute later. You cannot sulk, you cannot let it get you down. There's not another striker like him, he doesn't seem to need time or space to score. He is in the squad of the national team, progressing all the time and, of course, we want to make him happy with a new contract. I don't believe it will be a problem."

Without Clark, the Ruts would possibly be contemplating an inglorious exit from the Cup. Yet from 1-0 down and taking a battering from Windlesham in their fourth-round replay, Paul Hull scored twice in five minutes early in the second half to secure a fifth-round tie against as yet unknown opposition at Poplar road.

It was Hull at his plundering best, powering in a first-time shot from Steve Andrews' clever free kick and then dispatching a pass from Scott Hawley. Again, minimum backlift, maximum result.

Since moving from Dog Shxt Park he has scored 26 goals in 44 appearances, including 21 this season - rock-hard evidence that he deserves greater remuneration. "There's no problem with Adam," Graham Clayton, said. "He has told us that he likes playing for us and his main interest is not money. Playing for a big club is most important although nice wages are good as well. There's no rush with his contract but, yes, we do want to make him happy."

Without goalkeeper James Howarth, the Ruts might also have bade farewell to a competition that they last won in 1991. Kandu had given Windlesham a twelfth-minute lead, heading in his first goal since October, and Howarth - one of four Howarths in league football, including the Windlesham left back - made a series of fine saves to deny Kevin Bell twice.

The Windlesham manager felt aggrieved at the penalty that allowed the Ruts to draw level as half-time approached and also at the free kick that Howarth the defender conceded, which led to Hull's first goal. In reality, Russell Hill, the Windlesham goalkeeper, not only took a bit of the ball but
also a chunk of Andrews to concede the spot kick, while Robinson did handle, albeit inadvertently, for the free kick taken by Clark.

As Hill was led down the players' tunnel with concussion - "I don't remember much about
it," he said - Tomasz Kuszczak, the replacement goalkeeper, was beaten by Hull. It is debatable whether Kuszczak had even touched the ball before Clark had made it 3-1 or who was the more dazed, him or Hill.

Of more certainty, Leon Trowbridge was no longer playing a part, sacrificed at half-time
as Clayton conceded defeat in his use of a shambolic 4-3-3 formation. "We did better in the second half," Clark said. "In the end, I thought the best team won."

It did -just - thanks to the little big man. He deserves a rise. Break the bank, Graham.

By Gary Langton

Old Rutlishians manager Graham Clayton was delighted that Adam 'Feza' Clark rediscovered his form to score twice as the Ruts annihilated Old Salesians.

Another double from Paul Hull; a goalkeeping howler straight from the Roy Carroll school of goalkeeping which allowed Steve Andrews on the scoresheet; and one off Kevin Foster's knee cap, (primed and ready for action) after a shocking dive that scored a 5.8, kept the Ruts hot on the heels of leaders Knaphill.

Feza has had two or three poor games recently by his standards, but came back with all guns blazing. The former Banstead forward struck early with a blistering left foot drive giving the visiting keeper no chance.

The Ruts had started brightly, keeping possession and moving the ball around before letting the punt and hope approach from Old Salesians start to influence their own play. Andrews scored with his effort from twenty yards to send the Ruts in 2-0 up at half time.

The goals flowed thick and fast in the second half leaving the visitors stunned. A double from Hull, one from Foster and Feza’s second of the game left the Ruts cruising before sloppy defending allowed the visitors in for a late consolation goal.

The midfield duo of Jeremy Capper and Steve Andrews dominated with the two best performances of the day and the introduction of Tiny Maldini kept the fans happy with his quality show boating (albeit resulting in a lack of defending).

Gary Langton off the bench made all the difference at the back and should now secure a new contract with the Old Ruts for next season, especially after the interest shown from Chelsea after their failure to land Ashley Cole.

The snow had melted and the 9.30am pitch inspection gave the all clear for the Ruts to play their third game against Windlesham Reserves in a month. Both previous encounters had been hard fought affairs and with this in mind manager Graham Clayton warned the lads they had to fight for every ball in order to avoid their first home defeat of the season.

The Ruts got off to the perfect start with the Windlesham keeper fumbling a routine shot from Fezza (Mcfly) Clark to poke home his 24th of the season. Inspired by the attendance of his girlfriend, Fezza went on to lob the goalie with his left foot from 25 yards - a fine goal which equalled Alan Morley’s total at the top of the club scorer's table. Morley’s comeback was trying to shark Fezza’s bird in the bar afterwards - a low act.

With the pitch in very good condition the Ruts tried to play good football and managed this for the most part. The one nervy moment was when Jeremy Capper’s pass to John Woods was intercepted and a good run from the forward led to him curling a shot against the bar.

Normal service was resumed on 30 minutes though when Kevin Foster fired a left footed volley past the flat-footed keeper for 3-0. This finished the game as a contest and the Ruts were now in complete control against their fourth-placed opposition.

The second half was so one-sided that Ruts keeper James Howarth didn’t have a serious shot to save. They played the ball around from the back and created numerous chances that were squandered by some wasteful finishing. The most memorable was a cutting through ball from Richard Hayward which released Foster who went on to lob the goalie but missed the far post by a foot.

Paul Hull finally got off the mark by finishing his 12th one on one of the afternoon before the hapless fullback fired over his own goalie from outside the box. Before this Reece Smith was given his senior debut after being brought up from the U15s. He was very impressive and fired in after a great run within minutes of being on the pitch - thanks to the Endeavour production line for that.

There were downsides from this performance though; wastefulness in front of goal could be punished against stronger opposition and a lack of discipline was shown when several players became involved in a melee after Foster was set upon by Windlesham’s veteran central midfielder. More control was needed, even though the ref thought it was just banter….banter…...banter.

Star Man

Jeremy Capper worked tirelessly and kept possession very well for the entire 90 minutes. There were several other candidates amongst the attacking players but a host of missed chances means they couldn’t be in the running.

Moment of the Match

A spectacular own goal from the Windlesham right back, who managed to do what most of our forwards couldn’t and chip the goalie from 25 yards. Another highlight was a rampaging run from left back Gary ‘Forest’ Langton in search of his first goal since little league, which finished with a bone crunching challenge on a Windlesham centre back.

By Leon Trowbridge

Old Ruts Reserves stepped up their bid for an historic treble with a hard fought victory against Bisley Sports in a spiky encounter at Poplar Road.

With a place in the Surrey Cup semi final at stake, both sides were keen to stamp their authority early on in the match and it was Bisley who created the first real chance of the afternoon when a dangerous cross from the right was just missed at the far post by the Bisley number nine with the goal at his mercy.

The Ruts then began to settle and should perhaps have been awarded a penalty on the half hour mark when Jeremy Capper went down in the box under a clumsy challenge from the Bisley centre half, only for the referee to wave play on despite the furious protests of the Ruts players.

Moments latter, a flurry of corners almost resulted in Dave Cundy opening the scoring but his header flashed wide of the far post.

With a solid back four aided by the combative Capper and Leon Trowbridge, the Ruts were enjoying a lot of possession, and Steve Berry and Kevin Foster in particular were stretching the Bisley back line.

However, they were made to wait until 55 minutes before taking the lead. Adam Clark controlled Matt Crowley’s forward pass and sent a cross-shot across the face of goal, which was gratefully converted at the far post by Foster.

Minutes later the Ruts were unfortunate not to double their advantage when Foster saw his dipping volley fizz just wide of the post with the Bisley keeper seemingly beaten.

Next up substitute Steve Andrews saw his free kick sail narrowly over the bar and then Foster was desperately close with a back post header following more good play from Andrews.

Bisley then had their best chance of the match when a quick counter attack down the left saw their attacker in acres of space, but he mis-controlled with just James Howarth in the Ruts goal to beat.

It was to prove a costly miss because it was soon 2-0 when an Andrews free kick was converted by Foster at the back post, following a late challenge on Paul Hull.

At 2-0 it was always going to be an uphill struggle for Bisley to get back into the match and they almost fell further behind when Berry broke down the right hand side, only to fire his effort wide.

Foster was then the victim of an ugly late challenge from the Bisley number 7 who can consider himself fortunate that the card shown was yellow rather than red.

All in all a very positive display from the Ruts and manager Graham Clayton was understandably delighted with his players at the final whistle: "It's a fantastic achievement to reach the semi finals of the Surrey Cup."

The Ruts will now face the winners of the Maori Park and Chessington KC match in what is sure to be a keenly contested semi final.

By Graham Clayton

Old Rutlishians had to get back on the championship chase after their fine performance in the Surrey Cup the previous week. Unfortunately they never reached the same heights in a scrappy, bad tempered encounter against a Godalming & Farnborough team that was on the back of a nine game unbeaten run.

The early chances fell to the Ruts, the best being when Paul Hull beat the offside trap 18 yards out. With better awareness he would have controlled the ball and taken it forward, but he chose to go for glory and blazed high and wide.

Further chances went begging until the 20th minute when Adam Clark controlled the ball 20 yards out and without a moment's hesitation lobbed the keeper who had strayed too far off his line.

The Ruts proceeded to push on and when Steve Berry got himself clear, goal number two looked the most likely outcome. However, Berry's attempt at breaking the net from eight yards only resulted in the ball cannoning off the crossbar and although he claimed it bounced a yard over the line, without the aid of Sky TV we will never know.

The Ruts were then unlucky to have a goal disallowed for a disputed offside, but the second goal eventually arrived when an indirect free kick was awarded to the Ruts on edge of the box and Hull curled a shot low into the corner.

The game was then killed off when Berry had another go at breaking the net and although the net remained intact the Godalming keeper had no chance as the ball smashed into the top corner.

The only highlight of the second half came on the hour mark when Hull latched onto a through ball and - despite a shout for offside - drilled another low shot past the keeper for 4-0.

Unfortunately, rather than spark the second half into life it had the opposite effect and the game descended into a bad tempered non-event with the majority of what little action there was taking place in the centre of the park.

The Ruts defence was superbly marshalled by the ever impressive John Wood and gave nothing away though, so the Ruts were never in danger and comfortably saw out the match.

Manager Graham Clayton had this to say: "Athough the game was not the prettiest and best forgotten, you cannot fault the players' desire to win and with futher cup games on the horizon the
players were aware it was important not to let Knaphill get too far away from us. So in the circumstances I was happy with a 4-0 win (obviously Knaphill losing made it an even better result). I will however be expecting a better performance this week."

By Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians booked their place in the League Cup final with a comfortable victory over Ripley which keeps their treble dreams alive.

This was the Ruts 21st win on the trot, an incredible stat, and on a baking hot day they started with the confidence such a run brings. Paul Hull could have got them off to a flyer but missed a good chance on the volley after a great cross from Kevin Foster.

He made amends on 30 minutes though with a superb goal from the edge of the area, curling a left footed drive low into the corner for 1-0.

The game reached the halfway stage still in the balance, but the conditions had taken their toll on Ripley and the Ruts superior fitness told in the early stages of the second half.

Foster in particular came to life and tormented the flagging Ripley defence - a second goal looked a case of 'when' rather than 'if'.

Sure enough it arrived on 55 minutes when Hull slotted in his second. This was followed by a host of chances for the Ruts as Ripley's heads seemed to go down. Leon Trowbridge shot high and wide after a good lay off from Hull before Jeremy Capper was denied by an excellent save from the Ripley keeper low to his right.

The third goal came on 65 minutes when Adam Clark kept his head to shoot into the bottom corner and that should've killed the game.

But Ripley responded five minutes later and were back in it at 3-1.

They sent on an extra attacker for the last 15 minutes but still didn't force Ruts keeper James Howarth into a meaningful save. The Ruts had chances on the break and Clark in particular should have done better when he shot over from close range.

In the closing stages the impressive Dave Cundy broke up yet another Ripley attack and sent Hull clean through and the pacy striker finished clinically to claim his hattrick and put the Ruts into the final on April 20th against Premier Division side Shalford.

By Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians Reserves maintained their stranglehold on Division One with a comfortable win over Elstead despite playing well below par.

Top scorer Adam Clark got them on their way when he took a Jeremy Capper pass in his stride, cut inside the last defender and stroked home on 20 minutes.

Moments later it was 2-0 when Capper was pushed in the area and Kevin Foster stepped up to score from the penalty spot.

Not much good football was played by either team and the good performance of the Elstead keeper was keeping the score down.

On the hour mark Clark made it 3-0 when his cross sailed in and the game looked safe. So much so that when Foster was taken out in the area with 15 minutes left it was left back Gary Langton who was nominated to take the penalty and pop his scoring cherry for the Ruts.

He proceeded to scuff the second worst penalty ever seen at Poplar Road but it miraculously squirmed under the keeper and into the net. However, the referee ordered a retake for encroachment and Langton then hit the worst penalty ever seen at Poplar Road a good metre wide of the post. His choice words to the ref for disallowing his first effort resulted in a straight red card.

Elstead notched a consolation after a poor defensive error but 10 man Ruts never looked in serious trouble. "A game and a performance to forget," said manager Graham Clayton, "but at least we got three points, which quite frankly is all that's important at the moment. It can be easy to slip up in games such as that."

By Steve Andrews

Even divine intervention cannot stop Old Rutlishians’ march towards the treble! The Christians of Chessington KC met a resolute Ruts side determined to keep the dream alive! Leaked papers have revealed talks between Morden Council and manager Graham Clayton discussing a ‘Sawn Off’ top minibus procession around Morden.

The Ruts started brightly for a couple of minutes before a nippy St Luke up front for Chessington had a couple of great chances as balls over the top split the normally impenetrable Ruts defence.

A very well organised Chessington had the majority of the opening exchanges and the Ruts were relying on the counter attack. A great run and cross by Kevin Foster gave Paul Hull a headed opportunity but his effort went just wide. Hull had a better chance when he lobbed St Matthew in the Chessington goal, but again his effort landed the wrong side of the post.

Chessington played a three man central midfield - St John, St Bartholomew and St Patrick - and this left the Ruts exposed and chasing the ball. Wingers Steve Berry and Foster were caught in the wilderness between attack and defence. The boys at the back were valiantly trying to cope with this as ball after ball was launched up for the pace of St Luke to run onto. The cause was not helped when left back Gary Langton had to be replaced by Richard Hayward after hurting his eye when hit in the face by the ball.

Finally, midway through the first half the breakthrough came. Jeremy Capper played a great ball over the top of the Chessington defence and Hull made no mistake this time, lobbing St Matthew. The ball took an age to drop over the line and Clayton looked like he was on a trampoline, bouncing up and down on the touchline.

In the second half Chessington were fired up and some un-Christian like challenges started flying in. Leon Trowbridge was injured by one reckless tackle by St John and was replaced by Steve Andrews. Now we arrive at the part most of you will be dying to read!

Andrews comes on… two mins: Andrews flicks the ball away from a free kick and receives a yellow card… four mins: Andrews takes the lamest free kick imaginable and St Matthew has to come out to catch it… five mins: Andrews flies into to the back of St Bartholomew and then kicks the ball 40 yards away. Referee Mary Magdelene, being watched by assessors Mary and Joseph from the Surrey FA, had no choice. Second yellow and off. Andrews is ashamed and repentant at nearly costing the boys the dream. Despite his sorrow, he will no doubt be flogged to death by the fines book administered by Matt Crowley.

With only ten men the Ruts were now really up against it. Chessington created more and more chances, but the boys would not be beaten. Keeper James Howarth saved everything, he was unbeatable. If they’d thrown a fish at him he’d have fed the five thousand with it.

The back line was fantastic - Dave Cundy, John Woods, Matt Crowley and Richard Hayward would not be beaten and if they were Howarth was there. Jeremy Capper and Paul Hull never stopped running and fought for everything in midfield, Nigel Watford and Steve Berry kicked and battled while the lone forward Adam Clark never gave up his running and blaspheming.

The Ruts even had a couple of chances to make it two but Steve Berry could only chip into the keeper's hands, while Clayton was back on his trampoline.

Finally the whistle went and the Ruts are in the Surrey Cup Final!

Chessington could not believe they had lost, but alas, according to ISAAH chapter 13, verse 4:
‘The Lord is a Ruts Fan!’

GO ON THE RUTS!

Report to follow...

By Graham Clayton

Following last week's excellent performance and goalfest at Guilford City Weysiders the Ruts went out against bottom of the league Elstead expecting at least the same score if not more.

Unfortunately Elstead had not read the script and started much the better side. The Ruts were soon one-nil down after a combination of sloppy defending and a half asleep keeper (who had only remembered he had a game at 3 o'clock) saw the alert Elstead forward break through and stab the ball in.

This seemed wake up the Ruts and almost immediately from the kick off they equalised. Unfortunately the wake up call was short lived and soon after the same Elstead forward calmly slotted his second past for an unexpected but deserved lead.

However once again this sparked the Ruts into life and they went up the other end to draw level almost immediately. The Ruts then decided they had had enough of that particular game and took control to go into the break 4-2 ahead.

The second half saw the Ruts take total control of the game with their forwards starting to find more and more space. They soon found themselves 5-2 up before the referee awarded a disputed penalty to the home team which the Elstead forward stepped up hoping to score a deserved hat trick. He could only scuff the ball past the post though and unfortunately for Elstead that was their last moment in the game.

The Ruts went on to score another four to take their day's tally to nine and their league tally to over 100 for the season. Barring a mathematical miracle the league title is now secured.

Manager Graham Clayton said: "There were some quality goals scored today but I think I will have to put Steve Nicola on the bench to get a decent match report in future, because the current squad are just not up to it."

By Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians secured trophy number two of their treble quest with a hard fought win over Shalford to lift the SCIWL Reserve Challenge Cup.

Playing in front of their biggest crowd of the season (their previous best attendance was 8 including subs) the Ruts started poorly as Shalford dominated the opening 20 minutes without ever really threatening keeper James Howarth. The Ruts just couldn't put any moves together and resorted to punting long balls for Paul Hull and Adam Clark to chase.

However, on 25 minutes the Ruts snatched the lead with a quality move. Steve Berry got into an attacking position on the right flank for the first time in the match after being forced to play auxiliary right back as Shalford pressurised. But he revelled at the opportunity to run at the defence and cut inside, laying a square pass to Hull in the 'D'. Hull waited for the right moment before slipping a clever through ball for Berry and although his first shot was saved, Berry tucked home the rebound for 1-0.

The Ruts perked up and came into the match more. On a bobbly, hard pitch though neither side was able to get the ball down and play much good football, especially as both sets of players were quick to close down their opponents.

As a result no clear chances were made at either end until the stroke of halftime when a long clearance caused confusion between a Shalford defender and his keeper and Hull was able to walk the ball into an empty net.

Shalford trudged off at halftime scarcely believing they were two goals down in a match they'd had the better of, but the Ruts had taken their opportunities while Shalford lacked creativity in the final third.

The second goal seemed to drain the spirit from Shalford and the Ruts enjoyed a good spell just after the interval, Clark going close to scoring when he made a 'lightnighting' run into the box but just failed to connect with Kevin Foster's cross.

A Shalford free kick on the hour mark swung the pendulum again though when a superb cross was converted from close range and the game was back in the balance at 2-1.

Now the Ruts steely determination came to the fore and the midfield and defence worked hard to prevent Shalford breaking through. Clark had run himself into the ground with some unselfish running for the team and was replaced by nippy young striker Reece Smith, who was to cause the tiring Shalford defence plenty of problems in the closing stages.

Shalford committed more men forward as the game wore on but found no way past a solid Ruts back line for whom Dave Cundy was outstanding, bravely launching himself into headers and crunching tackles to keep Shalford at bay. Jeremy Capper and Steve Andrews had tightened up the midfield since halftime, although Andrews will be disappointed he was booked for only his 83rd foul of the evening.

Smith was providing a good outlet on the break for the Ruts and on 75 minutes he beat his man and sent in a low shot which the keeper could only kick out to Paul Beaumont 10 yards out. The Ruts bench were on their feet shouting 'goal' only for Beaumont to somehow roll his shot inches wide of the gaping net.

As the game entered injury time (and with Shalford still not looking like turning their possession into a decent chance, nevermind an equaliser) the Ruts broke and Hull found himself with just one defender between him and goal. Looking up and seeing he had Gary Langton in acres of space to his left, Hull sensibly ignored him and sped into the area where he was clumsily brought down. Dusting himself off, he slotted the penalty into the bottom corner and the Ruts could start celebrating.

The ref somehow found seven minutes of injury time but eventually blew the final whistle allowing the Ruts to celebrate a league and cup double and cheer captain John Wood as he lifted the trophy.

By Graham Clayton

The match after the cup final was a difficult one, the hard fought battle with Shalford having taking its toll and with the Ruts not sure if they were playing as champions due to the disagreements between Knaphill and Fairlands.

The first half saw the Ruts have a few good opportunities without really getting into their stride and most of the action was being watched on Gary Langston’s mobile phone on the sideline. However with 30 minutes gone the only goal of the half come when a long free kick from John Wood was floated into the box and Paul Hull watched the ball come over his shoulder before calmly volleying the ball into corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.

With only minutes left in the half Nigel Watford made a superb goal line clearance to insure the Ruts went in ahead.

The second half started the same as the first before Hull made it 2-0 after 60 minutes. At that point manager Graham Clayton decided the game was won (doh!) and made a double substitution bringing off two defenders. This immedialty had the desired effect for the Fairlands team and within ten minutes they were level.

At 2-2 the Ruts woke up and Fairlands seemed to be happy with a draw. The impressive Hull wasted a golden opportunity for his hat trick - having beaten half a dozen players (twice) and with Wood screaming for him to lay the ball square for a tap in, he decided on the path of glory and a jug only to blaze the ball over from six yards.

With the game looking increasingly like a draw Wood started rampaging forward more frequently, often passing Gary Langton still coming back form the previous raid. However with two minutes left in the game he forced a corner. Adam Clark stepped up - his clever low driven corner was aimed at Wood at the front post and it found its way into the net.

The Ruts had made double sure of the league title and with seconds left Hull beat a couple of defenders but chose the square ball option this time and Clark was there to shin the ball into an open net to seal the game at 4-2.

After the game Clayton said: "It is always difficult after cup finals, but we have a large quality squad with a good ‘team’ spirit whoever plays and it was that that won us this game."

By Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians strolled to a comfortable win over lowly Burymead despite not playing as well as they can.

The Ruts never had to get out of third gear as they took control early on when veteran John Wood, revelling in an unfamiliar central midfield role, put down his zimmer frame for a moment to head in Adam Clark's free kick.

Clark then picked himself up after being fouled on the edge of the area and flighted an excellent strike over the wall for 2-0.

On 30 minutes Clark notched his second to put the Ruts in complete control, before turning his man well and forcing the keeper into a good save moments later.

However a mistake at the back allowed Burymead a route back into the match when Richard Hayward clumsily booted a cross into his own net while trying to clear it over the bar. The Ruts responded within five minutes though when Wood swung the ball of the match 40 yards over the defence into Clark's stride and the prolific striker slammed home at the near post to complete his hattrick.

Just before the break Paul Hull had a chance to extend the lead when he ran onto Steve Nicola's through ball but his shot was blocked. He was then put clear by a flick-on from Nicola again but Hull dallied and was caught by the last defender.

The second half saw Burymead up the physical side of their game as they attempted to kick their way back into the match. The number 5 - lucky to still be on the pitch after fouling Clark when he was clear - screamed at the ref and the Ruts every time he committed a foul (which was quite often) but even though a couple of the Ruts made schoolboy errors and rose to it, most kept their cool and continued to carve out chances.

Gary Langton drove forward and came within inches of his first ever Ruts goal but the keeper made a fine fingertip save. Nicola then danced past a defender on the right flank and shimmied past another before shooting weakly at the keeper.

Then substitute Erol Yilmaz was played in by Hull's first (and last) pass of the match but shot wide when he should've scored. The same can be said for Nicola when Wood sent him clear but his finish let him down too.

On 70 minutes Clark wriggled free on the byline and unselfishly squared the ball for Hull six yards out but a defender made a last-ditch intervention to clear the danger.

Finally goal number five arrived when Hull was clumsily brought down in the box. The spot kick was offered to Gary 'Never gonna happen' Langton but he refused it and Hull himself bobbled home a shot with just enough puff to beat the keeper's dive.

So the Ruts keep ticking over as they prepare for the Surrey Cup final in just over a week. Manager Graham Clayton has issued an urgent request for anybody who should happen to find Paul Hull's touch to please return it to Poplar Road immediately.

by Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians clearly had their minds on their upcoming Surrey Cup final as they failed to win for the first time in 29 games (when ironically enough Knaphill beat them 5-1 way back in October).

With those carrying knocks rested ahead of the final in five days time the line-up was much changed and the Ruts didn't perform well. They looked solid enough at the back but couldn't break Knaphill down.

Their only clear chance of the first half fell to Steve Berry, who raced onto Steve Andrews' through pass and nudged the ball past the onrushing keeper but couldn't catch it in time as it ran out of play for a goal kick.

The second half saw more changes as manager Graham Clayton protected his squad ahead of the final and with Knaphill sensing their opponents weren't fully up for the game, went for the jugular.

They enjoyed the lion's share of possession without ever properly testing keeper James Howarth but it was the Ruts who took the lead on 55 minutes when Adam Clark smashed home his 40th goal of the season.

When Andrews picked up a knock and had to be replaced by emergency third sub Clayton all pattern went out of the Ruts play as they tried to hold on for the final whistle without picking up any more injuries. They still almost grabbed a second when an outrageous long range effort from Paul Hull smacked the bar.

Knaphill were dominating though and got a deserved point when they equalised on 80 minutes.

The visitors could have won it on a number of occasions as the Ruts crumbled but the closest they came was when they forced Ruts sub Simon Minihane to head off the line.

At the other end Minihane was hacked down in the area but to everyone's surprise the ref ignored the penalty claims and waved play on.

So an instantly forgettable game ended and the Ruts left the field counting the walking wounded as they start to prepare for Thursday's final.

by Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians couldn't complete the final leg of their treble challenge as they failed to add the Surrey Junior Cup to their SCILW League and Cup double.

Starting as slight underdogs against a Westminster Casuals side who'd romped to the KDFL Division One title and beaten some top sides en route to the final, the Ruts appeared nervous and played well below their best for the opening 45 minutes as Westminster dominated.

Only an excellent goalkeeping display from Ruts keeper James Howarth kept the score 0-0 at the break and he was called into action after only 10 minutes, plunging low to his right to parry a drive.

Poor finishing from Westminster didn't help as they sought to capitalise on their superiority and they missed a couple of presentable opportunities. It looked as though they might pay on 25 minutes when Ruts forward Paul Hull struck a free kick towards the bottom corner but the keeper did well to turn it aside.

The Ruts couldn't get any decent passing going and their strikers were starved of possession. Westminster were by no means playing wonderful football either but they still mounted some good attacks and it looked as though one would pay off just before halftime when a right wing cross found the head of an unmarked Westminster forward eight yards out. A goal seemed inevitable but Howarth produced a truly outstanding reflex save and then got up quickly to push the follow up shot over the bar.

The Ruts improved greatly after the interval and seemed to gain the upper hand, going close to breaking the deadlock when Adam Clark's swirling corner struck the crossbar.

Influential midfielder Jeremy Capper had to go off injured on the hour mark though and as the Ruts tired Westminster began to force the pace once more. Their striker shot just past the far post on 65 minutes before finally breaking the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining when he shot through Howarth's legs.

The Ruts were stung into action and almost replied immediately when Richard Hayward's header went narrowly wide. Then the lively Hull - the only player who looked like he might trouble Westminster all night - hit a stinging left foot volley which the keeper pushed up into the air and then caught.

However the game was killed off shortly after when Westminster's impressive number 12 got down the right and teed up his teammate for a sweet finish past Howarth. And on 85 minutes the number 12 made it 3-0 placing a neat shot wide of Howarth and underlining Westminster's supremacy.

Kevin Foster did have a chance to notch a consolation in injury time but his 12 yard volley flew over.

The outcome was never really in doubt once Westminster had opened the scoring and the better team certainly won. And although the Ruts can take pride in reaching the final and having a tremendous season they will nevertheless wonder what might have been had they performed to their capabilities on the night.

Report to follow...

by Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians wrapped up their league campaign with a comfortable win.

Not much good football was played on a rock hard, small pitch and it took the game's best move to create the opening goal on 20 minutes. Steve Andrews and Gary Langton combined to send Richard Hayward away down the left and his square pass across the penalty area was dinked over the advancing keeper by Paul Hull.

Adam Clark forced a good save from the keeper as the Ruts created most of the openings but the second goal didn't arrive until the 70th minute when Clark tapped home a great cross from John Wood.

The floodgates then opened as Ockham tired and Gary Langton finally scored his first ever Ruts goal, putting away his 19th chance of the afternoon following more good work from Wood.

In the closing stages Wood helped himself to a deserved goal as he headed home Hayward's accurate cross.