By Steve Nicola

A 60 seconds lapse of concentration midway through the second half cost Old Rutlishians dear as they undid a good defensive performance by conceding two sloppy goals.

With many players unavailable to him, manager Graham Clayton opted for a solid 4-5-1 formation and keeper Stuart Bedford was untroubled until the goals such was its effectiveness of nullifying Shalford's attack.

In fact the only three clear cut chances of the match had fallen to the Ruts - in the first half Paul Hull missed a one-on-one before Steve Andrews shot narrowly over when well placed. And on 55 minutes Steve Berry directed a header towards the far post but it was cleared off the line.

Moments later Shalford scored when a defensive mix-up let in their striker to volley home, and when the Ruts lost possession immediately from the kick off, Shalford swarmed upfield before a good shot beat a helpless Bedford for 2-0.

The shellshocked Ruts switched to 4-4-2 to try and get back in the game and on 88 minutes a superb cross from sub Darren Knott was nodded in by fellow sub Adam Clark, but time ran out and Shalford had avenged last season's League Cup final defeat.

By Graham Clayton

After the disappointment of the week before, the Ruts were fired up for this one and flew out of the blocks. With only a minute gone Paul Hull capitalised on a defensive mistake to take the ball off the keeper before slotting the ball home with the leg he normally reserves for standing on.

The Ruts were in no mood to take their foot off the pedal and it wasn't long before their continued pressure resulted in the Horsley keeper up-ending Kevin Foster as he took the ball round him. The outcome was never in doubt as Steve Berry placed the ball on the penalty spot and stepped up to smash it into the roof of the net.

The Ruts continued to dominate with Russell Nixon, Steve Berry and Steve Nicola causing all sorts of problems going forward while Scott Stoney continued his impressive early season form by providing the solid base to do this from. However, with the score still looking respectable Craig Wellstead was forced into making a fine save to keep it 2-0.

Shortly before half time the impressive Steve Nicola got the goal his overall performance deserved when his calmly placed side foot shot from the edge of the box nestled nicely into the corner of the net after being put through by Scott Stoney.

The Ruts should then have had a second penalty when Richard Hayward, breaking from left back, was crudely challenged in the box, but although it looked clear cut the referee was not convinced (probably because Tiny resembled bambi on ice as he went down).

The second half started as the first had finished - with the Ruts attacking - and it wasn't long before they got the fourth. Right back Matt Crowley making a rare forward run into acres of space sent a peach of a cross to the far post and Russell Nixon came flying in from the left to leap like a salmon and direct an unstoppable bullet header into the top corner for 4-0.

At this point the Ruts were starting to really enjoy themselves and showing the form that had seen them win Division One the year before. Steve Nicola, finally getting a chance in the middle of the park, was not wasting his opportunity, but after an impressive 60 minutes his injury-blighted lack of pre-season kicked in and he was replaced by Leon Trowbridge. Not wanting to be outdone, Trowbridge got straight into the action. Paul Hull hit a corner to the 'D' where the waiting Trowbridge calmly took the ball down on his chest before swivelling and firing a brilliant, unstoppable shot into the top corner for 5-0.

The Ruts dominance was growing with Russell Nixon, Steve Berry and Kevin Foster in free flow, and there was no let up even after Steve Berry was replaced after receiving one of numerous poor tackles to save him for the weeks ahead. Sub Adam Clark went close a couple of times and Gary Langton tried to score six months quicker than last season (although that was never likely to happen) but it was left to Russell Nixon to calmly beat two players before coolly slotting the ball into the corner for his second and the Ruts sixth.

However, all these fine goals were trumped by Kevin Foster, who had know been withdrawn to a midfield role, as he scored the 7th and 8th. His first came when he got the ball on the right and totally bamboozled the first Horsley player before cruelly nutmegging him and shooting past the keeper. This was eclipsed by his second though, when he cut in from the right to curl an awesome left-footed 35 yarder into the top corner to cap a great performance by the Ruts.

Although it was a dominating performance going forward the defence also played their part, with the pacey Matt Crowley making a welcome return, Craig Wellstead making his first appearance of the season in goal keeping the players on their toes, the young but confident Tom Hughes alongside John Wood dictating things in the centre and Richard Hayward defending and attacking with equal aplomb on the left giving the forward players a very solid platform to build from.

Manager's quote: "If I ever say we are playing any other formation than 4-4-2 please take me out and shoot me! An excellent performance by 14 players which was a joy to watch, the effort they are putting in at training is showing and if they play that way each week it will be hard to stop them."

By Graham Clayton

Firstly my apologies to all for this match report - with hindsight it would have been done Saturday night before my brain was scrambled on Sunday, therefore some of the events will not be in the correct chronological order (come to think of it, they may not even have occurred!)

With seven enforced changes to the side that demolished Horsley the previous week, the reserves manager Graham Clayton did not know what to expect - however, he need not have worried.

The Ruts took control early on with the pace of debutante Chris Mitchell, Steve Berry and Russell Nixon causing all sorts of problems, and with Jeremy Capper making his first start of the season and Scott Stoney providing a solid base for them to work from, the Ruts should have scored early on. However, their desire to pass the ball into the net meant that the visitors kept a clean sheet for longer than they should have.

Finally, a corner from the right was swung in and the resulting scramble lead to the first goal with Chris Mitchell scoring his first in an Old Ruts shirt.

It wasn’t long before the Ruts made it two when the ever-young John Wood strode forward to beat two players before dragging the ball back from the byline. The in-rushing defender tried in vain to control it but only managed to knock the ball into his own net. The Ruts then went 3-0 up when Mitchell, having beat two players in the box, calmly placed the ball past the keeper.

Shortly before the break the Unis centre forward - who had a fine game - got his first from the penalty spot after he was alleged to have been fouled in the box.

At half time the Ruts brought on another one of their promising 16 year olds and almost instantly the young Luke Creates, making his Old Ruts debut, scored number four when another scrambled corner fell to his feet for him to calmly tap in.

The Ruts were now well on top but were beginning to lose their shape in their quest for goals. Still, they went 5-1 ahead when Steve Berry struck a low hard shot from just outside the box. However, the lack of shape did eventually tell when the Unis centre forward broke away to score his second of the game - 5-2.

The Ruts made it 6-2 when the impressive Luke Creates picked the ball up on the edge of the box and neatly tucked it away beyond the keeper's reach - was the 16 year old going to score a debut hattrick? Unfortunately, with the reserves biggest crowd of the season (18) mainly made up of Luke’s fan club cheering him on, nerves got the better of him and on two occasions with the goal at his mercy he couldn’t get the ball down quick enough and was tackled so the deserved hat-trick was never achieved.

Unis had the last word when their centre forward finished his superb hat trick as he buried the ball into the top of the net from a free kick out on the right .

Manager's quote: "Overall, given the events leading up to the match getting the three points and another +3 on the goal difference was pleasing, especially given the number of new faces to the team. It is great to have such a big squad to choose from, however we'll need to play better when the old friendly rivalry with Kingston Albion is resumed in the Surrey Cup on Saturday. See you all at training."

By Graham Clayton

After the relatively easy match the previous week, the Ruts were once again involved in the Surrey Cup which they come so close to winning last season. With Kingston Albion from the KDFL Premier League coming to town for the first time in many years - renewing the friendly rivalry between the clubs - the players knew they were in for a very tough game.

Both teams were well up for the game and the first half, although played out without a goal, saw both sides going close on a number of occasions.

However it was Albion who went the closest when they rattled the bar from a fine long range effort only to have the rebound brilliantly saved from close range by veteran goalkeeper ‘Roly the Golie’ Heal. The Ruts nearest effort came from a scrambled corner which Luke Creates put narrowly wide.

As the second half started the Ruts began to take control, albeit without looking like they would make the breakthrough. However, it was felt at half time by gaffer Clayton that as long as the team kept its shape and discipline the result would come as this was only Albion's second match of the season and the Ruts superior match fitness would surely tell, even if it meant taking them to extra time.

But on 55 minutes it was Kingston Albion who opened the scoring against the run of play, a fine move down the right resulting in the ball being squared to an oncoming forward who gave Heal no chance.

This was the cue for the Ruts to step up a gear and for a while it was one way traffic and looked like only a matter of time. However, when the equaliser came it was a little fortuitous. Fine hassling of the keeper by Steve Berry saw him steal the ball and knock it back to Paul Hull on the corner of the box. He looked up and using his trusty left foot like a sand wedge, lofted the ball up over three defenders and the keeper and into the top corner. A great goal scored by probably the only person on the pitch who would have tried it.

The game then closed up with neither team wishing to make a mistake. But with time running out, a fine through ball was latched onto by the Albion forward who proceeded to bear down on Heal and although the Ruts defence were left for dead, holding midfielder Scott Stoney saw the danger and his fine last-ditch sliding tackle probably saved the game. But although it was probably the best tackle of the season to date the ref saw it differently and awarded a free kick just outside the box. Luckily for the Ruts Stoney only saw yellow. 1-1 and extra time was needed.

By now Kingston had made all their changes. The Ruts had made two and one of these proved to almost be the difference as an excellent long throw in by sub Darren Noonan saw Tom Hughes steaming in from the back post to rise above his marker and guide a great header past the stranded keeper. 2-1 after 100 minutes.

At this point the game looked over. Kingston, having worked their socks off, were running on empty and the Ruts were not far off that. Then came a major turning point midway through the second period as the best move of the match saw the Ruts pass the ball from left back through the midfield to eventually the right wing with no-one taking more than two touches. A great cross from the right saw Noonan loop a terrific header over the keeper and the celebrations started - the game was surely won! But no, to the amazement of everyone (including the Albion players) the offside flag was up and the curse of the oppo's linesman had struck again.

It still looked like a Ruts victory, but Albion to their credit never gave up and were rewarded with a few minutes remaining when a good cross from the left gave Ruts veteran skipper John Wood a decision to make. With no shout from the keeper he made his mind up to put the ball out for a corner, but unfortunately the ball sliced off his head and in off the far post. 2-2 and the tee shirt had found a home.

The game went into penalties and Albion scored first, leaving regular penalty taker Berry to level with a shot that squeezed through the keeper's hands - 1-1. Kingston scored again and Stoney stepped up. However, although he struck it well it was too close to the keeper who palmed it away and Albion had the advantage.

Albion scored their next two and with Wood and sub Darren Knott also scoring with ease it was down to the Albion centre half to win the game. Fortunately for the Ruts the pressure must have got to him as he smashed it against the crossbar. The pressure was then on Hull to take it into sudden death with the last kick of the allotted ten - a miss and the Ruts were out. He calmly rolled it in, 4-4 after five penalties each and sudden death loomed.

Kingston had the advantage of going first and putting pressure on the Ruts kicker, and when they scored penalty number six Tom Hughes swallowed his nerves and smashed home for the Ruts. However, on Kingston's next penalty man of the match Heal guessed right and made a great save to surely set up a win for the Ruts. It was left to right-back Matt Crowley to win the game and like a player that had taken penalties all his life, he stepped up and calmly planted the ball into the corner to the delight of his team mates who all sprinted from the centre circle and were on him within seconds.

Manager's quote: "This was a great game played in the right spirit by two good teams. Both sets of players were a credit to their clubs. We wish Kingston Albion every success for the rest of their season."

By Richard Hayward

The Ruts started very slowly and struggled to get a grip on the game early on which led to them conceding the first goal in disappointing circumstances. The Yateley centre forward won a flick header which bounced awkwardly to Matt Crowley and rebounded to a forward who finished convincingly at keeper Roland Heal's near post.

It was a good surface for football and it wasn't until about 20 minutes into the match that the Ruts managed to get the ball down and start playing. However, they were still losing the majority of knockdowns and second balls. The Yateley number 10 was causing problems for the Ruts back line with some intelligent movement and a little foul play.

It was Yateley though that were still creating the best chances, keeping Heal the busier of the two keepers. The Ruts only reply was a couple of long range efforts from Scott Stoney and Russell Nixon, but nothing of any great note. The Ruts were pleased to go in at the break only 1-0 down.

The half time dressing down did not exactly have the desired effect as although the Ruts started to play slightly better, they could find no way through a solid home defence and this frustration caused players to argue amongst themselves - never a good sign. The Ruts soon conceded a second when a long ball over the top was finished by the number 10 from 10 yards out.

Strikers Chris Mitchell and Adam Clarke were thrown on to try and get the Ruts back in the game and two chances were created by crosses from John Wood and Richard Hayward but neither were on target.

Wood pushed on to try and salvage something which left big gaps in the defence and chances were created at will by the home side. The third was a similar strike to the second with Heal left very isolated.

The game petered out and the Ruts finished with 10 men after Tom Hughes was savagely hacked down in his own box and had to limp off.

In summary manager Graham Clayton had much to be annoyed about - the forwards didn't close down quick enough, the midfield lost a lot of individual battles and the defence made sloppy individual efforts. A serious change in attitude is needed from now on after a performance that lacked effort, team spirit and a shot on target.

By Graham Clayton

After the poor performance last week, the Gaffer was looking for the players to show some teamwork and character, and he wasn't disappointed.

Both teams were well up for this match, and with a ref that encouraged 'the advantage' it soon got into it's stride. However, with a narrow pitch that didn't suit the Ruts normal style of play and with Woking playing five in the middle it didn't make for a great football spectacle.

The majority of the first half was a midfield battle with neither team able to create many opportunities. However, after 20 minutes Woking got a free kick in a dangerous position around 22 yards out. Instead of taking a direct strike for goal the ball was played to the side of the wall for a Woking player, whose shot was going aimlessly wide before an unmarked forward stuck a foot out to deflect the ball past a helpless Roland Heal. 1-0 - was the rot to continue?

By now both sets of players were testing the referees 'advantage' rule and the game was starting to heat up, but neither team really took control and apart from a few half-chances (the closest coming from Adam Clark who tested the Woking keeper with a trademark bullet shot) it remained 1-0 up to the break.

The second half started as the first finished and the battle continued with neither team giving or asking any quarter. As the game went on Woking started to concede more and more ground, maybe hoping to hold onto their slim lead. That didn't happen though and after 60 minutes the decisive moment arrived. With Paul Hull trying to shield a ball on the flank, two or three Woking players all took swipes at the ball and missed, with one almost removing Hully's right leg from its socket (I know it's useless but he has to stand on something). This saw the ref - in his infinite wisdom - not book all three Woking players, or even two of them, or even the one that had tried to launch Hully into orbit. Instead he booked Hully for 'retaliation' - obviously Hully had not understood the advantage rule. This lead to the heated game going into melt down with both sets of teams and supporters exchanging words. However it was clear after this point that the Ruts were not going to concede this game.

Shortly after a Ruts player was tackled unfairly 25 yards out, quick thinking by Hull saw him curl the ball into the top corner whilst the keeper was organising his wall, only for the ref to bring it back as he had his back to the ball. With Hully walking away in disgust it was left for Steven Andrews to line up the second effort, but Adam Clark stepped up to hit an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner which was past the keeper before he could move.

At this point it was one way traffic and it wasn't long before the second goal came from a scrambled throw-on when man of the match Richard Hayward hooked the ball in from close range.

This encouraged the Woking players to attack more but with the Ruts challenging for every ball they never managed to create a clear opening and the Ruts saw the game out to earn a well deserved three points.

Manager's quote: "I could not have asked or have been given any more commitment and effort from any of the 13 players today, they gave everything for the team, the club and themselves. After last week I could never predict the outcome of the match, but I had enough belief in the players' abilities and commitment to know they would not lie down and concede two weeks in a row. From the first whistle it was never in doubt and the club should be very proud of them today."

By Matt Crowley

After an encouraging result against Woking last week, the Ruts pre-match talk in the dressing room was all about fight, commitment and working as a team. Manager Graham Clayton was rightly expecting a good performance to take the reserves another step forward to a repeat appearance in the Surrey Cup final. Expectations and confidence were high and with a near full-strength squad - nothing other than a win would have been acceptable.

The Ruts started well enough, passing the ball around nicely and pressing Kenley's defence. Defender Tom Hughes came close early on with a flicked header from a corner and both Steve Berry and Kevin Foster were troubling the opposition down each flank. This pressure did not last long as Kenley started imposing themselves on the game midway through the first half. The Ruts defence seemed to switch off as a through ball was played to the Kenley number 10 and he duly fired into the top corner past a helpless Roland Heal.

Instead of fighting back to level the game, Ruts heads seemed to drop and it wasn't long before the score was 2-0. The Kenley right winger was allowed time on the ball to cross to the far post where three players were left unmarked. It was a simple goal and the Ruts had a mountain to climb.

With an early cup exit on the cards, manager Graham Clayton pleaded with his players to show some resolve and fight their way back into the game. To be fair to the players it was a much improved second half. The Ruts had more of the possession and began to carve out some real chances. Hughes, Lee Poulter and especially Paul Hull - hitting the crossbar from a free kick - all went close. Sadly, however, it was not going to be a thrilling cup comeback.

Kenley had chances themselves and would have gone further ahead early in the second half if it were not for two goalmouth clearances from Matt Crowley and some top keeping from Heal.

Inevitably the third goal came 10 minutes from time. A long ball over the top caught the defence at odds with each other and the Kenley forward rolled the ball past Heal. From then on the Ruts were fighting a losing battle. Clayton brought Steve Nicola and Adam Clark on for extra energy but it was too little too late.

There is to be no Surrey Cup run this year and the Ruts exited with a whimper. They are going to have to improve 100% if they are to make an impression in the league or defend their Reserve League Cup trophy.

By Tom Hughes

We kicked off with a 4-4-2 formation against an unbeaten team second in the league and, remembering our poor performance the week before, we were all up for this one.

With four minutes gone we went 1-0 up after a great bit of football all round. Paul Hull played a great ball to Steve Nicola who calmly passed the ball across the face of the goal for Steve Berry to slot in. However, just two minutes later the Ruts were down to 10 men when last man Leon Trowbridge was sent off for a professional foul and to make matters worse Hersham equalised from the free kick.

We changed our formation to 3-5-1 and successfully controlled the midfield. The game calmed down for about 20 minutes until Hull made an inspiring run from half way, beating three men to finish well and put the Ruts 2-1 ahead. This was cancelled out 10 minutes later by Hersham's second equaliser. The visitors then finally began to make their numerical advantage count for 10 minutes before the break in which Tom Hughes got booked for a clumsy challenge outside the box. Roly-the-Goalie made a fine save to keep the free kick out and the halftime score 2-2.

The second half started with opportunities for the Ruts which were not taken, and the injured Nicola was replaced by Steve Andrews on 65 minutes. Andrews had an immediate impact, flighting a free kick towards the back post for Hughes to head home and put the 10 man Ruts 3-2 ahead. Moments later Lee Poulter deservedly increased the Ruts lead when he shot into the roof of the net after a good pass from Berry.

Hersham were dispirited - the Ruts had dug deep and outplayed them despite the early dismissal. Berry then missed a penalty, but Man of the Match Hull made it 5-2 anyway with a deflected free kick. On 85 minutes Hersham also scored a deflected free kick but there was no way back for them.

So a good game of battling football and a much improved attitude by the Ruts to get us back to winning ways.

By Steve Andrews

The Ruts cruised to an easy victory in the first round defence of their Reserves League Cup trophy.

Gaffer Graham Clayton started with a 3-5-2 formation which allowed the Ruts to overrun the opposition in midfield. Tom Hughes opened the scoring early on when a cross was flicked on at the near post and he stretched to finish well at the far post. Soon it was two, Steve Andrews played a long ball over the last defender for Steve Berry to race clear and finish brilliantly into the corner.

Although being two goals up, the Ruts were still not playing their best football, resorting to long balls from defence far too much. The third goal showed how they can play when they keep it on the deck. A quick interchange of passing to feet from Tom Hughes and Steve Nicola cut through the Burymead midfield and Steve Berry played a neat one-two with Nicola before finishing clinically past the beleaguered keeper.

On 35 minutes it was 4-0. Great play by Luke Creates on the right wing resulted in a fine cross for Paul Hull to flick a header into the far corner of the net.

Kevin Foster had a great game and showing his quality throughout, the Burymead defence just could not live with him. As he nutmegged one of the opposition and shouted ‘NUTS, WAYHEY’, it had the crowd doing the conga in the stands. The ref, however, gave him a strong talking to for ridiculing his opponent, showing his total misunderstanding that this is an entertainment sport. Genius, all the same.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. Hughes crashed in a great header from Berry's excellent corner, before John Wood netted with a titanic like turn to fire past a statuesque keeper. The Ruts created chance after chance - Hull fired over from 5cm, Darren Noonan went close with a throw in and Nicola handled in front of the goal when clean through.

Clayton still did not look overly pleased, although this could be because no-one had been to Morden Chippy for him.

7-0 came when Nicola threw himself to the ground in the area and despite pleas from the Ruts players to book him, a penalty was awarded. [Webmaster's note - It was a vicious foul, I'm lucky to be alive!] Berry completed his hat-trick, drilling the ball in confidently to cap a great display. Andrews made it 8-0 close to the end after great work from Creates and unselfish play by Berry.

Noonan then did well to beat two players down the right but selfishly chose to shoot from the byline instead of cutting the ball back to an unmarked Nicola 4 yards out.

Graham Clayton said of the Ruts: "It was an adequate performance against an average team, but we need to play much better next week against the top of the league… and where the ***k are my chips?"

Creates was awarded Man of the Match for a fantastic all round display - he set up goals, made some great crosses and worked tirelessly for the team.

By Mark Kerwick

A brace for Paul Hull and fine finishes by Steve Berry and Lee Poulter saw the Old Ruts maintain contact at the top of the Surrey Western Premier Reserve Division.

The pre-match team talk made it clear that this was a must win game against an Eversley team sitting pretty at the top of the division. A win for Eversley would have seen the Old Ruts a full nine points behind the league leaders and surely out of the title chase.

A slow start saw the Ruts gradually move through the gears with the midfield pairing of Steve Andrews and Steve Nicola taking the battle to the opposition. It was only a matter of time before the Ruts broke though the Eversley back four. A slick interchange of passes saw Darren Noonan release Berry to slide the ball past the oncoming keeper.

It was then up to the Ruts back four to thwart the tricky Eversley forwards and strong performances by John Wood, Noonan, Richard Haywood and Mark Kerwick limited the opposition to pot shots until the half time whistle.

Although the first half dominance was clear for all to see, caution was the name of the game during the Ruts half time team talk. The start of the second half saw the Ruts move into overdrive. The youthful movement of Luke Creates and Kevin Foster out wide combined with the cultured interplay of Hull and Berry proved too much for the Eversley defence. Two clinical finishes in quick succession by the sprightly Hull drained the fight from a determined opposition.

However, with the game moving into the last quarter a combination of tiredness and lack of concentration in defence saw a Ruts attack suddenly turn into a golden opportunity for Eversley which was duly taken. With Eversley rejuvenated, it wasn’t long before the Ruts looked to the bench and the magical talents of Lee Poulter. Within minutes of his introduction the game was dead and buried, a sweeping through ball saw Poulter strike a net-buster through the arms of the diving Eversley keeper to wrap up an excellent 4-1 win.

By Darren Noonan

Clayton's army travelled to south of Guildford again this week to take on Milford & Witley Reserves and after the 45 minute drive were amazed to witness an absolutely shocking pitch a couple of feet from the A236! The bad start to the day suddenly took a new twist as the Gaffer had brought his boots out of retirement and insisted on naming himself as a substitute. Unfortunately worse was to come as the returning Jeremy Capper pulled a groin in the pre-match mud-fight ruling him out of the match. Rob Goldsmith filled in for Caps which meant the only sub was the Gaffer who insisted that players must have TWO broken legs before any substitutions would be made!

Thankfully despite the Benny Hill start to the day the Ruts started well with the pace of Kevin Foster, Luke Creates and Steve Berry troubling the Milford defence whilst the Ruts back four looked comfortable. The breakthrough came only ten minutes into the game as Steve Nicola won a free kick on halfway which Darren Noonan took quickly, releasing Foster to cross first time onto the strawberry blonde head of Berry. A well worked goal and a deserved lead for the Ruts which was soon doubled as a corner found its way to the right foot of Goldsmith who sent the ball into the top corner from 20 yards – a fine strike only bettered by the ‘pick that one out’ comment just after striking the ball!

Unfortunately the Ruts then decided to relax and let the home side back into the game with misplaced passes and balls stuck in the mud gifting the Milford midfield the ball far too often. However, Milford rarely looked like scoring with only a free kick to tip over and a good smothering save for the Reserves debutant keeper Barry Wigley to make to keep the score 2-0 at half time.

The second half was uphill so we knew we were going to be under pressure and having Richard Hayward and Foster playing with groin injuries didn't help matters! Milford broke through the defence five or six times in the second half but some woeful finishing and good last ditch tackles ensured it was still 2-0 until the 80th minute when things went horribly wrong. A long ball from the Milford centre back was expertly flicked on by Noonan to send the Milford forward racing through and although Mark Kerwick put in a great challenge the ball broke kindly for a forward to slot home and Milford were back in the game. Five minutes later Milford came pouring forward again and a good cross found an unmarked man at the back post to nod in.

2-2 with only a couple of minutes left and the Ruts managed to force a couple of corners and increase the pressure looking for the winner which was eventually gifted to them as the Milford centre back decided to bring Paul Hull down when it looked like nothing was on. Hully was on penalty duty so wandered off down the A236 to fetch the ball as the Milford players remonstrated with the referee. After returning with the ball firmly locked under his arm, Hully placed the ball on the spot and tucked the penalty away comfortably to seal the win and his own personal milestone of 100 goals for the club – congratulations Hully!

As Milford threw men forward in injury time the Ruts caught them on the break and Nicola lifted the ball over the diving keeper but was unlucky to see his shot cleared off the line - if the ground had been harder it would've bounced in but it held up on the boggy surface and a defender reached it in the nick of time.

Another good win but we made it difficult for ourselves by not putting four or five past the oppo in the first twenty minutes when we looked quite capable of doing so. The win came at a cost as well with injuries to Capper, Foster, Bezza and Tiny but hopefully none too serious to stop them playing next week.

I would like to finish by quashing rumours that Clayts wanted to bring himself on for Hully to take the last minute penalty as the big man wasn’t there and has an alibi – the blonde girl in Superfish, Milford!

By Steve Nicola

Old Ruts Reserves went top of the league with this comfortable win that saw them extend their winning run to five games in a row.

Tom Hughes started the scoring when he nodded in a corner on 15 minutes to give the Ruts the lead their play had deserved. Worplesdon were struggling to contain a pacy forward line of Steve Berry and Reece Smith who both made intelligent runs into the channels, and with Kevin Foster and Luke Creates hugging the touchlines the Ruts had plenty of options.

As such a more direct game was paying dividends as the four forward players were getting on the end of long passes from the back that, although bypassing the midfield, was the correct tactic as the Ruts got in behind Worplesdon on countless occasions. Creates shot straight at the keeper when clean through and Berry put one wide after getting clear of the last defender while Steve Nicola flashed a volley just wide.

On 30 minutes Berry scampered down the right hand channel once more and this time crossed for Smith to make it 2-0.

Worplesdon slowly got into the game after the break but only threatened once when keeper Barry Wigley did well to parry a low shot. Smith made the game safe on 70 minutes when his volley crept past the keeper who should have done better.

The Ruts scored twice in the last few minutes as the spirit drained from Worplesdon. Paul Hull collected a through pass from sub Steve Andrews and when his first shot was blocked, he ignored a simple pass for Nicola to tap into an empty net and instead, with his back to goal, decided to turn and dribble past the keeper, another defender and shoot past two defenders who'd got back on the line. Despite choosing the more difficult route to goal it went in, but Nicola was not amused!

Moments later sub Adam Clark blasted a scorcher into the roof of the net after Andrews unselfishly laid the ball into his path and the Ruts had the three points and top spot they were looking for.

Report to follow...

By Graham Clayton

The Ruts had their second forgettable game in a row, although this time rather than three points in the bag it saw the reigning Reserve Cup holders dumped unceremoniously out of the competition .

A trip up the M3 for a second round tie against Eversley saw the reserves have a bad day at the office, the pre-match words of "they will be up for this because we stuffed them at our place" were quickly forgotten.

The Ruts started poorly, and fearing what was to come Steve Nicola - having already picked up two Dream Team points for an appearance before everyone transfers him at Xmas - decided to headbutt an opponent's boot resulting in a nasty gash above his eye (later needing five stitches). The break during treatment didn't help and in the time it took to get Steve comfortable on the line the first Xmas present of the season was gifted to an Eversley forward after a nice five yard pass from Darren Noonan in the six yard area. Five minutes in, one player and 1-0 down - not a great start.

Shortly after things went from bad to worse. With the Ruts in festive mood another piece of poor defending gifted Eversley their second goal of the day (although it looked off-side). However at this point the penny seemed to drop. Man of the Match Steve Andrews started to dictate the game from the middle of the park having come on for the injured Nicola, Kevin Foster was giving their right back the run around and from dead balls it only looked liked a matter of time before the Ruts scored and got back in the game.

Unfortunately the goal did not come before half time - two disallowed goals, a fine save from a 25 yard volley from Leon Trowbridge, some frantic goal line clearances, some inspired keeping and a penalty miss from the normally dependable Paul Hull saw the Ruts go in 2-0 down. It could've been worse as Ruts keeper Gavin Coutts made a brilliant penalty save just before the break after the ref had pointed to the spot despite Trowbridge's foul being a good yard outside the box.

At half time it was agreed we would not panic as although we were 2-0 down, at this point in the game we were by far the better team. With two further quality subs on the bench we were going to play the way we had and take them into extra time if need be.

Unfortunately at that point I took Steve Nicola to the hospital so the next 15 minutes is a blank, however on my return it seemed that things were going right as we had pulled one back through Hull. However, 30 seconds later a cleared corner saw the ball fall nicely at the feet of an unmarked Eversley player whose tame shot found it's way past a scrum of players leaving Coutts unsighted until it was too late. 3-1 - I knew I should have stayed at the hospital!

Unfortunately this was a bridge too far and even with the introduction of the two subs the heart had been ripped out of the Ruts and they no longer believed or had the fight to get back in the game, which made for a pretty depressing last 25 minutes. With all discipline gone two further gifts (although they were taken well) saw Eversley race away to the third round leaving the Ruts to wonder what might have been.

Manager's quote: "Once again we lost a match before a ball was kicked, the half-hearted excuse that half their first team were playing was irrelevant as we were still good enough to win the game. However, although we undoubtedly have the quality to win matches we have to switch on and understand that teams in this league will not give you games, and even against the bottom teams you have to be up for the fight and earn the right to play. Now we can concentrate on the league which I know undoubtedly that we have the players to do, therefore I will be looking for a reaction from each player this week and with some players returning from injury I will be looking for the team to bounce back so that we can go into the break (and to Finches on Saturday night) on a high. Although I am sure Ockham will have something to say about that."

By Darren Noonan

A chilly Saturday at Poplar Road saw the men from Ockham Reserves arrive to take on Clayton's Fish and Chip Eleven. After last week's shocking performance in the cup against Eversley the inclusion of two recovering alcoholics - sorry, I mean first teamers - Marc Hawley and Ryan Brown made certain we wouldn't slip up against a side with just one win to their name all season!

Preparation wasn't good however as despite the gaffer unleashing tactical diagrams on the under-used whiteboard, numerous players stumbled rather than floated through the door! Peaky players included Leon Trowbridge (sporting a toilet-tissue covered face as he had attempted to shave whilst still over the limit), Darren Noonan and Feza (damn Golf Day) and Rhino (damn Fridays)!

The match started with the Ruts taking control early on and knocking the ball around comfortably with Rhino and Steve Andrews looking to play to the wide boys 'Lofty' Luke Creates and Kevin 'Vidal' Foster. However Ockham could have taken advantage of the festive drunks early on as Noonan missed the ball twice in a matter of minutes but good covering by the only footballer in the Hawley family, Marc, stopped the Ockham forward comfortably.

After the early scare the Ruts started producing chances as Lofty and especially Man of the Match Vidal looked like beating their markers every time they got the ball. The goal always looked like coming and eventually one of Vidal's 350 quality crosses was dropped by the keeper and Lofty bundled in from close range (the goal looked suspiciously like an own goal but Lofty knows people in high places so has been credited with it!)

The score stayed 1-0 until half time despite the Ruts edging the possession 90%-10%! The team talk was one of the easiest the big man will ever have - keep passing and finding the wingers and we must score more! The second half started the way the first half had ended and it wasn't long before the ball found its way to Vidal on the corner of the box and he fired in a cracking volley across the 'keeper to surely make the points safe at 2-0.

The pressure on the Ockham box continued with more dangerous crosses and a great effort on the volley from Rhino which tested the Mick the Groundsman's netting behind the goal! The third goal finally came courtesy of super sub Feza as he nicked in ahead of the 'keeper to nudge the ball just across the line before Reece Smith blasted it into the net.

Overall a truly forgetful game which was dominated by the Ruts from the first minute until the last but three points is three points! Vidal, Lofty, Rhino, Marc and Stevie Andrews all produced some cracking crosses throughout the day but the way we all attacked the crosses was shocking with Noonan and Smith in particular missing simple chances. We can get away with that against the poorer teams but must improve if we are to win this league. Good to see the injury free Rhino and Marc back playing and as comeback games go this turned out to be a nice run out for the lads!!

Have a good Xmas everyone and don't forget the fit club when on that fourth piece of Xmas Pud all those involved!!

Graham did a match report too as he thought Darren had forgotten, so seeing as he took the effort to write it here it is:

By Graham Clayton

After the extremely poor performance the week before, the Reserves needed to bounce back to keep their healthy position in the league before the festive break.

The Ruts started well with the returning Ryan Brown and last week's MOTM Steve Andrews controlling the middle of the park (Ryan playing with such enthusiasm after ten weeks out he was setting up chances for both teams) and the lively pair of Steve Berry and Reece Smith up front gave the Ockham defence a torrid time. It seemed only a matter of time before the avalanche would start, although it never came.

However, although the goals did not come the Ruts continued to push forward and with the defence of Darren Noonan and John Wood looking solid at the back, Mark Kerwick on the right and Marc Hawley on his return at left back supporting Kevin Foster well and delivering some quality balls in from out wide, the Ruts never looked threatened. This gave the team the confidence to play some quality fluent football, and if anything it could be said they over played at times.

The breakthrough finally come when energetic young winger Luke Creates continued his good early season form by scrambled the ball over the keeper from close range and the Ruts were finally 1-0 up.

Although the Ruts continued to pressurise the chances continued to go begging and when Creates went clean through and with three players on the back stick waiting for the ball, the second looked inevitable. However a tame shot saw the Ruts having to settle for just the one at the break.

The second half started as the first finished with the Ruts looking to increase the lead. Creates and Foster continued to deliverer from the flanks, but although the forwards were both working very hard and creating chances the Ruts never really looked liked scoring.

However after 60 minutes an Ockham defender cleared to the waiting Foster 20 yards out whose fine volley low into the left corner gave the keeper no chance at all - 2-0.

At this point Adam 'Feza' Clark was introduced to try to add to the goal difference and it almost paid instant dividends when a fine ball from Foster saw Feza unmarked at the back post. But it was just too high and he could not get enough on it.

The final twenty minutes saw eventual Man of the Match Foster running riot down the left, with Leon Trowbridge supporting well after Hawley gave in to fatigue. The third goal finally came from another scramble which saw both Feza and Smith scramble the ball over the line, although it was finally awarded to Fezer (it was a conspiracy). 3-0 at least gave the scoreline some respectability.

It was a good performance all round, even if the Ruts never really got out of second gear. Looking at the big picture, with keeper Gavin Coutts not having much to do and keeping a clean sheet (although he did what was required with confidence and authority) was probably more important than the
'goals for' column. I am confident that with the squad of players we have we'll be challenging for the title come April.

By Graham Clayton

Once again the curse of over confidence threatened to strike the Reserves down.

Travelling for the second time to Horsley who they had convincingly stuffed 8-0 previously in the season, all seemed well and it should have been a nice way to start the new year and get back into the swing of things. However, as the famous saying goes: "It's a funny old game".

The game started as expected with the Ruts knocking the ball around via Steve Andrews and Ryan Brown in the middle of the park and the new partnership of Tom Hughes and Steve Berry creating the desired pressure upfront. However, this didn't produce a goal, even after Hughesy's three pointer following a good move and eventual pull back from Bezza.

Although the Ruts were on top and looking good going forward, the defence looked out of sorts and Horsley were looking dangerous, especially down the right. The new lead-lined boots designed to stop broken metatarsals being tested for Nike by Richard 'Tiny' Hayward were not working and were obviously more suited to deep sea diving.

Eventually the lack of matches told on the Ruts when, after some poor defending, a Horsley forward found himself totally unmarked 20 yards out - a cool lob over outrushing keeper Gavin Coutts saw Horsley take a surprise 1-0 lead.

Fortunately this seemed to wake the Ruts up and almost straight from the whistle the ball found its way to Paul Hull wide on the left 25 yards out. Sending a high cross towards Bezza in the middle, Hully was heard to mutter "boll***s" as he realised he'd overhit it, but then shrugged his shoulders and grinned as the ball floated over the keeper into the top corner for 1-1.

The Ruts continued to look dominant going forward with Andrews and Brown controlling the middle and supplying the two wide boys Luke Creates and Hully. Any set piece looked like it could result in a goal as by this time it had become apparent that Horsley's keeper at just 5’2” was not the most comfortable in the air.

But once again it was Bezza's pace that was causing the most concern to the home team and as with the first game they decided upon the tactic of hacking him down whenever he received the ball as their favoured option. Unfortunately for the Ruts with the referee offering no protection this eventually would turn the game to the home team's advantage.

The second goal arrived when the confused Horsley defence mistook the twinkle toed Hughesy for Bezza, the resulting crude challenge giving the ref no option but to award a penalty and Hully duly stepped up to leave the keeper with no chance - 2-1. The third followed soon after when one of many quality corners from Brown found its way to Creates six yards out who tapped in. Funnily enough he too was modelling a new pair of boots for the occasion - however these were for Nike's upcoming Barbie range.

3-1 with only 15 minutes gone and Hughesy then thought he had the fourth following a heavy challenge on the keeper. It seemed the ref had given the goal but he in fact eventually gave a free kick to the delight of the complaining Horsley defence.

It seemed at this point that the eight goals from the previous game would be surpassed, but Horsley were still looking dangerous going forward. Then the turning point arrived - a good ball down the left released Bezza to attack the space and once again he was crudely kicked from behind. A spot of handbags followed with the frustrated Bezza and the defender aiming token kicks at each other, and Bezza was shown the red card much to the amusement of the Horsley defence.

Shortly afterwards Horsley took advantage of the confusion to score their second pretty much as they scored the first and a game that looked dead had come to life.

The Ruts were looking rattled and it took a couple of fine saves from Coutts to keep them in front. Then a clumsy tackle on Mark Kerwick saw the defender hobble off and with 43 minutes on the clock the gaffer made the fundamental schoolboy error of not replacing him straight away and although Hughesy had been brought back into the back four, the pressure of only having nine players on the pitch prevailed. Once again the ball was sent in from the right and this time Hughesy totally left the Horsley forward unmarked and he had a simple tap in to level the match at 3-3 - game on.

I think the players may have expected the hair dryer treatment but it was a time for calm as it was obvious the game was still there to be won if we could stop them scoring again. But could the defence tighten up? After some team discussion, captain John Wood reorganised his defence - Hughesy and Darren Noonan were giving man marking roles on the two forwards. James Fenton (who replaced Kerwick) was given a lone striker role with instructions to hound their entire back line, while Creates was to patrol the right flank allowing Hughesy to man mark. The plan was then to score from a set piece.

The second half was a bad tempered affair but with the added effort put in by the whole team Horsley were not really putting the Ruts under pressure. Finally the impressive Fenton won a corner. With the gaffer screaming from the bench for Brown to take it, Fenton himself blotted his otherwise impeccable copybook by taking it himself and putting it straight behind for a goal kick.

The Ruts had by then raised their game, especially Brown and Andrews who along with showing expected composure were fighting for every ball. Hull was trying at every opportunity to take the game to Horsley from the left and Fenton was doing the work of two hassling the defence and holding the ball up very well. Creates on the right was showing maturity way beyond his years to sacrifice his own game for the good of the team. However, it was still close and no clear chances were produced by either team .

The breakthrough came as predicted when Hughes headed in following a good corner from Brown. 4-3 up, could the 10 men hang on? No they could not. Once again, the normally solid Noonan showed he had the turning circle of the HMS Ark Royal to allow the same forward all the space he needed to smash the ball past Coutts - 4-4, 65 minutes gone.

With Brown refusing to allow the team to give up, the Ruts best period of the game followed. Once again the Ruts pushed forward for a set piece which Brown floated goalwards and amidst a scrum of bodies the ball somehow bounced all the way into the net untouched, despite Fenton's diving effort to try and head the ball over the line himself (if he'd used just a little more gel his hair would've scored). 5-4 to the Ruts with 15 minutes left.

Steve Nicola was immediately brought on for Hully to give a more defensive look to the team, but it was the fresh legs that actually made the difference with Nicola offering a good outlet down the left channel, and with his fresh legs he had an immediate and positive effect, taking the game to Horsley and being very unlucky not to get at least one deserved goal for his efforts. He also set up a good chance for Fenton who tried in vain to control the ball between his belly and his thighs (painful) a shame as, joking apart, the boy deserved a goal for his efforts.

Although the defence had now belatedly tightened up it was left to eventual Man of the Match Brown to save the points when he bravely threw himself in front of a goal bound effort. Then on 90 minutes Coutts magnificently parried a drive and thankfully for the Ruts the Horsley forward smashed the rebound wide.

With the gaffer pacing the line the Ruts were doing everything in their power to keep the ball in the oppo's last third. Eventually the whistle went although the ref (quite rightly) added on a lot of injury time which was definitely nothing to do with the time wasting tactics employed by the experienced Brown and Nicola of course.... So eventually the Ruts had three well deserved points to take back down the A3.

Manager's quote: "That is our get out of jail free, do not pass go, do not collect £200 card used up for the season. We now have to switch on and raise our game to the correct level!!!"

By Graham Clayton

After last week against Horsley the need to start the game well was stressed to the players and to their credit they duly obliged.

With the midfield quartet of Steve Andrews, Ryan Brown, Luke Creates and Kevin Foster controlling the game and creating good chances for the hard working Thomas Hughes and Steve Berry up front, it seemed only a matter of time before the first goal would arrive. And following a couple of near misses Hughes converted from six yards after a good ball from Creates on the right.

It then looked the like the second and third would follow, but unfortunately all the pressure on the Ripley defence didn't result in a goal, the best chance coming from Foster when his superbly hit 25 yarder with the outside of his boot curled over the keeper only to come back off the crossbar and evade the in rushing Hughes.

With the second goal not coming the Ripley team started to get a foot hold in the game and from a corner they had an appeal for a goal turned down as the ref and linesman could not be sure the ball had crossed the line. However, Ripley may say justice was done as they equalised shortly afterwards when a corner resulted in a scramble and the ball finally fell to a player who looked at least a yard offside and the game was level. Were the Ruts going to pay for wasted chances?

Steve Berry then got through one on one, but the keeper made a fine stop to deny him. At the other end Ripley's forward beat the offside trap and Mark Kerwick made a superb last ditch tackle (which needed perfect timing if he wasn't to see red) to snuff out the danger.

This seemed to wake the home side up and they started to press again, although the central route had taken preference resulting in the game becoming very congested. On 44 minutes another quality corner from Brown found Hughes at the far post who headed the ball back into the danger area and Richard 'Tiny' Hayward leapt like a salmon (having discarded the lead lined boots from the previous week) to make it 2-1.

The second half was a tightly fought battle and it took good teamwork between Creates and Berry to secure a goal. Creates bravely nodded the ball to Berry, who lofted it over the defender for Creates who had continued his run. It looked like the outrushing keeper might win the race but Creates got there first and squared for Berry to score a well deserved goal, calmly slotting his shot past the defender on the goal line to make it 3-1.

With the defence having tightened up from the previous week it looked good for the Ruts, but following a mix up Ripley found a way through - 3-2 and it was once again game on.

With Ripley taking the initiative Steve Nicola was introduced to the middle of the park to try and establish a foothold in the game. Shortly afterwards fellow sub Paul Hull was blatantly hacked in the penalty area after a mazy run but incredibly the penalty appeal was turned down.

Although the game became very end to end there were not too many other chances to speak of, although Kevin Foster was unlucky after a fine volley from 18 yards saw the keeper initially parry the ball up before showing good agility to get back onto his line and stop the ball going over for the fourth.

With time running out Steve Berry dropped back to give extra protection to the defence and Adam Clark was introduced upfront (Berry was later to get the Man of the Match award for his tireless running). The Ruts saw out the last 10 minutes to take the three points.

Manager's quote: "No complaints today. Although we conceded two the defence looked like it was getting back in the swing of things. This was a good, hard fought game between two good teams with everyone from both teams giving their all. I obviously feel we deserved the win which now gives us some breathing space from Ripley and keeps the pressure on Hersham RBL."