Magnificent Away Win

I am delighted to report a magnificent 3-1 win for the Rustlers against top of the League Epsom, away at their place.

Rippo was, as usual, outstanding in the centre of our midfield and made all the difference, but this was a strong performance by the whole team. Epsom are young and quick, hassle in midfield and spray the ball around quickly, but we contained them well. We struck first, scoring from our second corner with Gavin slotting home after a slip to the right.

Epsom replied almost immediately, but they had only one open play shot and one short corner in the entire first half, testimony to a really strong defensive performance. This was perhaps even more remarkable as Rav’s advice to the umpire over the years finally resulted in a yellow card and we played without a goalkeeper for 10 minutes. He partly redeemed himself with a truly world class diving save at their short corner and we will enjoy drinking his beer at home next weekend.

The second half was a cagey affair, but again it was advantage Rustlers as we scored from our only corner - the keeper moving to the right and with his weight in the wrong place beaten by a well struck straight strike. Cookman claimed an assist for his whispered advice of ‘hit it to the left’. In truth I just smack it as hard as I can and sometimes it looks like I was aiming it where it went, but please keep that to yourselves.

Epsom were now forced to chase the game and we had some staunch defending to do, until Mace (miles outside their 25) picked out Doc free in their D, who dumped the keeper and popped the ball home for 3-1 with about 9 minutes left. We had a couple of scares but ran out deserved winners.

All of our squad of 12 worked incredibly hard and this really made all the difference. Very proud of the team today - what a great win!

Moving forwards we have our postponed pre Christmas fixture away at East Grinstead to rearrange. EG have suggested Sunday 16 Feb, the day after we play them at home. I’m not sure our older legs can take 2 games v EG in as many days so I suggested the following Sunday, 23 Feb, thinking the Rustlers had a Saturday off. Turns out I was wrong with that, we have Old Cranleigans on the Sat. With no free Saturdays we will have to play on a Sunday, and I think on balance the 23rd is a better option, so please let Barty know availability for a 4pm fixture at E.G. on 23 Feb, 4pm start. As it’s half term our school teachers are fortunately available...

Andy H