Rusthall Football Club
Season 07/08 below
Rusthall v Javis Brook Junior U11
Score: 9-0
Date: 8th March 2008
Rustics started strongly and within two minutes were a goal up as Chloe Faulkner got onto the end of a good cross from Mathew Yates who worked the ball down the left hand side beating the right back. Again it didn’t take long for James Webzell to double our lead through good work down the middle of the park.
The rustics were defending well with Harry Stevenson, Alex Kelsall, and Dan Wilde keeping Jarvis Brook out and when they did threaten Callum Ryan was quick to charge out of his area to clear the ball up the pitch.
The second half Javis Brook just could not cope with the fast pace of our play with Rusthall now dominating the game, in fact Javis Brook only come into our half once or twice in the second half. Jake Wood came on in the second half and played superbly to score twice, he is a natural finisher. Jake and Chloe linked up well and Chloe was unlucky not to score again in the second half. During this passage of play James scored his second.
Conor Bowesman again was on top form and scored blasting the ball into the back of the net from outside the penalty area, simple unstoppable. James Webzell was on top form delivering great corner balls one of which Harry Stevenson rose like a salmon to bury the ball into the Jarvis Brook net which led to his dad congratulating him from the otherside of the pitch.
It was now the turn for our other central defender Dan Wilde to score his first goal this season within the penalty area and he nearly scored a second goal but for a good save by their goalie.
With all the goals scored that day James saved the best to last, from a goal kick the ball dropped to James and with the goalie not on his line James coolly volleyed the ball over his head to score a wonder goal from just inside the half way line.
After the game Dan Wilde said "I'm over the moon dad what a wilde match".
A brilliant and dazzling display of football from the whole squad!!!!
Managers Thoughts
This was a high-powered performance from the team and although the opposition was overwhelmed with our pace and we maintained this work rate throughout the game. Well done we are getting stronger with each match.
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Rotherfield v Rusthall U11
Score: 1-7
Date: 1st March 2008
An early start to this match but the players were keen to make amends for the loss against Sevenoaks. The first 10 minutes both midfields battled to control the game but we come through on top and started to dominate the match. The first goal come via a fine delivery from a corner by James Webzell and Liam Pentecost attacked the near post to bet the goalie. Rotherfield did have some good attacks but Oliver Neville and Harry Stevenson were not going to be beaten and dispatched the ball to our midfield to start another attack by Rusthall. From a corner taken by Matthew, Rotherfield cleared the ball only to James who was outside the penalty area and he moved the ball right and fired home hitting the top of the net. Again from a corner Rotherfield player headed the ball out of the penalty area and Harry volleyed the ball back in but unluckily it hit a defender. It was now all one way traffic with Jake Woods making it three from a through ball from Matthew Yates, it was now Matthews turn to score and he did twice before half time with two well placed shots.
The second half Rotherfield did huff and puff but the our back line stood solid and there was no way through up until midway through the second half when our goalkeeper did not come off his line but to be fair he had very little to do in the match. Jake got his second goal via a through ball by Chloe and a well-deserved goal for all his hard work. Kieran Ryan ended the misery for Rotherfield as the ball come over from the left side he had the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net.
Managers
Thoughts
We
needed a good performance from the team with the defense looking solid, the
midfield determined to win the ball and the forwards were a constant threat,
well played to the squad you all played your part.
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East Grinstead v Rusthall U11
Score: 2-4
Date: 9 February 2008
Weather: Dry and sunny
Rusthall notch up another victory through a
fine display of passing and finishing
Rusthall had good early pressure with three corners pinning East Grinstead back. Good passing down the right by Kieran and James put Chloe through but the East Grinstead defence made a saving tackle and the ball went out for corner. A minute later a good cross by Matty found James who saw his shot saved by the East Grinstead keeper who was in for a busy morning. East Grinstead were largely confined to breakaway attacks and were pinned back in their own half. Their attackers were fast and when they did break out they caused the Rusthall defence problems. The main Rusthall threat was down the left with Alex at left back, outstanding in defence all match, combining well with Matty and Cain. A cross by Matty caused panic in East Grinstead defence but the ball was eventually cleared. Their dominance finally paid off. A free kick was played into Cain who pass released Chloe. As she ran into the box she drew the defence to her and laid the ball off perfectly for Kieran to tap the ball in from inside the six yard box to make it 1-0 to the visitors. It was soon 1-1 though when East Grinstead broke out of defence and a run by their left winger all the way into the Rusthall area ended in a well-placed shot into the corner of the goal. Rusthall responded well with James passing through to Cain on the edge of the area. His shot seemed to be heading for the goal but with the keeper beaten it rebounded off the left hand post. Then Chloe had a long-range shot well saved after a cross from the left from Matty. Just when it seemed that Rusthall, despite their dominance, were going to go into half-time level, a defence-splitting pass by James just inside the East Grinstead half found Chloe. Her strong run into the box drew the defence and her perfect pass found Kieran and his accurate left foot shot found the net to make it 2-1 to Rusthall.
Rusthall started the second half brightly with early pressure forcing a number of corners. East Grinstead were again confined to breakaways but with the speed of their front line this was always a threat while Rusthall were only leading by a single goal. With the sun in their eyes and playing uphill Rusthall were in danger of conceding despite good work in the centre of defence by Ollie and Jack. East Grinstead pressed and another goal came after another strong run down to left to bring the home side level at 2-2. For the first time in the match Rusthall were under sustained pressure. They were very lucky not to go behind when a break through the centre left the East Grinstead striker one-on-one with Callum but his shot came back off the left hand post and Woody cleared. Rusthall tried to regain the initiative through a series of corners and throw-ins with Alex solid as a rock in defence again. Finally Rusthall got their reward when, following a corner and goalmouth scramble with Cain hitting the post and James the bar, Kieran latched onto the rebound to slot home from close range and claim his hatrick and make it 3-2 to the visitors. Cain then had a couple of great shots, one of which was saved at the foot of the post by the East Grinstead keeper. A minute later Jack played the ball out wide to Kieran who crossed to Jake whose shot was well saved. Rusthall now had their tails up and soon it was 4-2 when the East Grinstead defence failed to clear and Jake latched onto the loose ball to fire home a well-deserved goal. Rusthall played out the remaining few minutes with Woody and Alex in particular holding the line well. A fine, well-deserved victory for Rusthall due to good passing, finishing and defending when it really mattered.
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Rusthall U11 v Roselands
Score: 7-2
Date: 2 February 2008
Rusthall fight back from a first half deficit to dominate the second half with great team play and individual brilliance
Rusthall made a bright start. A quick break and pass by Chloe found James inside the area and his shot was well saved by the Roselands keeper. Matty had a half-chance when the ball bobbled through the Roselands defence and his shot was again saved by the away side's keeper. A period of scrappy midfield play followed which ended with a run by Matty at the Roselands defence. The ball was cleared on edge of area but fell to Liam whose up-and-under was safely gathered by the keeper. The opening 10 minutes saw Rusthall have lots of attempts on goal but only a few half chances. The home side almost went behind when the Roselands number 9 made a fast break down the right wing, cut inside and shot just over the bar. Rusthall responded well. Matty's switch pass to Chloe put her in the clear but the ball bounced unkindly for her and her shot was saved. Another break down right by the excellent Roselands number 9 saw him shoot into the side netting and a minute later the same player should have put visitors in the lead when he broke free again and powered a fierce shot from around the penalty spot that cannoned off the cross-bar. Rusthall did not seem to be able to deal with his speed and strength so it was no surprise when he dashed through the Rusthall defence again and fired a shot that Callum could only parry and the ball ended in the net to make it 1-0 to Roselands, a lead that, on balance of clear-cut chances, they deserved. Rusthall struck back quickly though. The ball broke to Connor on the right and his beautifully lofted pass fell perfectly for Kieran whose first time lob over the keeper made it 1-1. Rusthall showed great movement and passing in the Roselands half but were lacking the final ball. The visitors almost made the home side pay with another fast break, this time down the left wing. The ball skidded across the area but no Roselands player could apply a finish and the danger was cleared well by Alex. At the other end Chloe's through ball found Kieran in space in the penalty area but his shot flashed just past the left-hand post. Just before half time the Roselands number 9 struck again. He broke down the left, evaded a number of Rusthall tackles and calmly slotted the ball into the corner to send the visitors 2-1 ahead at the break.
Rusthall did not appear worried about being behind and had a perfect start to the second half. A great ball by Connor on the right found Chloe on the left side of the area. Her clever flick over the defence caused enough uncertainty for her to gather the ball and deliver a perfect pass to the on-rushing James whose great shot gave the goalie no chance. Rusthall were level at 2-2. Almost from the restart the Roselands defence was under pressure again from Matty and James. James was pushed over just outside the area but the referee gave a penalty. James stepped up and crashed the ball home to make it 3-2 to Rusthall. It was soon 4-2 when James delivered a perfect corner from the right and as the ball bobbled around in front of goal Chloe shot from close range. In defence Rusthall held the line well with Daniel and Ollie, on in the second half, getting good tackles in and Harry keeping the dangerous Roselands number 9 very quiet. The visitors were unlucky to be adjudged offside and even unluckier that the resulting free-kick reached Chloe whose powerful shot was too strong for the Roselands keeper to take the score to 5-2. James soon made it 6-2 and notched up his hat-trick with another rasping shot which gave the goalie no chance. The best was yet to come though. A tackle by Ollie on the half-way line released the ball to Connor who threaded it through to James. His pace took him past the Roseland defence and when his cross came over to Matty who made a simple pass back to Liam. Liam's amazing trickery and dribbling took him into the area and past four Roselands players before he passed the ball into the net to make it 7-2. A contender for goal of the season? There was still time for more goalmouth action. A well-struck free kick by Connor from the edge of the area was well saved by the Roselands keeper. Then, right at the end Ross almost scored with a great header which was saved at point-blank range by the visitor's goalie.
Managers Thoughts
A sparkling display by the team, there were so many good points to take away from this game, the trickery from Liam Pentecost to score a brilliant individual goal, James Webzell hatrick or Harry Stevenson man marking their best player in the second half.
Long may this continue.
Match Report – Javis Brook 1 v Rusthall
4
Date:
Saturday 26th January 2008
First game played in our new division and what a way to start. From the kick off we played with determination and skill putting into practice what we have been doing in our training sessions.
We got the lead after about 10 minutes with Kieran Ryan taking the ball in midfield then going past two defenders before slotting the ball into the right hand corner. We kept the pressure on fighting for every 50/50 challenge winning most. Rusthall was now controlling the game and from a through ball Chloe Faulkner scored our second then our third goal minutes later with a great-determined run slotting the ball into the net.
Javis Brook did have three chances to score but Callum Ryan denied them twice with saves to his right and left hand side but they pulled one back with a through ball that split our defence.
Harry Stevenson had a great game in defence and nearly scored with a thunderous shot that just went wide. Matthew Yates coursed their right back endless of problems and put in some great deliveries, which we did not score from.
Chloe scored her hat-trick from a right hand corner taken by James Webzell which had their goalkeeper flapping knocking the ball onto the back of Chloe’s head before going in.
The second half Javis Brook put us under pressure but they could not penetrate our defence, which looked solid throughout the match. We did have chances in the second half with Jake Woods hitting the upright.
Managers Thoughts
The players played with their heart on their sleeves and deserved this victory. Congratulations to Chloe for getting her hat-trick..
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Rusthall U11 v Ridgewaye
Score: 1-2
Date: 3 November 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
A fantastic display of skilful, intelligent football and commitment in defence sees Rusthall just lose out to their rivals
Ridgewaye started well with an early break and had a shot deflected for a
corner. Not to be outdone Rusthall responded well with a free kick beautifully
floated in by Liam to Chloe whose shot was parried by the Ridgewaye keeper and
out for a corner. Rusthall were determined to do themselves justice against
their rivals this time round and showed great grit in midfield, outplaying the
visitors early on, pressing and passing very well. In attack they won a couple
of corners which Ridgewaye failed to clear and Liam’s fierce shot was well
saved by the goalie. A minute later Vinny ran at the defence and shot well but
a little too close to the goalie. Rusthall continued to press causing Ridgewaye
all sorts of problems. A corner from the left broke to Chloe in the area whose
shot was half-saved and the follow up cleared. At the other end they almost
conceded when Callum pulled off a brilliant double save when one-on-one with a
Ridgewaye striker, saving a certain goal by palming the ball to safety when on
the ground. Chloe then had a shot
deflected past the post by a defender and Lewis struck a good shot just past
the right hand post after a cross by Liam. Rusthall were really on top with
Liam firing a fierce free-kick just over the bar after Chloe was fouled on the
edge of the area. Ridgewaye tried to catch Rusthall offside but were undone
when Liam floated a goal kick over the top and Chloe used her pace and strength
to hold off the visitor’s defence and ran onto the ball, shrugged off a couple
of tackles and slotted the ball calmly into the corner to send Rusthall into a
very well-deserved lead
Early in the second half, Rusthall survived an early scare when a Ridgewaye cross/shot floated just past the post. As the visitors pressed for the equalizer, Rusthall’s commitment in defence was amazing with Ross, Daniel and Harry all putting in fantastic blocks and tackles. While Ridgewaye were kept at bay by solid defending, Rusthall responded with some good attacks of their own. Some neat passing between Kieran and Connor down the right led to a good shot by Kieran which went into the side netting. At the other end Rusthall were lucky not to concede when a long ball from midfield caught Rusthall unawares and the Ridgewaye striker ran into the area, his powerful shot cannoning off the inside of the left hand post and away to safety. Eventually though the visitor’s managed to score an equalizer though. Ridgewaye were awarded a foul on the edge of the box and the resulting free kick was floated high into the net between post and cross bar leaving Callum no chance at all. This gave the visitors confidence and they pressed hard for the winner. The Rusthall defence dealt with most attacks very well with Daniel and Ollie clearing their lines well. Then from a corner a Ridgewaye player got to the ball first and flashed a shot into the corner from around the penalty spot. Both sides finished strongly, Rusthall pushing forward for a well-deserved equalizer which proved just beyond them as Ridgewaye ran the clock down with a series of throw-ins. Rusthall showed great strength of character and skill throughout the match and should take great heart from an excellent display against their rivals who were given an almighty scare.
Managers Result
What a match to watch, we went through so many emotions joy of taking the lead, holding onto the lead for ¾ of the match, concern when they equalised and drained when they scored the winning goal. This was easily our best performance so far with all 14 players playing their part in this absorbing match. I have nothing but praise for the team. Well done
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Sevenoaks v Rusthall U11
Score: 6-2
Date: 27 October 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Rusthall edge ahead
late in the first half but are overwhelmed in the second half by a Sevenoaks
side who took advantage of their chances very well
Rusthall survived a couple of early scares when a flicked header went just past
the right hand post. Callum then parried a shot when one-on-one with a
Sevenoaks striker and Harry cleared for a corner. The Rusthall goal seemed to
be leading a charmed life as Sevenoaks pressed for the opener. At the other end
Cain and Woody combined well down the left but Rusthall otherwise struggled to
create any chances until Kieran broke into the area and had what looked like a
certain goal-bound shot saved at the near post. From the resulting corner
Rusthall had another chance to equalise but again the Sevenoaks goalie kept it
out. At the other end Daniel made a fine last-ditch tackle but then a long ball
over the top was latched onto by the Sevenoaks left-sided striker whose
powerful shot crashed high into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to the home
side. Rusthall responded well with a good period of pressure with Jake using
his strength well to get in good positions. Callum made another fine save
following some very good play down the Sevenoaks left wing. Rusthall had a
couple of half chances, one in particular when Jake pressurised the defence and
the ball bobbled up into the arms of the grateful Sevenoaks keeper. In an
entertaining passage of play Sevenoaks managed to break through the Rusthall
defence on the odd occasion and Kieran and Jake combined well down the right
without having a clear shot on goal. Then finally Rusthall got the goal their
persistance deserved. Sevenoaks had failed to deal with a succession of corners
and then Matty's perfect delivery was met first time by Liam who poked the ball
into the net to make it 1-1. From the restart Rusthall pressed again and from a
weak goal kick the ball fell to Jake whose fine shot came off the inside of the
right hand post to put Rusthall 2-1 up. After getting themselves into an
excellent position, Rusthall went to sleep and conceded an equalising goal
within a minute, Sevenoaks breaking through the Rusthall defence again to make
it 2-2. Just before half time Rusthall almost went ahead when Matty's chip was
cleared at close range by the Sevenoaks keeper.
Rusthall made a bright start to the second half, with Chloe and Kieran combining well and the away side generally managing to hold onto the ball. Sevenoaks fought their way back into the play and had a couple of chances cleared including a great last-ditch clearance off the line by Matty. Eventually though Rusthall paid the price for some sloppy defending. After a couple of corners Sevenoaks took the lead when another corner was met on the volley just outside the six yard box and the ball flashed into the corner to make it 3-2 to the home side. Chloe had a chance to make amends when one-on-one with the keeper but he stood up well and made a good save, the ball breaking to Ollie whose attempted lob was just saved on the line by the retreated keeper. Sevenoaks then piled players forward, breaking through the Rusthall central defence. Callum made a good save when one-on-one but couldn’t stop the follow-up which made it 4-2. The home side kept attacking and Rusthall managed to weather the storm for ten minutes or so before a swift break down the right and a fine shot made it 5-2. Rusthall didn’t give up and had a couple of chances of their own, one following a great break down the left by Ross and Liam whose cross to Chloe resulted in a shot that just went past the right hand post. Sevenoaks soon made it 6-2 to finally sink a spirited Rusthall fightback when they failed to be alert to the danger of a run through the middle of the defence. The margin of victory flattered Sevenoaks but Rusthall paid the price for being caught in possession too many times in dangerous positions.
Managers Thoughts
The result did not reflect the way we played today. We started very well with some good challenges coming in from the midfield and with some good wing play. Our shape looked good as we turned defense into attack with some great passing moves. Although disappointed with the result the performance was there to see so we took something away from the game.
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Rusthallsthall v Rotherfield U11
Score: 2-2
Date: 29 September 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Rusthall dominate
with some great passing and despite having most of the possession are unable to
convert their superiority into goals
Right from the kick off Rusthall pressed and pinned Rotherfield back. When the
ball broke to Kieran his shot from middle right of penalty area was well saved
by the away goalie, the ball going out for a corner. Kieran and Alex combined
very well on the right but then Rusthall were lucky not to concede when the
home side fell asleep in midfield and Callum saved well when one-on-one. It
became very frantic, end-to-end football but without any clear-cut chances.
Rusthall got a couple of good crosses in but there was no-one on the end to
apply the finishing touch. At the other end Rusthall were living dangerously
with Callum saving well twice. The home side were not getting to the bounce of
the ball and eventually paid the price when a goalmouth scramble led to goal
for Rotherfield to make it 0-1. Rusthall then started to apply themselves much
better. Liam had one stinging shot which was deflected for a corner and another
which went just over the bar. Kieran, Alex and Connor played some neat passing
moves down the right and Matty played a great ball into Chloe whose shot across
the goal drifted just past the right hand post. A strong break down the left by
Jack ended with a good pass to Chloe on edge of the area. With a couple of
defenders in her way, Chloe passed to Kieran whose snap shot sneaked just past
the post. Rusthall were having most of play and possession but seemed unable to
convert their superiority into chances. Liam had a speculative effort from
centre circle which seemed to be going in but bounced just over the bar. As half
time approached, Rusthall continued to press with Kieran, Chloe and Connor all
combining very well. The break came with Rusthall very much on top.
Rusthall had a bright start to the second half. Jack beat two defenders to get
a good cross into Chloe and good tackling by Ollie and Harry in defence gave
Rusthall a solid look at the back. A brief period of pressure from Rotherfield
kept Rusthall pressed back in their own half.
Harry passed out of defence to Kieran on the half way line who ran and
shot just over bar. Chloe had a shot from the edge of the penalty area well
saved by the Rotherfield goalie. At the other end Callum saved well leaving
Ollie to make an important clearance. A great ball out of defence by Ollie
broke to Chloe who ran half the length of the pitch and crossed to Jake whose
shot flashed past the right hand post. Then at last all the Rusthall pressure
deservedly paid off. Chloe took cross a from Kieran on the turn to shoot into
the corner of the goal to make it 1-1. A minute later Rotherfield had another
one-on-one by but their miss kept Rusthall on level terms. Jack and Ross had
half chances for the home side before again sustained pressure again paid off.
A great curled cross by Kieran was not dealt with by the Rotherfield defence.
The ball broke to Jack who poked it into the net to make it 2-1. With their
confidence sky-high Rusthall pressed for more goals. Jack latched onto a long
pass from midfield and crossed to edge of the box for Harry to fire a first
time shot just past the right hand post. Then with three minutes to go and
against the run of play Rotherfield forced a couple of corners and were awarded
a free kick in a dangerous position to right of the penalty area. The floated
free kick drifted over Callum, ricocheted off Liam and Callum into corner of
net the make it 2-2. With a minute to go Rotherfield pressed for the winner but
Rusthall held on for a draw in a match they deserved to and should have won.
Managers Thoughts
This was the best team performance so far, with some great passing and movement off the ball by the players. We were very unlucky not to win this game with everyone contributing to a great match. Well played
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Tonbridge v Rusthall U11
Score: 3-1
Date: 20 October 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Rusthall show more
defensive steel but are unable to break down a well-organised and skillful
Tonbridge side
The match started tentatively with both sides struggling to get their foot on
the ball. Rusthall created some good pressure from a corner without threatening
the Tonbridge goal. Ross and Liam inter-changed well down the left and a good
move down the right and cross by Kieran was scrambled clear by Tonbridge for a corner
with Jake and Chloe lurking. Rusthall continued to apply good pressure with a
series of three corners. Then, against the run of play Tonbridge scored
following a breakaway to make it 1-0. This resulted in a period of pressure by
Tonbridge with Rusthall unable to clear their lines, the best chance coming
when Tonbridge shot just past the left hand post. Rusthall settled down with
Cain and Ross working the ball well in midfield. Another breakaway by Tonbridge
was well saved by Callum at the near post. Rusthall should have equalised when
three Rusthall players had chance to get a shot in on goal but failed to do so.
They soon paid the price when Tonbridge went 2-0 up with a very well worked
move down the left wing and a pass back to an on-rushing Tonbridge player who
dribbled past two defenders and slotted firm shot past Callum into the corner
of the goal. Chloe was almost put through on goal by a great ball by Kieran but
was crowded out by two defenders and the goalie, the ball cleared for a corner.
Rusthall almost conceded another goal when a great cushioned header put a
Tonbridge player in on goal but Callum saved well again. Rusthall responded
with fine inter-change in midfield between Cain, Vinny and Kieran whose run
down the right resulted in another corner. Just before half time Rusthall
almost conceded another goal when they failed to clear a cross from the right
and a Tonbridge striker headed just over the bar.
Rusthall got straight back into the game after the break with a good passage of
passing which paid off immediately. The ball was slotted through to Chloe and
as the Tonbridge defence stopped expecting the offside flag Chloe calmly fired
the ball into the corner of the goal to make it 2-1. Some determined tackling
and defending by Harry and Ollie prevented a number of Tonbridge goal-scoring
opportunities. The rest of team also showed great determination, especially
Matty, so that Rusthall won more of the 50:50 balls in midfield. Lewis showed
fine skills in running past a couple of Tonbridge defenders and as he poked the
ball past the on-rushing Tonbridge goalie it seemed like a certain goal only
for the ball to bounce off the right hand post and away to safety. Rusthall
continued to press for an equaliser without creating any real clear-cut chances
and then found themselves being pressed back in their own half. Some fine
tackling and chasing back by Cain and Ollie meant that Tonbridge were limited
to a couple of half chances before finally a break down the left wasn't cleared
by the Rusthall defence and the Tonbridge striker was able to continue his run
into the area and slot a shot across goal just inside the right hand post to
make it 3-1. Rusthall pressed but found it hard to get anywhere near the
Tonbridge goal except when Liam's pass to Chloe on the edge of the penalty area
led to the Rusthall ace closing in on goal only for a last-ditch tackle to
result in a corner. An improved all-round performance by Rusthall in a match
that could have gone either way.
Managers Thoughts
A much improved performance from the team, this time we got to the ball first and seemed determined to win the middle of the park with a particular fine display by Cain Crowhurst and Ollie Neville going in hard to win the ball. We did apply good early pressure with some great football but were unable to finish the moves off. Unlucky with the result a draw would have been fairer.
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Ridgewaye v Rusthall U11
Score: 9-2
Date: 22 September 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Rusthall, overwhelmed in the first half, fight back with passion and skill to regain some pride in the second half
Ridgewaye put early pressure on Rusthall including from a number of throw-ins in the Rusthall half. This eventually led to a cross from the right which one of the home side’s forwards struck well into the corner to make it 1-0 after only 3 minutes. Almost from the kick off Ridgewaye continue to press and a quick one-two released the Ridgewaye left winger whose well-controlled shot is slotted in the corner to make it 2-0. A couple of minutes later Rusthall, trying to get their foot on the ball and press into the Ridgewaye half, were caught out again and left an opportunity to a through ball and a one-on-one with Callum which the Rusthall keeper can only parry into the net to make it 3-0. Rusthall finally relieve the pressure which a succession of throw-ins deep into the Ridgewaye half. The home side were soon back on the attck again though. After a very good passage of passing play, and with Rusthall unable to get their tackles on, Ridgewaye had a couple of shots on goal. The first was well saved on the line by Woody but the defence and Callum are helpless as the second one took a deflection to make it 4-0 after only 11 minutes. Less than two minutes later it was 5-0. Another break down the left led to a great shot into the corner again. Callum managed to save another certain goal before Ridgewaye scored a 5th via another break down the left wing. Rusthall tried to fight back with Chloe feeding Jack outside the area but although his run into the area appeared to be obstructed by the Ridgewaye goalie no foul was given. At the other end Rusthall conceded a 6th goal following a goalmouth scramble. Finally though Rusthall managed to threaten the home side’s goal. Awarded a free kick a few yards outside the penalty area on the left, Liam stepped up to drive a fantastic shot which left the Ridgewaye goalie no chance. This seemed momentarily to inspire Rustahll with Jack and Connor combining well on the left to force a corner. A good passage of play followed with a headed pass falling invitingly into the path of Vinny whose shot from the right side of the penalty area was dragged past the left hand post. Ridgewaye went on the counter-attack right away and in the last couple of minutes of the half managed to score two more goals to make it 8-1 at half-time.
The secondhalf saw a transformed Rusthall side, full of the fight and passion that had been lacking in the first. Chloe’s great tackle and pass on the half-way line bought Kieran, Jack and Connor into play and, from the resulting throw-in, a long-range shot by Liam flashed just over the bar. A minute later a break out of defence found Chloe on the half-way line again. This time she went it alone and, shrugging off a couple of Ridgewaye defenders, turned and shot from just outside the centre circle. It seemed an impossible distance but the ball flew high into the top-left hand corner leaving the goalie flapping to make the score 2-8 – contender for goal of the season? Rusthall temporarily lost concentration and conceded another goal, a cross from the left nodded on and poked into the corner. Rusthall held their nerve though and pushed forward, Chloe’s pass to Connor resulting in a long-range shot being held by the Ridgewaye goalie. The boys in green showed much greater commitment in their tackling and started to match Ridgewaye in every area of the pitch. Rusthall had a couple of half-chances but more importantly were closing the home side down much better and as a result had more possession. Ridgewaye seemed unable to deal with Rusthall’s direct style of play. Woody tackled back well when the home side pushed forward into the area and Daniel made some good clearing tackles. Callum made a couple of good saves.including a brave dive at the feet of the Ridgewaye centre forward which left him with stud marks across his knee. At the other end Rusthall pressed forward with a cross-shot by Chloe hitting the frame of the goal and a good flowing move ended with a good cross by Ollie which just evaded Lewis in the 6 yard box. If only Rusthall had shown the same commitment in the first half!
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Rusthall U11 v Sevenoaks
Score: 2-10
Date:15 September 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Waves of Sevenoak’s attacks swamp Rusthall in the first half before the home side start to fight back and make a match of it in the second half
The first 15 minutes were fairly even with few chances for either side. Sevenoaks gradually imposed themselves on the game with some fast running and accurate passing. A good saving tackle by Ollie in the Rusthall penalty area led to the balling being passed down the left where it broke to Matty. His fantastic cross flew over the Sevenoaks defence into the path of Chloe whose precise chip over the Sevenoaks goalie nestled in the corner of the net for Rusthall to go 1-0 up. Sevenoaks broke back quickly and after having a goal disallowed for off-side scored twice in quick succession. Rusthall seemed to go to sleep for the next 10 minutes, not getting their tackles in well enough and leaving gaps at the back. The visitors were soon 3-1 and then 4-1 down, the latter through a fine long-range effort. A couple of minutes later Rusthall were rocked by two more goals, both times when they failed to close down the on-rushing Sevenoaks players. Just before half-time Sevenoaks made it 7-1 leaving the home side with a mountain to climb in the second half.
After an even start, Sevenoaks gradually applied pressure with quick running. Ross saved bravely at the feet of the Sevenoaks striker but then Rusthall had a couple of good passing moves, helping each other out in the way they hadn’t done in the first half. A shot by Connor was well saved by the Sevenoaks goalie. At the other end Ross saved well again when one-on-one with an on-rushing forward. Rusthall continued to press and created a couple of half-chances. A fierce cross by Jack was almost turned in by Lewis and a fine shot by Liam seemed to be heading into the corner of the goal but was well saved by the visitors’ goalie. All this good work was undone though when a goalmouth scramble led to the ball being poked into the net to make it 8-1. Rusthall fought back well and a fine run and shot by Lewis was saved by the Sevenoaks goalie. Harry showed defensive skills and used his strength well to clear following another scramble when a goal seemed certain. At the other end Connor and Vinny combined well to create an opening. Matty then fired in a great cross for Connor whose first time shot cannoned off the knees of the Sevenoaks goalie and over the bar for a corner. Rusthall conceded another goal following a break down the left but then Rustahll’s best move of the match saw a great combination between Chloe, Jack and Lewis whose fine low shot on the turn left the goalie no chance to make it 2-9. This goal inspired the home team and very good inter-play between Jack and Vinny on the left led to Vinny bursting into the box and firing a shot just past the left hand post. Daniel, pushing up from defence had a long-range shot saved by the goalie before a quick break by the three or four visitors’ wrapped up the game with the last goal. Rusthall played much better in the second half and if they had shown the same commitment in the first half then the result would have been much closer.
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U 11 Rusthall
2 v Tonbridg
Juinor B 2
Date: 8 September 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Rusthall start shakily and somehow survive an early barrage of missed Tonbridge chances before going into the break two-one up, only to fall to two late second-half goals
Rusthall survived an early scare when Callum saved a goal attempt almost from the kick off with Rusthall ball-watching. The home side struggled to get into the match and had another let-off when the defence failed to clear and a powerful shot from the Tonbridge centre forward came back off the crossbar and away to safety. The relief was short-lived though when Rusthall failed to clear and the ball broke to a Tonbridge player who calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors after 10 minutes. Rusthall seemed nervous and were not getting to the ball quickly enough. A break down the right by Tonbridge was crossed into the centre and Callum managed to get enough onto the ball to clear for a corner. Tonbridge continued to press and after a period of intense pressure a couple of half-chances are followed by a shot that just cleared the bar. After this lucky let-off Tonbridge continued to attack and their centre forward finds himself one-on-one with keeper only to scuff his shot past the post. At the other end Chloe was almost clear on goal but was well tackled as she was about to shoot. Another Tonbridge attack again catches the home defence napping but once again with the goal at his mercy the Tonbridge striker pulled his shot just wide of the post. The Rusthall goal seemed to leading a charmed life. Completely against the run of play Rusthall equalised a through ball seemed to have been dealt with by the Tonbridge defence but Chloe, showing great determination, runs through the middle and brushed past three defenders to fire past the on-rushing Tonbridge keeper to make it 1-1. The goal seemed to give Rusthall confidence, with Kieran and Chloe combining well on the edge of the area and with the Tonbridge defence rattled the ball was just gathered in time by the Tonbridge goalie. Rusthall kept the pressure on with a cross from the right finding Jack whose pass to Kieran results in a snap shot that fizzed just past the left hand post. Finally the home side’s persistence paid off. Kieran chased down and harried the defenders into a mistake and when the ball broke, Chloe is on hand to slot the ball through the goalie’s hands and into the empty net, sending the home side into half time with a well-deserved half time lead (2-1).
The second half starts much the same as the first with Tonbridge pressing and Rusthall hanging on, unable to get the ball out of their half. They seemed to have lost their concentration but manage to survive, Chloe relieving some of the pressure with another run at the defence. Ollie and Harry provided some much-needed good tackling in the midfield and defence and after another period of Tonbridge dominance, Ollie and Chloe manage to string together some good passes to turn defence into attack. Tonbridge responded with a well-worked move which Callum saving bravely at the feet of the oncoming forward at the expense of a corner. As the ball swung in, it broke to the edge of the area where a Tonbridge player fired a great hook shot into the corner to make it 2-2. Less than two minutes later Rusthall fell behind when a Rusthall defender is harshly judged to have handled in the area, Tonbridge having no problem in converting the penalty to make it 2-3. With time ticking away Rusthall weren’t able to create any more chances. Tonbridge, buoyed by their good fortune continue to press, a fierce cross and shot well saved by Callum to keep the home side in the game. With minutes remaining Rusthall had a couple of long-range efforts and managed to force a corner before Tonbridge have a late “goal” ruled offside. Overall Rusthall deserved a draw out of the match and should take heart from the way that they fought back into the match after such a poor start.Season 07 below
Match Report – Rusthall Lions 3 v Ringmer Jaguars 2
Date: Saturday 21st April 07
Weather: Sunny
This was our last fixture of the season and we wanted to finish on a good note. The Lions started the game well looking comfortable with the ball and controlling long passages of play with some fine passing. James had several long attempts on goal but the goalie protected his goal well. We moved the ball up the pitch and won a throw on, James found Vinnie who turned in the penalty area to score, great start.
Dan and Dylan played well at the back with Callum being called into action to deny Ringmer on two occasions. Just before half time we had another interchange of passing with James scoring doubling our lead with a fine shot.
In the second half Ringmer started to come into the game and put us under some pressure. We contained them with some good defending but we were looking a bit ragged at the back, eventually they scored to halve our lead. We still took the game to Ringmer but were unlucky on several moves with Kieran heading just wide and Liam and Vinnie coming close to scoring. The game was getting very tense as Ringmer pressurised us for an equaliser which they got with four minutes remaining. Now we were playing on our back foot as we let a two goal lead slip away. From a high kick from Callum, Kieran and James ran up the pitch, Kieran cushioned the high ball into James’ path and he slammed it into the goal. All the supporters went mad. There was only time to restart the match when the final whistle went.
Well what a game, the team proved themselves yet again. It would have been easy for our heads to go down when Ringmer equalised but we ended up winning because that’s what we have been the second half of the season, winners.
Match Report –Rusthall Lions 2 v Ringmer Panthers 0
We felt good after our first match and wanted to play in the same manner, but the Panthers had other ideas and pressured us on our right flank. Callum was called into action making fine stops. Kieran saw a lot of the ball distributing the ball well but both goalies kept their sides in the match. Woody and Alex played well with Alex nearly scoring.
In the second half we changed goalkeepers with James going in goal and Callum playing on the left flank. On a move up the middle of the pitch Kieran was fouled, instead of Vinnie going direct for goal he pushed the ball sideways, Callum put a great cross into the penalty area but Kieran could not make the right connection and the ball went wide. From a corner Vinnie played it to Callum who headed it just wide.
We were now calling all the tunes in this match and the goal was coming. From another passing move Liam set up Vinnie to score our opening goal. With time running out Kieran doubled our lead by scoring into an open goal.
This was the first time the Lions have taken maximum points and so did the Tigers so give yourselves a big pat on the back. What a fantastic way to end the season.
Match Report –Rusthall Tigers 2 v Ringmer Pumas 1
Date: Saturday
21 April 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
A determined and disciplined display sees the Tiger to a well-deserved win
After a scrappy start, the first proper attack by Ringmer sees Ross easily save from the edge of the area. The Tigers quickly got into their game with Jack running and crossing well. A good pass out of defence by Ollie to Jake whose shot was well saved by the Ringmer goalie. The Tiger’s smart passing continued with Matty and Pat linking up well. Pat’s great lay-off led to a shot across the face of the goal by Matty which went just the wrong side of the left hand post. A jinking run down the left wing by Ollie was well intercepted by the defence as he crossed into the box. There was little threat to the Tiger’s goal except for a couple of long-range efforts whereas the Tiger’s were a constant threat, getting closer to a goal with each attack. Finally their domination paid off with Jack’s running again the source down the left wing. His cross is well volleyed into the corner by Jake to make it 1-0 to the home side. Pat almost added another with a floated shot that just cleared the bar. Right on half time the Tigers are lucky when a penalty appeal for handball was turned down.
The Tigers carried on where they left off with a good run and pass by Ollie leading to a half chance and a corner to the Tigers. Again good passing and movement pays off when Chloe turned on the edge of the box, laid the ball off to Jake whose dummy reaches Ollie at the far post for him to slot home the second goal. The visitors fought back with their own passing moves; a shot rebounded off Ross and Ringmer were the first to the ball to make it 2-1 against the run of play. Nerves began to creep into the Tigers defence and Ross saved a certain equalising goal with a great save before the Tigers almost added a third just before full-time when Chloe, Harry and Sean combined only to see Sean’s shot drift just pass the right hand post.
Match Report – Rusthall Tigers 4 v Ringmer Jaguars 1
Date: Saturday
21 April 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Tigers finish off their season with probably their best performance, won through a combination of hardwork, and excellent passing and running
Sloppy marking almost cost the Tigers an early goal with Ross bravely saving at the feet of the on-rushing Ringmer striker. After this early scare, the Tigers soon got into their stride. A break out of defence wasn’t cleared by the visitors and eventually broke to Matty whose shot is cleared but only as far as Pat who smashed it in the corner to make it 1-0. Within minutes the Tigers went two-up. A simple pass from a throw-in found Chloe in the penalty area. Her sharp turn and shot somehow defeats the Ringmer goalie at the near post to make it 2-0. The Tigers then step up the pace with great passing and movement, constantly threatening the visitor’s goal. Their pressure eventually paid off when Chloe’s pass precise pass from the by-line finds Jack just outside the area. Showing great balance he somehow shifted his weight to fire an unstoppable left foot shot inside the right hand post to make it 3-0.
Early in the second half a brilliant interchange between Matty, Chloe and Harry led to an outstanding save high to his left by the Ringmer keeper. The visitor’s goalie then saved again, tipping a shot from Chloe onto the crossbar before, against the run of play, the Ringmer right-winger fired in a cross-shot which Ross couldn’t hold to make it 3-1. With confidence flowing through the whole team, the Tigers were soon back on the attack though. Brandon showed great bravery to head out of defence and Sean ran onto a threaded pass by Jake down the right. It looked like he’d taken it too far wide but he fired a powerful shot at the near post to make it 4-1. Ringmer almost got a goal back when a shot came down off the underside of the bar. The ball fell into the path of a Ringmer striker but with the goal at his mercy Ross somehow recovered to smother the ball and prevented a certain goal. Rusthall kept their shape well and finished strongly although they needed a great goal-line clearance from Ollie to keep the score at 4-1.
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Match Report – Rusthall
Lions 1 v Hailsham Colts 1
Date: Saturday 14th April 07
Weather: Sunny
We lost to this team earlier in the season 2-0, so we knew this was going to be a tough match but the boys wanted revenge.
The game started with the Lions controlling long passages of play with some fine passing and running off the ball by our midfield and linking up with the forwards. We took a deserving lead after 5 minutes with Charlie Rigby slotting a through ball to Kieran Ryan who gave the goalie no chance with a well placed shot.
From the re-start we again dominated play with James Webzell nearly scoring from long range, Liam Pentecost was denied a goal by a fine save by the goalie, Kieran and Charlie also coming close to extending our lead.
In the second half the Hailsham manger must have given a good half time talk because in the second half we were on the defensive for long periods. Callum Ryan produced an outstanding save to his right, Dan Wild tried to keep Hailsham at bay but they had fast wingers who got past him and Callum had to make brave saves at the feet of the attackers.
We were clinging onto our slender lead but from a long throw by Hailsham in our penalty area, Dan cleared off the line but hit Callum in the face for the ball to bounce back into the goal.
From the re-start Charlie run up the right flank and cross the ball in, Kieran who was only 7 yards out but unfortunately did an air shot. The game ended with us having the last opportunity to score.
The result was fair but it just goes to show how much the boys have improved in the second half of the season.
Match Report –Rusthall Lions 3 v Hailsham United 1
Again we lost this match earlier in the season so had a point to prove. The match started pretty evenly with both teams searching for that opening goal. Liam Woodroofe played a holding roll in the middle of the pitch and intercepted many passes to set up our attacks. Liam Pentecost hit the right hand post as we started to take control of the game with Kieran nearly scoring by a header from a cross by Charlie. Dan & Dylan Winter played well in defence with Dylan containing Hailsham wing play on the left hand side.
James played the ball to Liam Pentecost who controlled the ball and fired the ball in to beat the goalie from a long range shot to end the first half.
Hailsham had one outstanding player called Harry who was a bit like Ronaldo, everthing went through him and he saw a lot of the ball in the second half, he took on our whole team practically, but one player does not make a team. We stayed focused and played our passing game working the ball into our attacking third. From a long throw in from James into the penalty area the ball finally come to Kieran who volleyed the ball into the roof of the net to double our lead only for a short time as Harry beat two of our players to cross the ball in which was then slotted into our goal. We were now getting a bit edgy, well I was with still 5 minutes still to play. Again Harry caused us problems with Callum saving a lead with a crucial save. When we had the ball we still looked dangerous, we got the ball into their penalty area and the bouncing ball was headed over the goalkeeper by Kieran to score his second of the match. We still had to concentrate as Hailsham pressed forward but were unable to score.
Another good performance by the boys on a very heat sapping day, we deserved this victory.
Match Report –Rusthall Tigers 1 v Hailsham 0
Date: Saturday
14 April 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
A really gritty display sees the Tigers defeat Hailsham despite only converting one of the many chances they created throughout the match
The Tigers started slowly and seemed unable to get out of their own half. They eventually got into the game and during a good period of pressure Jake made a good run from a throw-in, his powerful shot well-saved by the visitors keeper. Then a great through-ball put Chloe in on one-on-one with the goalie who saved well to deny the Tiger’s top-scorer. As the Tigers continued to press, Chloe latched onto a high clearance and struck a firm shot with the outside of her right foot which flashed just past the right hand post. Next it was Jack’s chance to open the scoring. He rode a couple of challenges to put himself clear but his shot was saved by the Hailsham goalie. Just before half time Jack again broke free of the defence to soot just wide of the right hand post. Amazingly the teams went into half time at 0-0.
The Tigers started the second half well with yet another powerful run and shot by Jack which was parried by the Hailsham goalie and then cleared off the line. Skillful play by the Hailsham left wing led to a lob which just cleared the Tigers’ crossbar. The Tigers then had a couple of corners in quick succession, one of which led to a goalmouth scramble with the ball just evading the Tigers forwards and not giving them a chance to shoot on goal. The pressure soon paid off though when following another run by Jack the ball broke to Harry on the edge of the area and his first time volley into the corner finally brought the reward the Tigers deserved and made it 1-0. Rusthall continued to press with Chloe having a half-chance which was cleared off the line and a shot by Jack which flashed just wide. Chloe then tried her luck from distance but her great shot was tipped over by the Hailsham keeper. Hailsham responded with a period of pressure themselves but the Tigers who defended well.In the last minute a break down the right led to a cross by Chloe which didn’t quite break for Ollie who had run the full length of the pitch to get into the opposition penalty area.
Match Report –Rusthall Tigers 1 v Hailsham 4
Date: Saturday
14 April 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Tigers concede a soft early goal then fail to show as much commitment as they had in the earlier match against Hailsham and pay the price
After a very even start the Tigers conceded a very soft goal when a cross from the right somehow crept right across goal and into the left hand corner of the goal. The home side responded well initially but were then lucky not to concede again when Hailsham shot just over the bar. At the other end Matty’s shot was well saved by the visitor’s goalie and good movement by Harry and Jack on the left led to a shot by Jack which again was well saved. However, a lack of concentration just before half time saw the Tigers undone on the break just before half time to make it 2-0 to Hailsham at half time.
In the second half the Tigers again fail to get to the ball first and conceded another goal shortly after the restart. Brandon came on for the injured Chloe and within a couple of minutes he fired a shot from the edge of the area to make it 1-3. The goal seemed to inspire the rest of the team who began to get to the ball first and get their tackles in. They played with much more confidence for much of the second half before another lack of concentration led to a through ball and a very coolly taken finish by Hailsham to make it 4-1 to the visitors just before the end.
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Match Report – Lingfield 2 v Rusthall 0
Date: Saturday 31st March 2007
Weather: Dry
After not being able to find the ground we got off to a relatively good start with Kieran Ryan and Vinnie McKay having 2 near misses in the first minute. Kieran then made a great header to Charlie Rigby who tried to score but the keeper saved it. We dominated the first half with the boys playing well. Unfortunately the goal area was getting wetter and muddier and our keeper Callum Ryan worked extremely hard making some great saves. After 10 minutes we started to fall apart with Lingfield taking the ball off of the boys and passing up the left flank to each other. We didn’t have any defenders there so they scored after Callum saved the ball but then as he let it go it rolled over his leg and into the goal. Kieran Ryan then had another great try to score but the keeper saved it. With a big kick from a Lingfield player right up the pitch Callum then made a great save by jumping up to knock the ball out. We lost our shape after this and defending was very poor. Lingfield then scored a second goal. The second half we played slightly better as the boys made some great passes but Lingfield then scored again. We tried to keep our shape but each time we had the ball we never had anyone there to pass to. Callum made a great save after a penalty kick. The boys weren’t getting up the pitch fast enough and as defending was poor Lingfield scored again. Well done boys for a good effort!
Match Report – Lingfield 1 v Rusthall 1
The boys went into this match knowing that they had to put in a good performance to make up for the first match. James Webzell went in goal for this match and Callum out on pitch. Kieran and Vinnie worked well together doing some great passing to each other all the way up the pitch with Kieran eventually passing the ball back to Vinnie to score a goal. Vinnie worked hard at this game dribbling the ball all the way up the pitch by himself but just failed to score another goal. With some better defending and keeping hold of the ball we made some great passes with the ball working its way back up the pitch to Kieran who made a fantastic try but the keeper saved it. The second half, we worked hard to keep the ball with Callum doing some great tackling. After passes from Charlie, Callum and Kieran Lingfield took the ball passing it down the right wing with Callum going in for a tackle and kicking the ball out. Unfortunately we lost our shape a bit with poor defending and Lingfield scored just before the end.
The boys played much better and brought back the shape by working as a team again.
Match Report – Lingfield Town 2 Rusthall Tigers 0
Date: Saturday 31 March 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
A tough, physical match during which Rusthall played well in patches but lost to a more committed side
Early pressure by Lingfield kept Rusthall pinned in their own half but they hung on and survived a couple of Lingfield half chances. Rusthall found it difficult to string more than a pass or two together whereas Lingileld passed fluently, particularly their left winger who was the source of most of their attacks, forcing Harry into a goal-saving block on more than one occasion. Rusthall slowly got into the game with Jack making a couple of good runs along the left wing followed by a passge of passing between Pat, Sean and Matty led to Matty striking a good shot which was well-saved by the home goalie. In the run up to half time Tigers had a series of corners which gave the match a much more balanced feel.
Lingfield started the second half very brightly encouraged by their exuberant coach, Ross saving well at the feet of their striker. After some good passing Jake and Ollie both had shots on goal without success. Then, after a big goalmouth scramble, the ball broke to a Lingfield player whose floated shot went in over Ross and Brandon to make it 1-0 to the home side. Almost immediately the Tigers were 2-0 down to a soft goal resulting from a mix-up in defence. They were guilty of not getting to the ball quickly enough and Lingfield piled on the pressure, hitting the post and coming close on another occasion. The Tigers hit back with Chloe managed a shot on target after long clearance by Ross and good running out of defence by Ollie led to shot by Jake but the Tigers just couldn’t get back into game and eventually ran out of time
Match Report – Lingfield City 3 Rusthall Tigers 0
Date: Saturday 31 March 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
A much more committed performance from the Tigers, but they gift a couple of soft goals and are unable to take their own chances
An early shot by Matty, almost from the kick-off, takes Lingfield by surprise and is parried by their goalie but there’s no one to follow up and the chance goes begging. A break down the right by the home team leads to a goal-saving clearance by Harry and is followed by a series of corners. The Tigers hit back with a great passing move started by Brandon involving Chloe, Jack and Matty almost led to a goal. Another great run by Chloe following a long pass by Pat from defence led to half chance which was saved by the Lingfield goalie. The home side fought back well and the Tigers struggled to exert any pressure leaving too much space for the opposition to play their passing game. Lingfield manage to score when a cross floated over from the left drops into the corner of the net to make it 1-0. Jack made some great runs along the left touch line and has a couple of shots well saved by the Lingfield keeper. Brandon gets in on the action too with a surging run out of defence along the right side which leads to a shot by Chloe saved by the home goalie again. The half ends with the Tigers unlucky to be behind.
The second half starts slowly with neither side able to put their foot on the ball until a well-worked passing move by the home side ends in a great strike inside the Tigers penalty area to make it 2-0. The Lingfield right winger shows some great skill controlling the ball with his left foot on the turn and flashing a shot just wide. Rusthall have chances too with Jake’s shot coming back off the legs of the Lingfield keeper when clear on goal and a long range shot by Matty just gathered by the keeper with Pat just unable to get to the ball on time. The match ends with another goal for the home side when Rusthall mess up a goal kick and a Lingfield striker shoots well from long distance to make it 3-0.
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Match Report – Ringmer 1 v Rusthall 0
Date: Sunday 25th March 2007
Weather: Dry
The match started an hour earlier then usual due to the clocks going forward and I think we needed that hour in bed. The game started very sluggish with a lot of individual play but no real team work, saying that we did have the better of the first half with Vinnie Mackay testing the goalie from long distance but this was our only shot on target.
The second half we played a bit better with some good passing moves, one which put Kieran Ryan running through three defenders and an approaching goalkeeper who blocked the shot. Our defence play was good with Callum making some good saves when called upon. The game always had only one goal in it and I thought Rusthall would get that goal but unfortunately the referee gave a harsh penalty against us for hand ball and the Ringmer player drove it to Callums right, although he got a hand to the ball, it was stuck with force to hit the back of the net.
The game ended just after the re-start.
This was a game we should have won and could have only if we applied our selves a bit better. The boys knew that they did not perform well and so were up for the next match.
Match Report – Ringmer 0 v Rusthall 3
The boys went into this match knowing that they had to put in a good performance to make up for the first match. From the whistle Rusthall controlled this match by passing the ball and taking advantage of the exceptionally wide pitch by switching the play and making the opposition chase the ball. We did have to stay alert at the back with Ringmer counter attacking but Callum, Dan Wild and Dylan Winter containing any threat. Our work on the left flank by Liam Pentecost and James Webzell caused Ringmer endless problems with Liam putting in some fine crosses and James switching the play to Kieran Ryan and Vinnie Mackay on the right flank, one such move saw James switch play to Vinnie, who could not control the ball and missed the open goal. Again, Kieran ran in from the right flank but dragged his shot wide. The goal was coming and James did what he does best and scored from close range when Ringmer did not clear from a corner.
The second half we carried on taking the game to Ringmer, Liam Woodroofe had a great game making tackles and disrupting the oppositions play. From another good passing move Vinnie set up Liam Pentecost to score our second goal. Our defence stayed strong so we were confident in maintaining an offensive approach and with time running out James lobbed the goalie from the touch line, icing on the cake.
Well what a transformation, well done boys you listened to the talk after the first match and produced a fantastic team performance.
No match reports for the Tigers,
Scores: Ringmer 1 v Rusthall Tigers 3
Ringmer 4 v Rusthall Tigers 3
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Match Report – Rusthall Lions 1 v Roseland 1
Date: Saturday 17th March 2007
Weather: Dry
We went into this match in high spirits but unfortunately under-strength because of a school tournament. The game against Roseland started well with some good interchange of passing between Vinnie MacKay, Charlie Rigby and Kieran Ryan. We went one up after only 3 minutes of play from a play down the right wing Charlie passed to Kieran and from a tight angle slotted the ball into the goal. We pinned Roseland into their own half with both Charlie and Kieran missing opportunities to double our lead. Vinnie hit the cross bar with a thunderous shot.
The second half Roseland came into the game and started to threaten us, Dan Wild, Dylan Winter and Liam Woodroofe defended with great vigour with Dan putting in another outstanding defensive performance. With Roseland attacking we had the opportunity to counter attack and from a quick break Vinnie hit the cross bar again from way out. The boys in midfield were now beginning to tire and Roseland scored in the dying seconds of the match to equalise.
We were very unlucky in this match and should have come away with all the points. We are creating several goal scoring opportunities but not just converting them into goals. Great team effort.
Match Report – Rusthall Lions 0 v Raw Skills 3
This was going to be a tough game as Raw Skills are a good team. The game started evenly with both teams having good possession but then Raw Skills started to apply a constant threat to us and Callum Ryan had to be at his best to deny the opposition their opening goal. The game started to get a bit niggerly with the players having a go at each other and the referee had to talk to one or two of the players.
The second half we played down the slope but always seemed to be chasing the ball and Raw Skills scored after applying more pressure half way through the second half. Our players were now getting tired but we still kept on going forward to get an equaliser but Raw Skills scored two late goals.
This was always going to be a tough match but we never gave up so well done on a difficult game.
Match Report – Rusthall Tigers 0 Rawskills 1
Date: Saturday 17 March 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Conceding a goal late in the first half seems to galvanise the Tigers into a great attacking display but Rawskills held on for the win.
From the start Tigers show their attacking intent with Jack shooting just past the right hand post. The home side have an early scare themselves when they fail to clear the ball. After an early spell of pressure which keeps Tigers in their own half for a while, great skill by Matty almost leads to the opening goal when he shoots just pass the post. Another great break by Matty on the left leads to him turning his marker and his shot is tipped over the bar for a corner. Matty is involved again when Harry’s pass out of defence leads to a cross which the goalie gathers. Rawskills have chances of their own, on one occasion a quick throw-in leads to a snap shot which is well saved by Ross. The Tiger’s defence is breached moments later when the Rawskills forward manages to get the ball ahead of Brandon and Ross to slot the ball into the net, 0-1. Rusthall are temporarily stunned and almost concede another just before half time when a Rawskills shot flashes past the left hand post.
After the break the standard of play by both side is excellent with Tigers play some of their best football of the season. Rawskills have a couple of early chances but Rusthall fight back brilliantly to lay siege to the visitor’s goal. They have a number of corners, a couple resulting from more great runs by Matty but just don’t seem to get the breaks their pressure deserves. A break down the right wing leads to Ollie having a goal-bound shot well saved by the Rawskills goalie. Matty has another shot saved as the Rawskills goal continue to lead a charmed life. Finally they get a lucky break as a handball gives them a penalty. Pat steps up but puts his kick just wide of the left hand post. Right at the death a well-struck free kick is saved by the Rawskills goalie who hang on for a lucky win.
Match Report –Tigers 3 Roselands 1
Date: Saturday 17 March 2007
Weather: Dry and sunny
Finally the Tigers’ great spirit and passing pays off with a stunning victory which would have been even better without the excellent Roselands goalie
Tigers start well again; this time it’s Jack’s turn with a shot just past the right hand post. It doesn’t take long for the Tigers to score though as Matty latches onto a long clearance ahead of the Roselands defence to make it 1-0. Another break from midfield by Jack results a fine cross which just clears the right hand post. Roselands start to put some passes together but Ross keeps them out with a couple of fine saves. At the other end Pat’s shot is fumbled by the otherwise excellent Roseland’s goalie. With the goal at his mercy Pat can’t believe it when the goalie recovers to smother the loose ball. The Tigers get a sharp reminder of the danger of not taking their chances when a Roselands free kick is just cleared off the line by Harry. The Tigers respond to the threat though and a well-worked move from a throw in results a great shot by Matty which is somehow turned round the post by the Roseland’s keeper. The Tigers finally make it 2-0 though when Harry heads in the resulting corner.
After a very even start to the second half another shot by Jack is well saved by the Roseland’s keeper. He comes to their rescue again when Ollie has a good shot well saved. Roselands manage to snatch a goal back after a brilliant piece of individual skill by their central midfielder. Rusthall respond with more pressure with Ollie and Matty combining really well in midfield to set up Jack whose cross-shot flashes across the goal. The Tigers finally get the goal their quality of play deserves when the ball breaks to Pat who lashes it into the net and finally gets to show off his goal celebration and makes it 3-1. The Roselands goalie continues to make some outstanding saves as the shots rain in. Just before the end Roselands almost get a goal back when Brandon clears well and from the resulting throw in Roselands head just over.
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Match Report – East Grinstead Wasps 2 v Rusthall Lions 2
Date: Saturday 3rd March 2007
Weather: Dry
When we arrived for this fixture it was obvious that the game should have been called off due to the state of the water logged pitches but it was decided to play. The Lions went into this game full of confidence after our recent performances. We tried to play decent passing football but the condition of the pitch did not allow this. We pressurised East Grinstead in the first half and had several corners but could not score.
The second half East Grinstead put us under some pressure and we found it hard to clear the ball from the boggy penalty area but somehow never conceded a goal with some good play by Dan Wild and Callum Ryan. After another good passing move involving four players James Webzell scored our opening goal. East Grinstead had a move down the left flank which we didn’t defend well and they equalised. Charlie Rigby regained our lead with a dribbling run down the left flank then cut in to score his first goal for the team. We tried to close shop but again due to the state of the penalty area we didn’t manage to clear the ball and in the malign Callum could not hold onto the ball and they scored. Final Score 2-2.
We were the better team and on a decent pitch would have won this game. Well played.
Match Report – East Grinstead Hornets 0 v Rusthall Lions 2
The second match was reduced to 10 minutes each half as the pitches were cutting up pretty badly. The boys were told to shoot when ever possible, James Webzell did exactly that after a run down the Left flank he cut in and fired the ball towards the goal, the East Grinstead defender got a slight touch and the ball found the back of the net. East Grinstead attacked us down the wing and crossed it into a packed penalty area and would have equalised but for a fine clearance off the line by Liam Pentecost. Charlie Rigby had a great run down the right flank and was hacked down from the subsequent free kick James Webzell cured the spot kick just over.
The second half Kieran Ryan scored when the ball was crossed in from Liam Pentecost but the ball got stuck in the mud, Kieran was first to react and fired the ball into the goal. Dan Wild, Liam Pentecost and Liam Woodroofe held off any attacks from East Grinstead with some fine defensive play and good saves by Callum Ryan.
Final score 0-2
This was an excellent performance from the boys in very difficult conditions. The way we were passing the ball around was great to watch and we are now dominating games.
Match Report – East Grinstead Hornets 3 v Rusthall Tigers 1
Date: Saturday 3 March 2007
Weather: Sunny but very wet and muddy underfoot
Tigers pass and run their hearts out but lose out to East Grinstead on the break
Tigers start brightly with some good passing in the East Grinstead half. An early corner for the home side is well defended by the Tigers. After a period of sustained East Grinstead pressure Tigers break out only for East Grinstead to break back forcing Ross into a good save when one-on-one with their striker. The match continues to be very even with neither side able to get the upper hand. After some good work by the Tigers midfield Jack has a shot just past the post. This is quickly followed by a flowing East Grinstead move out of defence and a snapshot into the corner of the Tiger’s goal opens the scoring, 1-0. The home side continues to press and only some great tacking especially by Ollie and Harry prevents another goal. Ross saves again in another one-on-one this time at the feet of the striker. Tigers continue to fight well for the ball. Chloe has a half chance which goes out for a corner which results in a big left foot shot by Jack flashing just past the left hand post just before half time.
After the break Jake makes a good break which leads to a corner. A perfect corner by Matty isn’t cleared by East Grinstead and when Matty follows up the ball breaks to Chloe, who else, who slots the ball home to make it 1-1. Having equalised in style, Tigers lose concentration for a moment and a swift break out of defence by the home side results in a great goal by the East Grinstead centre forward whose shot thunders into the net from the edge of the box to make it 2-1. The Tigers respond really well and passed and moved magnificently for a spell but just can’t seem to find the final pass. Sean had a great run down the wing and Matty hit the post but their luck deserted them when East Grinstead break out of defence again to make it 3-1 just before the final whistle.
Match Report – East Grinstead Wasps 3 Tigers 0
Date: Saturday 3 March 2007
Weather: Sunny but very wet and muddy underfoot
Another great passing display in difficult conditions but no luck sees the Tigers go down again
A great start by Rusthall sees a pass by Chloe break to Matty whose curling shot is well saved by the East Grinstead goalie. At the other end an East Grinstead corner is clearly handballed by an East Grinstead player but the ref is unsighted and the ball breaks to another East Grinstead player who makes it 1-0 with a close range shot. Not at all disheartened by their stroke of bad luck, the Tigers press for an equaliser. Matty makes a great run but is forced wide but managed to get in a brilliant cross which Chloe strikes well but the East Grinstead goalie managed to make the save. More Tiger’s pressure puts Chloe through on goal again but the defence manage to clear. The Tiger’s play some great passing football and an equaliser seems inevitable but then East Grinstead break out of defence. They manage a shot which is saved by Ross on the line and gets stuck in the mud on the goal-line only for an East Grinstead player to get to the ball before Brandon and tap it into an open goal to make it 2-0 to the home side at half time.
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Match Report – Tonbridge Forest 1 v Rusthall Tigers 2
Date: Saturday 17 February 2007
Weather: Sunny but cold
Tigers go behind but come back with a determined display to deservedly win a hard fought encounter
After an even start Tonbridge began to pressure the Tiger’s defence. They held firm however with Harry in particular tackling and blocking well. Further attacks from the home side led to a succession of corners and a few nervous moments in the Tiger’s defence. Rusthall struggled to keep possession and it seemed only a matter of time before Tonbridge would score especially when a goalmouth scramble was somehow saved on the line by Ross. The half ended with a goal for Tonbridge disallowed because of a foul-throw.
A transformed Tigers took the game to the home side in the second half. Some great passing and tackling by Ollie and Harry seemed to give the side confidence. Jack showed great control and an accurate pass led to a snap shot by Chloe which went past the right hand post. At the other end Ross pulled off a great save. Against the run of play Tonbridge managed to open the scoring to make it 1-0. Unlike last time out against Foresters though the Tiger’s heads stayed up and they fought back really well. Jack’s powerful shot at the end of a great twisting and turning run down the left was parried by the Tonbridge keeper and Chloe pounced to slot in the rebound to make it 1-1. The Tigers continued to dominate the play and inevitably took the lead when another pass by Jack to Chloe was converted by the Tigers’ ace striker to make it 2-1. The Tigers defended really well with Ollie covering acres of ground to make a goal-saving tackle in the area. The whole team kept working to the end denying Tonbridge any clear cut chances until just before the end when somehow a scrambled effort went wide. The Tigers deserved their victory for the way they kept going after going behind.
Match Report – Tonbridge County 7 v Rusthall Tigers 1
Date: Saturday 17 February 2007
Weather: Sunny but cold
All the Tigers good work in the earlier match is undone in the second half by a combination of excellent play by the home side and some poor Tiger’s defending
The Tigers held their own in the early exchanges and were unlucky to go a goal behind when a speculative cross came of Pat and trickled over the line to make it 1-0 to the home side. Tigers didn’t let this setback get them down though and pressed forward. A good passing move by Chloe and Ollie led to a shot by Ollie that went past the right hand post. Excellent defending prevented a second Tonbridge goal as the shots rained in on the Tiger’s goal. The Tigers had to depend on breaking out of defence and almost equalised when Pat blasted a shot just past the left hand post. Tonbridge hit the post before a long throw from the left found Ollie at the far post whose volley was saved by the home side’s goalie. On balance though the Tigers were lucky to go into half time only one goal down.
The second half saw the Tigers lose concentration and start to tire. They failed to close down the home side quickly enough and eventually the pressure paid off and after some neat passing Tonbridge made it 2-0. Another slick passing movement ended in a fine shot to make it 3-0. The Tigers seemed to freeze and stood off the attackers for too long. Soon it was 4-0 before the Tigers managed to snatch a goal back following a great combination between Jack and Pat ended with Chloe knocking the ball past the Tonbridge keeper to make it 4-1. The Tigers started to tire though and soon it was 5-1 after another fine passing move by Tonbridge and then in a blink of an eye 6-1 and 7-1. One to forget!
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Match Report – Rusthall Lions 2 v Tonbridge County
Date: Saturday 17th February 2007
Weather: Dry
The game started well with our new set, Dan Wild playing as a sweeper at the back with Vinnie Mackay and Liam Woodroofe making overlapping runs up the pitch. We controlled the first 5 minutes by passing the ball and making Tonbridge do all the running. James Webzell made the goalkeeper work hard to deny him in the opening minute of the game. Another great move involving Kieran Ryan, James who fed the ball to Liam Pentecost who made the Tonbridge keeper produce a fine save. Tonbridge still looked dangerous on the break and Callum Ryan was forced into action producing a brave save. From a corner Liam Pentecost cleared off the line but we failed to clear the ball away and they scored.
The second half was tough as Tonbridge dominated the opening minutes of the half. Dan Wild was magnificent in defence clearing off the line and making some crucial tackles. Callum Ryan again made some outstanding saves, keeping us in the game, from a counter attack we worked the ball up the pitch for Liam Pentecost to score. We tried to keep it tight but their best player tricked Dan to score from close range. With only a few minutes remaining it didn’t look good but with a long goal kick from Callum up the pitch, Liam Pentecost controlled the ball to score with a well placed shot. Final score 2-2
A well earned drawer as we can from behind twice. Well played.
Match Report – Rusthall Lions 4 v Tonbridge Forest 0
The second game from the Lions was a pleasure to watch as we dominated the game from beginning to end. Our passing and movement off the ball was the best this season. Kieran Ryan nearly scored with a lopping shot that just went over the cross bar. Another attacking move involving Vinnie Mackay who passed to Liam Pentecost who then set Kieran up but the shot went just wide. Again Kieran made the goal keeper work hard to deny him from a header, so many chances but unable to find the net. Finally we score through Vinnie who having just left Tonbridge to join Rusthall was delighted to score against his old team.
The second half we again dominated, this was through hard work and not letting Tonbridge have time on the ball. Liam Pentecost dribbled the ball up the pitch and nearly scored. From a corner Kieran scored with the goalkeeper flapping at the ball. Vinnie was enjoying himself in this match and after been set up by Kieran he scored his second goal of the match. James Webzell nearly scored from long range. Liam Pentecost ended our scoring with our fourth goal.
Best game so far this year not only because of the four goals but it was the way we created space and closed down on Tonbridge. Well played.
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Match Report – Tigers1 v Forester Panthers 3
Date: Saturday 3 February 2007
Weather: Sunny
The Tigers, despite going a goal up early on, fail to convert a number of good chances and Foresters come back to win comfortably.
The opening exchanges saw both teams trying to keep possession in the midfield. Tigers were pinned into their own half until a lob by Jake was deflected for a corner. Foresters failed to clear the danger and when the ball broke to Pat he slotted home from 5 metres to make it 1-0 to the Tigers. A great start for Tigers which sparked the visitors into an immediate response. A goal-bound shot was deflected just wide by Harry and Ross pulled of a great double save to deny Foresters an equaliser. Tigers threatened on the break with a run and curling shot by Matty being pushed behind for corner. Great pressure by Tigers led to a succession of corners and half-chances which Tigers just could not convert into a second goal. Foresters had a couple of chances but the half ended with a great long range effort by Jake just missing the corner of post and bar.
The second half saw the Tigers continue to pile on the pressure. A great solo run by Jake was parried by the Foresters goalie and Matty had a great chance to make it 2-0 with a first time shot which hit the outside of the post. Foresters responded with pressure of their own with Harry, Jack and Ollie all getting their tackles in when they had to. It was no surprise when the equaliser came although it was unlucky for Tigers. A Foresters corner was deflected across the face of the goal and somehow crept in off a defender. 1-1. The Tigers heads went down and despite some brave defending by Brandon a Forester’s throw in crept across the goalmouth and was poked in to make it 2-1 to the visitors. Minutes later a free kick on the edge of Tiger’s area drifted into the far corner to make it 1-3 just before the end.
Match Report – Tigers 0 v Forester Cobras 3
Date: Saturday 3 February 2007
Weather: Sunny
Tigers manage to hold Forester Cobras at bay until three second half goals sink them as their heads go down
Foresters started well with some good early pressure keeping the Tigers pinned in their own half. They did well on the break though with Matty’s cross-shot being saved by the visitor’s keeper and a shot by Matty being deflected for a corner. The play moved end-to-end with Harry in particular putting in some great defensive tackles. A volley by Pat was well saved by the Forester’s goalie before they in turn missed an open goal when the Tiger’s defence stood back for too long. Ross made a couple of brave saves at the feet of the on-rushing attackers and the home side were lucky not to concede the opener when a shot came back off the post and was gathered by Ross on the rebound. The half ended with a penalty appeal against the Tigers being turned down.
Pat started the 2nd half in goal as Ross had hurt his hand. The assault on the Tiger’s goal continued with long range effort striking the post and a free kick just going wide. Eventually a mistake on the edge of the home side’s box led to a cross-shot into the corner of the net beyond Pat’s dive.0-1. Matty was put in goal but he was helpless to prevent a second goal when a long throw somehow reached the Forester’s right winger who slotted the ball into the corner to make it 0-2. The Tigers brave defence crumbled and their heads went down again and the visitors took advantage of a lack of concentration to make it 3-0. Pat had a shot blocked and almost managed to snatch a consolation goal for the Tigers just before the end but had his accurate shot saved by the Forester’s goalie. The technically superior team deservedly won in the end but the Tigers deserved credit for holding out for so long.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Match Report – Rusthall Lions 0 v Foresters Cobras 3
Date: Saturday 3rd February 2007
Weather: Dry and fair.
We know this was going to be a tough match and so it proved, Foresters pinned us into our own half for the first 10 minutes of the match, but our players managed to scrabble the ball away before the next wave of attacks by Foresters. Callum Ryan commanded his penalty area and made some fantastic saves but Foresters scored twice before half time. The second half we had some good attacking moves of our own hitting the post and coming close to scoring on several occasions after some good passing moves. Foresters score again after Liam Pentecost winded a forester player who went down injured, we seem to stop playing waiting for the whistle to be blown but the ref played advantage and they scored, lesson to be learnt, play to the whistle.
Good second half performance.
Match Report – Rusthall Lions 1 v Foresters Panthers 2
The Lions gave a great account of themselves in this match, with some great passing and movement off the ball with Charlie Rigby and Kieran Ryan nearly scoring. From a corner Vinnie MacKay headed the ball onto the cross bar. We had the majority of the play in the first half but went in level at half time. The second half Foresters came at us but our defence with Daniel Wild and Dylan Winter contained them. James Webzell scored after being set up by Kieran Ryan with another long distant effort which hit the top right corner of the goal. In our excitement on taking the lead we switched off to let Foresters equalise. We still felt in control of this match but on one moved lost the ball in the right midfield, the Forester winger did a cross came shot which went over our keepers head. We pressed forward with Vinnie MacKay coming close to equalise but we run out of time.
A great team performance, we deserved more.
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Match Report – Rusthall Lions 2 v Lingfield City 4
Date: Saturday 27 January 2007
Weather: Dry and fair
We started very badly, with players getting out of position and so there was no shape to the team. Lingfield on the other hand started well with some good passing but we seemed to contain them with some frantic defending by Daniel Wild and Vincent Mackay but that could only last for so long and they finally scored. From the re-start it was more of the same and Lingfield doubled their lead. This seemed to shake our players up and they started to get into the game, from a long throw on by James Webzell to Paddy Sheehan, he volleyed the ball from 9 Yards out to beat the goalkeeper with a wonderful strike. After a half time talk we kept our shape better and looked threatening going forward. There were some great runs & crosses from Charlie Rigby who worked the right flank and we could have scored but for good defending by our opponents. We were awarded a free kick 10 yards out, James Webzell who was the captain took control placed the ball down and scored off the underside of the cross bar with a thunderous strike which was unstoppable. After we fought hard to get level we let Lingfield score directly from a corner at the near post, this knocked us back and Lingfield scored again as we pressed forward to get an equaliser.
Good second half performance.
Match Report – Rusthall Lions 0 v Lingfield Town 2
Now this was a better performance by the Lions, with some good early on interchange of passing which ended up with Charlie Rigby shooting just over the cross bar and then shooting just wide after a flick on by Kieran Ryan. Lingfield scored after we lost the ball in the middle of the park and ran in to score, against the run of play. The second half we contained Lingfield and should have been level but for a good save by the goalkeeper after a fine dribbling run and shot by Charlie Rigby. Callum Ryan made an outstanding one handed save to his right to keep us in the match but Lingfield scored late on to double their lead.
Score did not reflect how well we played. Well done.
Match Report – Rusthall Tigers 1 v Lingfield Town 3
Rusthall started well with some fine attacking moves which opened up the Lingfield defence and left Chloe Faulkner and Jack Hobbs on a one to one with the goalkeeper who made good saves to deny us, Lingfield also had some good opportunities to score but Ross Brown also made good saves. Unfortunately Lingfield scored after a period of pressure. The second half didn’t start well as we conceded an unlucky goal, but we never gave up and after some excellent football Chloe Faulkner scored to get us back in the match. The game was finished off by a wicked deflection that wrong footed our keeper Ross Brown.
The final result of 1-3 did not reflect how well we played. Good team effort.
Match Report – Rusthall Tigers 0 v Lingfield City 2
For this match we put two players up front to give Chloe Faulkner more support and this certainly made their goalkeeper work a lot harder then ours, but we didn’t have the final touch to score. Lingfield nearly scored with a long range effort which hit the cross bar but after a mix up in our defence Lingfield scored. Our next attack Chloe had a glancing header that just went wide. The second half saw our opponents pile the pressure on. We defended well but after constant pressure they doubled their lead. We tried to push forward but never managed to score. Well played.
Managers Thoughts
I would like to mention our two new players who played their debut matches for the Lions.
Vincent Mackay - played in our defence and made some good interceptions and clearances for the team.
Charlie Rigby – played on the right wing. He made some great runs and nearly scored on two occasions.
Since we have not played any competitive matches since 11 November, we were a bit disjointed but at times played some good football.
I would like to thank Damon Stevenson, Liam Seale and Debbie Ryan for taking the match notes on the day. Without this type of support from the parents we could not write the match day reports and I know the kids like to see their name in the Rustic.
Match Reports -2007 2008
