By Steve Nicola

A few senior players took charge of team affairs for the opening game of the season as manager Craig Wellstead was 'otherwise indisposed' and after a mad dash down the A3, a hurried warm-up and a brief team talk, the match was underway.

Played on an uneven pitch which hadn't seen a lawnmower for about two months, the game produced few moments of good football as it took about three touches to get the ball out of the long grass. Mark Kerwick twisted his ankle on the poor surface early on but was able to continue. Ten minutes later Scott Hawley was not so lucky as he stubbed his foot and had to be replaced at left back by Graham Winter.

By this stage the game was evenly balanced with only a long range effort from Ruts debutante Rowan Matthews worthy of mention. On the half hour mark a Ripley striker burst through the centre and seemed destined to shoot past an exposed Wayne Alderman in goal, but Richard 'Tiny' Hayward stuck out a telescopic leg and cleared the danger.

Ripley were winning the midfield battle as their trio outnumbered Ruts central midfield pairing Steve Nicola and Rob Goldsmith, but still the Ruts were creating the better chances. On 35 minutes Winter sent Troy McGuigan away down the left flank and he sent a perfect low cross to the feet of Adam 'Feza' Clark, who was about to shoot home from 10 yards out when he was brought crashing to the ground by a tackle from behind. The ref pointed to the spot and Tiny sprinted as fast as I've ever seen him move to try and take the penalty, but Feza was determined to have it and struck a low drive into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Moments before the break McGuigan again got free down the left and pulled a good ball back to Feza, who hit another powerful shot which deflected slightly off a defender and seemed sure to go above the diving keeper and in, only for the keeper to stick his arm up at the last moment and tip it over. A terrific save to keep his side only one goal down at the break.

At halftime the Ruts decided that Feza would drop deep to mark the Ripley number 6 (who was sitting in front of the Ripley defence and orchestrating their attacks) leaving Nicola and Goldsmith to deal with the two attacking midfielders. This 4-5-1 formation worked well and nullified the Ripley threat which was coming mainly through the middle, allowing the Ruts to sit deep and hit Ripley on the break. Credit to Feza for working hard and playing out of position for the good of team.

On 55 minutes Lewis Kelly replaced Matthews on the right wing and he was often the outlet, his pace proving troublesome to the Ripley left back. On 65 minutes Kelly pulled a cross back from the byline which struck a defenders arm, but the ref only gave a corner. Soon after the Ruts caught Ripley on the break once more and Josh Allen played a great cross to the feet of Feza six yards out, but the ball bobbled and Feza skied his effort over the bar.

Ripley were having plenty of the ball in the Ruts half but only really threatened once, when their striker hit a volley wide. Alderman dealt with crosses and through balls well, but the Ruts defence did such a good job protecting him that he didn't actually have a save of note to make during the entire match.

In the last few minutes Nicola beat his man on the right and played in Kelly, who squared for James Bone who was in acres of space, but his shot went wide.

The Ruts played out the remaining time for an excellent three points under the circumstances. Everybody worked and competed hard in what was basically a battle between two evenly matched teams, and this display of commitment and desire bodes well for the season ahead.

Alderman, Kerwick, Allen, Hayward, Sc Hawley, Nicola, Goldsmith, Matthews, McGuigan, Clark, Bone. Subs: Winter, Kelly, Reilly (all used)

By Steve Nicola

A combination of First team call ups (Troy McGuigan), injuries (Scott Stoney & Adam 'Feza' Clark) and unavailability (Neil Whyte, James Bone, Wayne Alderman & Billy Finnis) saw a much-changed Ruts take the field against a strong Woking & Horsell side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

Woking were on top from the first whistle and deservedly took the lead midway through the half when player manager Craig Wellstead was left exposed in goal and the striker cooly stroked the ball past him.

Although the Ruts were giving up chances they were also creating a few of their own with Luke Creates in particular a threat down the right. None of his crosses came to fruition though.

The closest the Ruts came was when Josh Allen (who had a fine game) went on a buccaneering run from right back but chose to shoot from 25 yards with options left and right, the shot drifting over. Striker Ollie Hicks was released by a good ball from Mark Kerwick, but tried a trick instead of shooting and the chance was snuffed out. His strike-partner Nigel Reilly also had a chance on the break but his left foot shot was smartly saved.

Centre half Matthew Wonacott was carried off with a nasty achilles injury just before the break and was replaced by Richard 'Tiny' Hayward. Wellstead boldly went with 3-4-3 immediately, pushing Josh Allen into midfield and Creates up top to join Reilly and Hicks.

At half time the Ruts were still in it despite not playing that well and Woking were in control. For the first 10 minutes of the second period though the Ruts had Woking on the back foot with their 3-4-3 formation and were looking strong. But the inevitable breakaway saw Woking add a second goal which knocked the stuffing out of the Ruts.

Wellstead then did his best Rene Higuita impression and got caught dribbling the ball outside his area. 3-0 - game over. Ed Reynolds came on to replace Goldsmith in the centre of midfield.

Poor defending from a dispirited Ruts side saw goals four and five come quickly for Woking, although Josh Allen scored a consolation for 5-1. By this stage young Rowan Matthews was on and he looked lively down the right flank. In fact the Ruts continued to make chances which they just couldn't take. Steve Nicola sent Reilly clear but his effort was saved, a scramble saw the Woking keeper pull off a couple of close range blocks, and right at the death Nicola crossed for Reilly to head against the bar with the keeper beaten, which summed up the Ruts luck in front of goal.

Woking added a late sixth goal and although they were superior and deserved their win, a five goal margin was perhaps flattering. Steve Nicola got the Man of the Match nod from gaffer Wellstead, who must now pick up his troops for the League Cup match at Unis OB next week.

Wellstead, Kerwick, Allen, Wonacott, Sc Hawley, Nicola, Goldsmith, Stephens, Creates, Reilly, Hicks. Subs: Reynolds, Hayward, Matthews (all used)

By Steve Nicola

The less said about this game the better from a Ruts point of view as a poor performance saw them crash out of the cup to a team from the division below them who they'd beaten 9-0 a couple of seasons ago.

Manager Craig Wellstead lost three players on Saturday morning and as a result many players were forced to play out of position, most notably Leon Trowbridge and Steve Nicola as left and right back respectively and Jeremy Capper in an unfamiliar left wing role.

No excuses though, the team should still have been good enough to advance to the next round, but the Ruts started very slowly (maybe a touch complacent?) and the defence gifted Unis two early goals with some slack marking.

The home side had the confidence boost they needed and fought for every ball sensing an upset. The Ruts played their way into the game though and had a glorious chance from a long goal kick which Ollie Hicks blazed over. Ed Reynolds then headed narrowly over and Capper dallied on the ball when Nicola played him in and the chance was gone.

The Ruts upped their game after the break and dominated the second half. But for all their good approach play they lacked a cutting edge and didn't create many chances.

On 60 minutes Hicks put in a low cross which Rob Goldsmith converted from 6 yards, but that was as good as it got.

Late on with the Ruts committing men forward Unis caught them on the break and added the killer third. The Unis sub (who wasn't a day under 48) did Tiny for pace and shot past Wayne Alderman in goal to cue mass celebrations.

Despite this embarrassment, Tiny was nominated Man of the Match by the gaffer for his good use of the ball for the previous 89 minutes, but in truth not one Ruts player could look himself in the mirror and claim to have played to his normal standard.

Credit to Unis though for working hard, being the more committed of the two teams and taking their chances.

Alderman, Kerwick, Hayward, Nicola, Trowbridge, Reynolds, Goldsmith, Stephens, Capper, Clark, Hicks. Subs: Finnis, Wellstead (both used)

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts made hard work of this match after missing several chances and had to rely on a stunning winner from Neil Whyte to give them the win they deserved.

They came out of the blocks fast and a ball over the top sent James Bone clear after just five minutes, but the ball bobbled over his foot as he went to shoot and he fell on his backside as the ball trickled out for a goal kick - cue much laughter.

Moments later Bone's strike partner Neil Whyte was clean through but shot narrowly wide. Then good wing play from Steve Berry saw him cross the ball low to Bone who scooped over from close range.

Steve Nicola headed a Bone cross wide and Ed Reynolds flashed a powerful volley over before the breakthrough came on 20 minutes. Steve Berry won a header on the edge of the area and Nicola flicked the loose ball past the last defender for Whyte to collect and fire into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

Foster went close with a powerful free kick but the score remained 1-0 at half time with Chiddingfold not threatening on the rare occasions they got the ball in the final third and the Ruts wondering how they were only a goal up.

This wastefulness came back to haunt the Ruts as a gritty second half display from Chiddingfold saw them tighten up and the Ruts weren't making too many chances, although Ruts keeper Wayne Alderman still hadn't had to make a save.

On 70 minutes though the inevitable happened as a long goal kick was missed by Ruts sub Josh Allen (on for the tiring Darren Noonan) and the Chiddingfold striker raced clear to slot past Alderman with virtually their first decent chance of the match.

The home side, buoyed by their equaliser, started to push forward in search of a winner but they were caught out on 80 minutes when Ruts sub Rob Goldsmith started a fast breakaway which found its way to fellow sub Ryan Stephens on the corner of the penalty area. He squared for Whyte, who unleashed an unstoppable shot over the keeper from 20 yards.

The match was held up shortly afterwards when the Chiddingfold number 8 seemed to break a bone in his hand after an innocuous tussle with Scott Hawley (you could hear the snap from the other side of the pitch) and he was eventually put in a sling and helped off. We wish him a speedy recovery.

When the game resumed Chiddingfold almost grabbed a late equaliser when another mistake at the back allowed their striker a free shot, but he put it wide and the visitors closed out the match.

Whyte's ability to put the ball in the net was the difference between the sides and he was Man of the Match.

The Ruts will have to cut out the silly errors and take their chances if they are to be competitive in this division, but the three points and an end to two consecutive defeats was the main aim of the day and they delivered.

Alderman, Sc Hawley, Reynolds, Hayward, Noonan, Nicola, Strating, Berry, Foster, Whyte, Bone. Subs: Allen, Goldsmith, Stephens (all used)

By Steve Nicola

A good second half performance saw the Ruts come away with all three points in an ultimately comfortable victory.

The home side nearly took the lead after 30 seconds when a good move resulted in Steve Berry playing in Lee Poulter, who fluffed his chance. His shooting would improve as the game wore on however.

The Ruts proceeded to dominate the opening 15 minutes but didn't test the Eversley keeper. Slowly Eversley worked their way into the game and the little fella up front was causing the Ruts backline a few problems. But the Ruts continued to create the better chances, the best of which fell to Neil Whyte which he scooped over from close range.

At halftime with the score still goalless the Ruts resolved to up their workrate and take the game to their visitors and they did this well. After only a few minutes of the second half they had the lead when Berry and Kevin Foster played a delightful one-two and Berry side-footed into the far corner for 1-0.

The Ruts were a different team with their confidence up and they proceeded to rip Eversley apart. Berry was a constant thorn in their side and on 60 minutes he played a square ball to the edge of the area which Rob Goldsmith struck well, forcing the keeper to dive and parry, only for Poulter to react the quickest and gobble up the rebound for 2-0.

Five minutes later Poulter had his second after good work from Foster and the game was over as a contest.

Manager Craig Wellstead then sent on promising youngsters Dwayne Mitchell and Rowan Matthews and they impressed with their lively running and shooting.

On 80 minutes Whyte nodded in from close range and on the stroke of full time Poulter grabbed his hattrick to underline the Ruts supremacy.

It had taken a long time coming but the Ruts showed in the second half what they are capable of when they are on their game, which they will need to be more often as stronger opponents will visit Poplar Road this season.

Alderman, Sc Hawley, Reynolds, Hayward, Nicola, Goldsmith, Strating, Berry, Foster, Whyte, Poulter. Subs: Mitchell, Matthews, Wellstead (all used)

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts best performance of the season so far gave them a convincing victory over a Yateley side which had won three of the last four meetings between the teams.

Manager Craig Wellstead had to make five changes to his starting line-up, including giving first senior starts to Lewis Kelly and Dwayne Mitchell, and recalling strikers Billy Finnis and Ollie Hicks from the 'A' team.

The Ruts started well and took the game to their opponents. Steve Berry was forced into an unaccustomed role at right back but was overlapping to good effect and his pace was causing Yateley problems. With the tricky Lewis Kelly also having a good game at right midfield it was no surprise the first goal originated from that flank. Steve Nicola and Kelly combined well before Nicola played a clever pass into space for Kelly, who chipped the ball to the back post where Finnis leapt to loop a header into the far corner for 1-0.

Mitchell was having an excellent game in the middle of the park, showing some quick feet and good vision, and he went close to making it 2-0 with a low shot just wide.

Hicks was also playing well up front, showing good willing to make runs into channels and winning a lot in the air. He went clean through after 35 minutes but the keeper stuck out a leg to block his shot.

The Ruts slackened off towards the end of the half and Yateley came into the game a bit more, but the back four were protecting keeper Wayne Alderman well and he didn't have a save of note to make. Centre backs Michael Lines and Richard Hayward were winning everything, and along with left back Scott Hawley were starting the Ruts attacks from the back with nice simple passing as the Ruts proceeded to play some attractive football.

At the break the injured Kelly (who had a fine game) was replaced by Josh Allen, who moved to right back allowing Berry to push on into right midfield.

On 60 minutes the Ruts got the second goal their play merited after another good team move. Mitchell, Nicola and Berry worked the ball down the right and eventually it found its way to Finnis, who hooked a great ball across the box where Kevin Foster arrived to head into the far corner.

10 minutes later the game was put to bed when Berry beat his man and passed across the area towards Finnis (who was involved in all three goals) who cleverly dummied the ball knowing Foster was behind him and Foster struck a low shot into the net for 3-0.

The Ruts comfortably saw out the match and will be encouraged by their performance. The fact that so many youngsters slotted into the team so smoothly bodes well for the future of the club (Kelly, Mitchell, Allen, Stephens & McGuigan are all teenagers and Hicks is 20).

Alderman, Sc Hawley, M.Lines, Hayward, Berry, Nicola, Mitchell, Kelly, Foster, Finnis, Hicks. Subs: McGuigan, Stephens, Allen (all used)

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts recovered from going an early goal down to storm back and claim their fourth win in a row.

In the 5th minute hesitation at the back allowed the Shottermill striker a free run on goal and he confidently shot past the exposed Wayne Alderman for 1-0.

It didn't take the home side long to clear their heads and get back on level terms. Billy Finnis fed strike-partner Paul Hull, who cut inside from the right and unleashed a fierce left foot drive from the edge of the area into the roof of the net.

By now the Ruts had got to grips with their opponents and were on top. Finnis and Hull were combining excellently up top and causing problems, while Steve Berry was overlapping to good effect from right back. And it was Berry who made it 2-1 on 20 minutes when his cross bamboozled the Shottermill keeper and looped over him, nestling gently in the far corner.

The Ruts were looking good at this point. Centre backs Ed Reynolds and Richard Hayward were dealing well with the Shottermill attack with Hayward winning practically everything in the air, and Troy McGuigan was having a fine game at left back, pushing on and linking up well with left midfielder Ryan Stephens.

On 25 minutes Hull hit a 20 yard effort which brought a good save from the keeper, but Shottermill could have equalised on 35 minutes when Alderman made a good save from a header. As the number 8 whacked the rebound goalwards from six yards out, Alderman did brilliantly to push it onto the bar and the danger was cleared by Hayward.

The half time message was to up the tempo and kill Shottermill off. This was done on the hour mark when Rob Goldsmith (who impressed in an unfamiliar right midfield role) released Finnis and he cooly slotted home for the goal his performance deserved.

Soon after Alderman got down well at his near post to tip round a long range effort. But it was mostly one way traffic and by now Jeroen Strating and Steve Nicola were dominating the middle of the park. Strating was particularly impressive and typified this by setting up the fourth goal, playing a good one-two with Goldsmith before passing first time to Hull, who stroked the ball into the net with his trusty left foot and the job was done at 4-1.

Or so the Ruts thought. Relaxing completely for the last 10 minutes, they allowed Shottermill three clear efforts on goal. One was headed wastefully over and the other two produced fine blocks from Alderman.

But the Ruts ran out worthy winners and must now take this form into the Surrey Cup tie against Frenches Athletic of the Redhill & Disctrict league next week.

Alderman, Reynolds, McGuigan, Hayward, Berry, Nicola, Stephens, Strating, Goldsmith, Finnis, Hull. Subs: Wellstead, Sc Hawley (both used)

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts exited the Surrey Cup at the first hurdle after conceding four goals in a mad 15 minute spell midway through the second half.

The home side had started well and took a deserved lead when Steve Nicola played a through ball for Billy Finnis to run onto, and he took his time before cooly rolling it past the keeper.

It could have been 2-0 on 20 minutes when Nicola ran at the heart of the defence, drawing players to him before slipping it sideways for Finnis, whose shot from 10 yards was well blocked by the keeper.

Ollie Hicks then beat a couple of players as he went on a good run, but couldn't find a final pass or shot. Soon after Ryan Stephens hit a shot into the side netting as Frenches struggled to clear after another Ruts attack.

Frenches were getting some joy in attack themselves but didn't test Ruts keeper Wayne Alderman. Their best chance was blazed over from the edge of the area and the Ruts were looking good going into the break a goal up.

A halftime reshuffle saw Rob Goldsmith come on at right midfield with Nicola dropping to right back in place of the substituted Ed Reynolds.

On 60 minutes Frenches were level when a shot deflected off Ryan Stephens and went in. Inexplicably the Ruts' heads seemed to drop and they were losing every 50-50 as Frenches - buoyed by the equaliser - harried and chased everything down.

Five minutes later another stroke of fortune put the visitors 2-1 ahead when a low cross was driven hard across the six yard box and Nicola inadvertently got a slight touch as he tried to clear it, deflecting it past Alderman and into the net.

The Ruts cleared their heads and pressed forward once more. Finnis won a free kick on the byline which Nicola whipped in towards the near post, where Finnis hit a smart half volley that was again well saved by the keeper.

Soon after Finnis wriggled free on the byline and cut the ball back to Dwayne Mitchell, who somehow managed to scoop his shot over from six yards when it looked like he couldn't miss.

At the other end Frenches were looking dangerous themselves and when their striker found himself free 10 yards out and looking odds-on to score, he was denied by a desperate slide tackle from the covering Nicola.

This close shave was merely a stay of execution though as within five minutes Frenches had scored twice more (one looking suspiciously offside) and the game was done and dusted at 4-1.

To compund the Ruts misery Stephens was carried off with a nasty knee injury and they had to play out the final 15 minutes with 10 men as they'd used both their subs.

The Ruts continued to create chances though and Darren Noonan shot over when well placed, before Nicola released Finnis once again but he ran out of legs and couldn't get his shot away.

In injury time Noonan was bundled down by the Frenches keeper at a corner and Richard Hayward stepped up to slot home the penalty, which was little consolation on a miserable day for the Ruts who are now out of both cups and have to focus their efforts on the league.

Alderman, Reynolds, McGuigan, Hayward, Noonan, Nicola, Stephens, Strating, Mitchell, Finnis, Hicks. Subs: Goldsmith, Cousins (both used)

By Steve Nicola

Old Ruts returned to winning ways in the league after last week's Surrey Cup exit with a convincing victory at Horsley.

The Ruts came out of the blocks quickly, forcing a corner with their first attack of the game and when Daragh Corrigan whipped it to the back post there was Darren Noonan to strike home for a 1-0 lead.

And it was 2-0 after just five minutes when good work from Steve Berry saw his cross tapped in at the far post by Paul Hull.

Horsley were shell-shocked and the Ruts continued to dominate but couldn't add the killer third. The message at half time was to keep concentrating and not let them back into the match.

Dwayne Mitchell had a great chance to make the game safe when a superb pass from Billy Finnis across the box left him one on one, but the keeper was out smartly to block his shot.

Horsley didn't have much creativity and resorted to lumping long balls which centre backs Noonan and Josh Allen cleared comfortably. But the ploy looked to have come off for the home side when they were awarded a dubious penalty after an innocuous looking challenge from Corrigan. Ruts keeper Wayne Alderman dived the right way but the ball went underneath him and Horsley were back in it at 2-1.

Manager Craig Wellstead reacted immediately, making a triple substitution with Ed Reynolds, Jeremy Capper and Lewis Kelly replacing Steve Berry, Scott Hawley and Mitchell.

Kelly had an instant impact with his pace and trickery causing the Horsley defence plenty of problems, while Reynolds provided more defensive solidity at right back than the more attacking Berry, who had impressed going forward.

The Ruts regrouped and on 65 minutes a corner from Corrigan was misjudged by the keeper and Hull tapped in from close range. Five minutes later Kelly fired in at the near post to cap his lively cameo and seal the win.

There was still time for Capper to play in Hull, who beat a defender before firing in his hattrick goal for 5-1.

Choosing a Man of the Match was difficult for Wellstead with some good performances throughout the team, but Hull just edged Corrigan and Noonan for the five extra Fantasy Football points.

Alderman, Berry, McGuigan, Allen, Noonan, Nicola, Corrigan, Sc Hawley, Mitchell, Finnis, Hull. Subs: Reynolds, Capper, Kelly (all used)

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By Steve Nicola

Old Rutlishians bounced back after two successive defeats with a win over Liphook. New manager Richard 'Tiny' Hayward went back to a 4-4-2 as the Ruts tried to steady the ship and resume their pursuit of leaders Woking Park.

The team looked a little low on confidence given their recent poor run and didn't get the ball down and play as much as they had during the opening weeks of the season. There were too many long balls from both sides and hardly a chance worthy of mention was created in the first half.

The injured Marc Hawley was replaced by James Bone at the break, and the theme of the team talk was to up the tempo, play it on the deck more and come out all guns blazing looking for an early goal.

The Ruts certainly did that, although the early goal never came. Not for the want of trying though. On 50 minutes Darren Noonan headed a corner across the six yard box and Ed Reynolds somehow blazed a volley over when it seemed a certain goal.

It was now one way traffic and the Ruts were playing better football. On 60 minutes Noonan galloped down the right and swung over a terrific cross which Steve Berry couldn't get enough on. Then Berry led a breakaway and ran at the defence, playing in Steve Nicola who was thwarted by the outrushing keeper.

The opening goal finally arrived on 75 minutes when Berry knocked a square ball to Bone, who glided past his man and struck a left foot shot across the keeper for a deserved lead.

Reynolds could've made it 2-0 soon after, but his point-blank volley from six yards struck a defender in the face and rebounded to safety.

The Ruts were looking for the killer second (even though Liphook weren't really threatening an equaliser) and it looked to have arrived when Berry scampered to the right byline and cut back a low ball which Jeroen Strating blasted over from 12 yards when he should've scored.

Then young Ollie Hicks - who's improved in leaps and bounds this season - received the ball, shifted it and shot from the edge of the area, although the keeper was equal to it.

The Ruts wastefulness might've been punished with five minutes left when keeper Wayne Alderman (who'd caught and held everything safely beforehand) flapped at a free kick and two Liphook players at the back post got in each other's way with the goal gaping, only managing to find the side-netting.

Berry punished Liphook in the dying minutes when he seized on a defensive mistake to run clear and slot home for 2-0.

Noonan got the Man of the Match nod in a good start to the Tiny regime, although greater tests will follow and the Ruts will have to up their overall performance if they are to keep pace with the leaders.

Team: Alderman; Kerwick, Hayward, Noonan, M.Hawley; Sc.Hawley, Nicola, Strating, Reynolds; Hicks, Berry. Subs (used): Mitchell, Bone.

By Richard Hayward

With a strong side on paper and confidence high from a good second half performance last week, the OR Reserves were looking forward to an improved performance for this home match at Poplar road. Welcoming Lewis Kelly after his hat-trick last week and Billy Finnis down from the firsts, the team was strong and instructions were to play a bit more expansively and kill the game in the first half with the wind behind.

This did not go to plan at all. Shalford Res with a new look team went on the offensive from the start. This was compounded when Captain Caveman Noonan and last week’s MOM tweaked his thigh after two minutes, the second time in a month he has come off after 10 minutes. Daniel Poulter’s previous comment about Noonan having a heart of a pea looks like coming to fruition.

Rob Goldsmith came on, but the Ruts were already 1-0 down as Noonan’s last contribution was to pass to their centre forward (because of his restricted movement) and he struck the ball home.

The Ruts equalised from a good move down the right when a good low cross from Steve Berry and a sharp finish from Jeroen Strating (in contrast to previous weeks) made it 1-1. This should have settled the team down, but people were panicking and doing the simple things wrong.

The ball was given away again and the Shalford centre forward lobbed keeper Roland Heal for their second. It stayed this way till half time. Everyone was instructed not to panic on the ball and start playing. The two forwards were told to stop making the same runs and show for the ball and that Lewis needed more service if he was to become a threat.

The first ten minutes of the second half were the same again with Shalford looking more likely to score and the whole team not winning battles or controlling the ball.  Against the run of play Jeroen scrambled in his second goal for the Rruts after Billy Finnis’ shot was parried - this after not getting into the box for the first three months!!

The transformation was amazing. Suddenly settled, the two forwards Finnis and Berry began to find gaps, the wide men Kelly and Goldsmith became far more dangerous, the midfield duo of Strating and Nicola won everything and the defence marshalled by Ed Reynolds and Tiny started picking the ball up and spreading play nicely.

The team kept the ball well and gave a tiring Shalford a complete run around. Four more goals came unanswered in the last 30 minutes, partly from great delivery on corners for Ed Reynolds and Billy Finnis to score with headers. 

Scott Hawley bent in a twenty five yard free kick (his only real positive contribution after ‘getting smashed’ at the golf day). Bezza, who was a thorn in the away team’s side (sometimes because of good play but mainly from his tourettes-like screaming) grabbed one as well but will need to calm down to remain so effective.

Overall a good win, with a rubbish first 60 minutes followed by a great 30 minutes. We need to put it all together to seriously challenge for the league but there were some promising things. MOM went to Jeroen Strating who is continuing to improve each week.

Team: Heal; Kerwick, Hayward, Noonan, Sc.Hawley; Kelly, Nicola, Strating, Reynolds; Finnis, Berry. Subs (used): Goldsmith.

By Richard Hayward

The Ruts were looking for their third win in a row, but had a slightly chaotic start to the day. At 12pm we expected to leave the club with 13 players. At 12.20pm we left with 10 after two blow outs and Scott Hawley touch and go to get to the ground for kick off. A quick trip via Fairfield Park to grab two players from the 3rd team (cheers Boo, Troy and Jordan) meant we arrived with 12 and Scott also pulled out the stops and was there nice and early.

The game started in the normal fashion with the Ruts trying to play the ball on the floor but struggling with early composure. The home team started by playing the better stuff but playing into the wind and the Ruts being very combative in every tackle meant Elm Grove made no real early progress.

After 20 minutes the Ruts began to play some better football and got Paul Skinner making his second team debut away down the right. The ball came back into Jeroen Strating and then back out to James Fenton, who beat his player on the byline and crossed for Billy Finnis to head the ball a yard over the line. The keeper scrambled it back very quickly and was lucky the referee was not close enough to make the correct decision and waved play on.

The first half continued with the Ruts on top but Elm Grove always looking dangerous on the break.  At half time Elm Grove were happier as they had coped with the wind and the hill. 

The second half was very tight with a couple of chances going to both teams. Hearts were in mouths when Wayne Alderman spilled an up and under and it ended up in the net after some pressure from an Elm Grove centre forward. Fortunately the referee saw an infringement although nobody else on the pitch did. This kept it 0-0 when it should have been 1-1.

On 60 minutes Finnis put an inch-perfect cross on Fenton's head but he headed over from six yards when he should've hit the back of the net. And on 70 minutes Steve Nicola hit a dipping 25 yard volley which the keeper did well to turn around the post.

The Ruts were pushing for a winner but becoming vulnerable on the break and had a couple of lucky escapes, most notably when Scott Hawley headed off the line.

With ten minutes to go MOM Ed Reynolds ghosted to the front post to nod in a Hawley corner and cue jubilant celebrations. It was reward for a strong performance and he revelled in being given the Captain's armband.

Elm Grove pushed forward but did not create too much and the game finished 0-1. 

So a good team performance over 90 minutes and an improvement on last week, even with the problematic start. It was pleasing to see good performances from Fenton and Skinner in their first games for the second team and McGuigan and Douglas did well when they came on.

A couple of fines will be going out including one to the manager for arriving with no socks!! Elm Grove used their first team postponment to their advantage and played a couple of first team players, which further puts the performance into context and turned out to be a great result. Well done to all involved.

Team: Alderman, Allen, Kerwick, Hayward, Sc.Hawley, Skinner, Reynolds, Strating, Nicola, Finnis, Fenton. Subs: McGuigan, Douglas (both used)

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Team: Alderman, Allen, Kerwick, Hayward, Sc.Hawley, Skinner, Reynolds, Goldsmith, Bone, Finnis, Fenton. Sub: Andrews

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By Steve Nicola

The Ruts pulled off a miraculous comeback to earn a win they desperately needed to keep in touch with the leaders. 2-0 down with 10 minutes left and having played woefully thus far, they belatedly woke up and scored three times to beat a side they'd thrashed 6-2 last month.

Player manager Richard Hayward wasn't helped by unavailabilities and the first team injury crisis which saw some of his squad on first team duty. And with five strikers in the first team squad Ollie Hicks was the only recognised front man in the side, forcing Hayward to deploy Steve Nicola in an unfamiliar striking role.

The Ruts started off the brighter side on a shocking bumpy pitch not conducive to any good football. But they didn't really threaten, apart from a couple of well delivered corners from Ryan Brown which were nodded wide by Ed Reynolds, and Shalford took advantage by scoring on the break after 20 minutes.

Buoyed by this unexpected lead, Shalford upped their already impressive workrate and went in at the break 2-0 up when poor defending allowed a dangerous cross to be delivered which Ruts keeper Heal flapped at and left an open goal for Shalford's striker.

Heal made amends with a crucial save minutes after the restart when he made a terrific point blank stop at the far post to prevent what looked a certain goal and would've been game over at 3-0.

The Ruts were now on top but weren't creating chances. Their best opportunities were coming from set pieces but Shalford held firm through a combination of dogged defending and poor finishing.

On 60 minutes Ryan Brown went clean through but his shot was parried and it looked like the Ruts lack of a cutting edge would prove costly as Nicola was instinctively dropping too deep and Hicks was having a quiet game.

But Hicks woke up on 80 minutes when he controlled a pass 25 yards out, turned and smacked an unstoppable shot into the top corner. A wonderful goal out of keeping with the poor quality of the match.

Shalford suddenly became nervous and the Ruts finally shook off the lethargy that had enveloped them and began playing. On 83 minutes a corner was headed goalwards by debutante Dave Ward and it bounced past a forest of legs and found the bottom corner for 2-2.

There was only going to be one winner now and the Ruts poured forward. Wide midfielders Cousins and Minihane were pushing right up as the Ruts adopted a 4-2-4 formation and on 86 minutes their attacking endeavour was rewarded when Brown put Hicks through and he gleefully rifled a left foot shot past the keeper to cap a marvellous recovery and earn him the MOM award.

Shalford almost grabbed an unlikely equaliser when a long range effort shot up off the terrible pitch right in front of Heal, who adjusted well to catch it, and Hicks was close to claiming a hattrick when Nicola whipped in a good cross that the keeper plucked off his head.

So a 3-2 win in testing conditions (both on and off the pitch) but the Ruts will have to start games better in the future if they are to stay in contention for the title.

Heal, Kerwick, Hayward, Ward, Goldsmith, Trowbridge, Reynolds, Brown, Cousins, Nicola, Hicks. Subs (both used) Minihane, Shawki.

I didn't realise Tiny was also doing a match report, so this week you get two for the price of one! Which is much better than the Thirds, where you get none for the price of one...

By Richard Hayward

The Reserves went into this fixture with reasonable confidence having beaten the same side 6-2 just before Christmas and after displaying a good passing performance against the Third team the week before. 

Having had several players unavailable through work and injury I was pleased to welcome in Ryan Brown after a few months out and Dave Ward, a possible signing for next season.  Both good players and it meant that not too many of the third team’s influential players were drafted in with their Surrey Cup game in mind.

With new faces it was going to take time to gel, but no-one expected the horror show that saw the ORs go in at half time 2-0 down.  After starting reasonably well two long ball counter attacks saw the home side go two up.  They had soaked up all the pressure and finished their only two chances whilst the Ruts had struggled to create anything, were not able to pass and were even struggling to control the ball.

The second half continued in the same vein for 20 mins and the away team did not look like scoring.  Balls were still being misplaced and the long balls were gobbled up by the centre back who was not even being challenged.

The manager then pulled off the right side pair of Trowbridge and Goldsmith, who had been ineffective but no more than the other eight outfield players.  This did cause a spark and Minihane got into the game with a couple of good runs, ably supported by Shawki.

From nowhere Ollie Hicks awoke from his slumber and smashed a 30 yarder into the top corner.  This with 10 minutes to go meant that an unlikely come back could be on.  Three minutes later and Brown swung in another corner (probably the 15th the Ruts had).  Dave Ward attacked it and the man on the line completely missed it and it dribbled over the line off his shin for a soft equalizer.

Shalford were deflated - they had their hands on a great win and lost it in the last ten minutes of the game.  With five minutes to go Ollie Hicks made a great run across the centre backs, Brown slotted him in and he smashed home for a very shaky victory.

All in all an appalling team performance with the only player that looked up to the job being Dave Ward. MOM goes to Ollie Hicks though for his crucial two goals and ten minutes of decent performance. 

We've had too many off days, and with another performance like that any hope of the league title will be gone as well.

By Richard Hayward

A dramatic win the previous week saw the ORs stay in title contention.  A strong team this week saw Hayward rest himself and give the rest of the squad the chance to impress the manager.

A dream start saw Paul Hall turn and slot one in with his right foot and on 20 minutes the game seemed to be going all the Ruts own way when Hully rose to head home a Ryan Brown corner.  It seemed that the second goal would kill the game but Chiddingfold hung in and not many more notable chances occurred before half time.

It was expected that after half time the flood gates would open as the Ruts had one eye on goal difference and expected the dogged away team to tire.  In fact the opposite happened and mistakes began to creep in and the away team got stronger.

Ruts could not settle and were not creating many chances.  The game was also not great for the home support as quality was not at a premium.  The game eventually fizzled out with the Ruts happy with a win and clean sheet but not the quality of the football that was played.

A tougher test awaits with Elm Grove Reserves at home next week.  By winning the reserves went top, where the manager intends to stay by continuing to win each week and apply pressure to their rivals.  Better football needed though!!

MOM goes to Paul Hull for his unusual double of using his head and his right foot but also for providing the quality needed to separate the two teams.

Heal, Kerwick, Reynolds, Cousins, Goldsmith, Trowbridge, Hull, Brown, Nicola, Hicks, Finnis. Subs (all used) Minihane, Strating, Sc Hawley.

By Richard Hayward

A strong squad for this match was boosted by the inclusion of Jimmy ‘Whizzer’ Wilkes.  The away team arrived with the bare eleven, which was an immediate boost to the league leaders who also received the welcome sight of Neil Whyte back after four months out with an ankle injury.

The pitch was again in good condition and the ORs wanted to try and play football. The home team had to soak up some early pressure but looked very dangerous going forward with the new combination up front of Wilkes and Ollie Hicks combining to score two early goals.  The first came after a mazy run and shot from Wilkes was parried and collected by Steve Nicola, who beat his man on the byline and cut it back for Hicks to tap in from six yards. The second also came from Hicks, who received a pass from Wilkes and hammered home from the edge of the box.

Wilkes was causing problems with his runs timed to precision. Elm Grove battled on but the writing was on the wall as goals 3, 4, and 5 came quickly before half-time.  They were finished from close range by Wilkes, Nicola and Hicks (sealing his hat-trick) as the Ruts passed their way through the defence time after time.  The Ruts could even afford for Scott Hawley to screw his shot wide of an open goal from eight yards after being set up by Nicola.

So 5-0 at half-time.  With goal difference potentially being important, the ORs were encouraged to push forward and score more.

The domination in the second half did not translate onto the score sheet and as usually happens with a big half time advantage mistakes started to creep in.  Chances were still being created and wasted though, with the main culprits being Ryan Brown and Whyte (rustiness explained most though).  The away team scored a lucky deflection past stand-in keeper Jeremy Capper and Whyte answered back with a cool finish.

This was probably the Reserves' best performance of the season and came at the right time with a tough run of away games approaching.  A big thank you to the evergreen pair of Capper and Wilkes, good club men who answered the call and excelled in their respective positions after some time out. It was Brown who sealed MOM however with an influential display in the centre of midfield.

Capper, Kerwick, Reynolds, Cousins, Goldsmith, Trowbridge, Sc. Hawley, Brown, Nicola, Hicks, Wilkes. Subs (both used) Whyte, Hayward.

By Richard Hayward

The Old Ruts were looking forward to continuing their good form and their good goal scoring run at the furthest away game of the season.  The game started with the normal farce. Berry arrived 30 minutes late for the meet, and although this time was made up on the journey down, Brown and Whyte arrived at the ground five minutes before kick off and ran onto the pitch hastily putting on their shinpads as the teams lined up for the start of the match (Brown had looked at an email from three weeks previously and went to the wrong ground!) Fine coming up!

The game started with the Ruts dominating possession, Brown swinging in some very dangerous corners and goals almost coming from each one.  Goldsmith did flick on Ollie Hicks' header from in front of the keeper to lead 1-0 after 10 minutes.  The Ruts went to sleep after this and allowed the home side to score with their first attack, after some poor defending as a team.

The manager was forced into some formation changes to accommodate three centre forwards and although looking very dangerous going forward the team did not look compact when defending.  However the ORs did get a second shortly after from another corner when Hicks converted a Hayward goal bound shot.  Finnis then stabbed in another corner that was not cleared properly.

Half-time came at 3-1 and the Ruts looked good going forward but had missed several good chances from open play.

Shottermill struck again shortly after half time in an almost identical scenario as their first goal with half the Ruts sleeping. 3-2 was a most unlikely scoreline after 50 minutes given the balance of play as the Ruts should've been out of sight.

Then the Billy Finnis show started. Where he had missed a couple of one on ones in the first half he slotted home four goals with aplomb, showing good composure that was missing earlier.  Steve Nicola also scrambled home a goal bound shot from Steve Berry. [Webmaster's note: it was never going in Bezza, it needed my vital touch from an inch out!] 

So the game ended 2-8 with Dan Cousins edging Finnis for the MOM award. But with a vital match at Spelthorne next week the defensive lapses will need to be addressed to keep the pressure on at the top.

Capper, Kerwick, Reynolds, Cousins, Goldsmith, Hayward, Brown, Nicola, Hicks, Whyte, Finnis. Subs (both used) Berry, Sc. Hawley. (Not used) Trowbridge

By Steve Nicola

A woeful performance from the Ruts saw them hammered by an impressive Spelthorne side who tackled harder, ran faster and wanted it more than their visitors.

As a result they were 2-0 up within five minutes before Ollie Hicks went on a mazy run and was brought down for a penalty, which Billy Finnis neatly tucked away. So back in it after 10 minutes - maybe now the Ruts would settle and play their normal game?

Not a bit of it. Spelthorne outfought and outplayed them for the rest of the half and deservedly went in at the break 4-1 up.

The Ruts tried to up their game in the second half, but Spelthorne scored a controversial goal which should've been disallowed on 55 minutes and the Ruts lost heart and inexcusably surrendered.

Only stand-in keeper Simon 'Gappy' Hithersay played anywhere near an acceptable level and made a few saves to keep it in single figures and get him a Man of the Match award courtesy of there being no other contenders (in fact Mark Kerwick nearly got it merely for running the line after going off injured!)

Scott Hawley's crossed free-kick somehow evaded everyone and found the bottom corner for a lucky consolation, but the rest of the half was forgettable as Spelthorne ran riot.

The only good news was that title rivals Yateley and Woking & Horsell both fell to surprise defeats, so if the Ruts can clear their heads and put this behind them they might yet still end up as champions.

Hithersay, Kerwick, Reynolds, Cousins, Goldsmith, Sc. Hawley, Trowbridge, Nicola, Hicks, Whyte, Finnis. Subs: (both used) Hayward, Strating

By Steve Nicola

Despite playing well below their best, the Ruts will feel aggrieved to have lost a match of few chances which could've gone either way and hinged on a terrible refereeing decision and a freak goal.

On 10 minutes striker Billy Finnis found himself clean through and as the keeper rushed out of his area to challenge him, Finnis neatly sidestepped him. The keeper caught Finnis though, who desperately tried to stay on his feet and roll the ball home, but after stumbling for a few steps gravity got the better of him and he fell before the ball was cleared by a defender. The ref rightly blew for a free kick and went to the keeper to surely send him off, but astonishingly failed to produce a card of either colour, instead warning the keeper "not to do it again". Horsley couldn't believe their luck and the Ruts wasted the free kick.

For the rest of the half all the Ruts could muster were a few blocked shots and a Finnis header at the back stick that went wide. They looked short on confidence after last week's hammering at Spelthorne and weren't playing their usual passing game.

At the other end the far taller Horsley side were looking dangerous at set pieces, but only tested stand-in keeper Leon Trowbridge once, when he did well to punch the ball off the striker's head at the far post when a goal looked likely.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first until the deadlock was broken on 55 minutes. The Horsley captain attempted a 30 yard volley which he sliced horribly and resembled a rugby conversion more than a shot. It looked to be going miles over and half the players turned their backs in readiness for the goal kick, but it swirled and dipped suddenly, deceiving Trowbridge who lost the flight of the ball in the low sun and it fell just underneath the bar. It took a couple of seconds for the players and ref to realise it was in the net rather than behind it, at which point the Horsley side leapt on their slightly embarrassed captain in delight.

The Ruts pushed forward but failed to make any inroads into a resolute Horsley backline. In truth the home side never looked like scoring, resorting to pumping balls into the channels and playing too direct instead of working it through the midfield, and Horsley held on for the win.

So even though a draw would've been a fair result and the two key incidents of the match went against them, the Ruts can't really complain as they were below par and must look to put things right next week at Liphook.

Darren Noonan was MOM for a good display at centre half, followed closely by his defensive partner Scott Stoney.

Trowbridge, Kerwick, Noonan, Stoney, Sc. Hawley, Brown, Berry, Strating, Nicola, Hicks, Finnis. Sub (used) Goldsmith

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts lost their third game in a row to well and truly blow their title chances.

Missing a host of regular players, there were call ups from the third team and only one sub could be found to travel the 40 miles to Liphook - a place nearer Portsmouth than it is Wimbledon!

Liphook started the better of the sides and Ruts keeper Nick Wells (one of those called up from the third team) pulled off a smart block early on. He then got injured in a collision with a Liphook striker and had to go off on 30 minutes with midfielder Leon Trowbridge taking over between the sticks.

Trowbs was powerless to prevent the first goal before half time though as slack play gifted Liphook a clear opportunity to score. Ironically this followed the Ruts best period of the match.

A goalmouth scramble early in the second half nearly provided an equaliser but Liphook held firm. And they increased their lead on 55 minutes to put themselves firmly in the driving seat.

On 65 minutes Graham Winter headed a free kick against the bar from five yards out and Liphook scrambled it clear and broke immediately to score again. What should've been 2-1 and game on was instead 3-0 and game over.

And to rub salt into the wounds Trowbridge was injured in the process, forcing caretaker player manager Steve Nicola to don the keeper's gloves for the last 25 minutes which the Ruts had to play with 10 men having no subs left.

Scott Stoney was MOM on a day when very few Ruts players played to their potential and although they can point to moments of misfortune (not least on the injury and unavailability front) Liphook were well worth their win.

Wells, Kerwick, Noonan, Stoney, Sc. Hawley, Goldsmith, Berry, Trowbridge, Nicola, Hicks, Finnis. Sub (used) Winter

By

Report to follow...

By Richard Hayward

The Ruts finally ended their losing streak of four matches by winning away at Virginia Water. It was a frantic morning for the manager with a couple of regulars working and a couple dropping out on Friday afternoon, but it was eventually possible to rustle together 12 players for the trip.

The match started with the Ruts coming under pressure from a strong if not very mobile forward line. They created a couple of good chances from set pieces that forced some fine saves from Jeremy Capper in the Ruts goal, one in particular causing the opposition great consternation as he brilliantly parried a point blank header that had goal written all over it.

The final 20 minutes of the half saw the Ruts play some more football with central midfield duo Steve Nicola and Leon Trowbridge beginning to get a grip of the game and feed the overlapping full backs Rob Goldsmith and Danny Cousins, who delivered well to the pacy forward pair of Ollie Hicks and Billy Finnis.

The opening goal came slightly against the run of play. A good pass went down the line for Finnis to chase and he he put over a great ball across the six yard box that a defender could only put into his own net. Contrary to reports Bernie Winters was nowhere near the incident.

This settled the Ruts and some more attractive football was played and the match became more even. The Ruts nearly netted again when Nicola beat three men in a mazy penalty area dribble before firing narrowly wide.

Half time came and some strong words were needed from the manager, indicating more composure and concentration in our passing, and also that we would have to start much quicker than the first half.

This was done well as Finnis latched onto a Graham Winter through ball on 47 minutes and he got there first to lob the keeper expertly for 0-2. Virginia Water heads dropped and the big pitch and boggy, energy-sapping surface was starting to tell on their fitness. But instead of hammering home the advantage, a mad 15 minutes ensued with hardly a Ruts pass going to the right man.

Finnis had a chance to finish the hosts when Nicola put him clean through but the keeper denied him as Finnis tried to go round him. Then Hicks had an effort blocked on the line as the Ruts looked dangerous.

Virginia Water were often in promising positions but could not break down the Ruts defence until a dangerous cross was accidentally handled by Goldsmith and the ref awarded a harsh penalty. This was converted for 1-2 and game on.

The Ruts sprang into life and although they had to soak up some pressure, they hit back with one counter attack after another. Finnis was put through after excellent work from Hicks and he made no mistake this time, finishing as well as his opener, before Winter headed home Finnis' fine cross to make it 1-4 and wrap the game up.

Nicola nearly added the icing to the cake in injury time with an outrageous 25 yard volley that flew inches wide with the keeper beaten, but there was no further score.

Manager's analysis - It was a better performance than recent weeks and finishing was good. Passing needs work though, especially as the last three games will be a much tougher test, but it's good to get a win under the belts.

J.Capper, Hayward, Winter, Cousins, Goldsmith, Barber, Bones, Hicks, Finnis, Nicola, Trowbridge. Sub (used) Appleyard

By Richard Hayward

A much changed side travelled down to Woking knowing a tough game was waiting as the favourites for the Reserve league title had won comfortably against us earlier in the season and now had to keep winning to clinch the title.

The pitch was horrendous so the match kicked off early to try and finish before forecasted further rain hit Woking. The ORs got off to a good start, trying to play in the worst conditions of the season and putting pressure on the home side from corners and long throws.

Twenty minutes in after dominating most of the game a sloppy goal was conceded from a low near post corner. The attacker did not have much pressure on him and the man on the post could have cleared. 0-1.

Things took a further turn for the worse when a mis-hit clearance was curled by the left back into the roof of the net, but the Ruts hit straight back with a good run and finish from Bones to make it 1-2.

The game was now evenly balanced and the next goal would be vital. It went to Woking when the ORs keeper mis-handled a near post cross and it squirmed over the line after hitting his head and the post! 1-3 became 1-4 then 1-5 in quick succession as a culmination of poor marking and good finishing from the home side took them out of sight.

The score could quite easily have been 5-5 if the ORs finishing and delivery in the final third had been of high quality. [Webmaster's note - the ref said at halftime he reckoned we'd had more possession than them and couldn't believe we were 5-1 down!] This was the theme of the half time talk, getting players to get their heads up and make sure that the next goal came from us and on this boggy pitch more chances would come.

And did they! In the 15 minutes after half-time ORs went from 1-5 to 4-5. They had the home side deflated and very nervous. A neatly tucked penalty from Tiny after Ollie Hicks was fouled, another good run and finish from Bone and a shanked left foot cross from Berry which deceived the keeper did the damage.

Tails were up and good performances all over the field meant the game could now go either way, but unfortunately the crucial next goal went to Woking with an unchallenged header and there was no way back.

It was however an enjoyable game, and with nothing to play for the spirited comeback was a pleasant surprise. Good performances from Bone, Nicola (second half only) and Winters were overshadowed by the big cart horse Noonan who battled well in the middle and at the back when needed (if only he was fit!).

Well done to Woking who should become deserving champions of this league.

Heal, Kerwick, Goldsmith, Winters, Hayward, Noonan, Strating, Nicola, Bone, Hicks, Berry.
Sub (used): Reynolds

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts blew a 2-0 lead as they were pegged back by a Milford side who wanted the three points more.

An own goal and a neat finish from Steve Berry put the home side 2-0 up inside 20 minutes, but Milford capitalised on a defensive mistake just before the break to pull it back to 2-1.

The Ruts needed to show character and heart to withstand the fightback, but failed on both counts as the visitors equalised on 65 minutes and dominated the rest of the game, getting a deserved winner ten minutes from time.

By Steve Nicola

The Ruts were held to a goalless draw in their last game of the season by an Eversley side playing just one up front from the outset and setting out their stall for a nil-nil. So it was bad luck that manager Tiny had no strikers in his squad due to late withdrawals and had to deploy himself and Blommers as an unfamiliar strike duo.

The first half was one way traffic as the Ruts got the ball down and played some lovely stuff, opening up their opponents at will. The only thing missing was the finish - if anybody with a cutting edge was playing the Ruts would've been home and dry by half time.

Tiny's men huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the door down and ran out of steam during the second half. So a drab end of season game that started brightly petered out to a disappointing finish - much like the Ruts season in general to be honest.