When you’ve won 15 straight games, the law of averages would indicate that you’re due a slap in the chops. Throw in the windy conditions, a lively pitch as well as the fact you’re facing a team who have just won 5 on the bounce themselves, then this was definitely a potential banana skin. And in truth, Ruislip played as poorly in this game as they have for some time against a side who were much improved from the one we have already seen twice this season. However, this Ruislip team have character, bags of it, and they also have players that stand up when needed and this week was no exception. With the 1st half in its final minute, with the score at 1-0, a Ruislip attack was repelled and the ball was cleared to Harrison Deas who was stationed around the centre circle. Now I think it’s fair to say that defensive midfielder is not exactly renowned for his shooting prowess but without blinking he strode onto the ball and let fly. Some say he was 30 to 35 yards out, some say (his dad!) that it was nearer 40. Some say he side footed it although he says he laced it, but whatever the distance and whatever the technique, he could not have connected more perfectly and the ball flew right in the postage stamp past the helpless Aylesbury keeper. A goal of the season contender if ever there was one! More importantly it gave Ruislip a 2 goal cushion which proved vital as they struggled to create a clear cut chance in the second period although to be honest, with Ben Higgins again in imposing form at the back, their lead was rarely threatened. Ruislip were marginally better in the 1st half playing with the strong wind and were unfortunate not to take a 4th minute lead as impressive link up play between Charlie Coshall and Jack Neill resulted in the former being a clipped toenail away from scoring. Lewis Crowley with his 2nd shot in 2 weeks (or should that be 2 seasons!) was unlucky to find the keeper’s midriff instead of the net and Eli Soque twice came close, the second following fantastic wing play from Lennox Kedman. Ruislip did however take the lead on 24 minutes as more good centre forward play from Coshall sent the ever reliable Finn Edwards clear on the right hand side of the box. The defender’s challenge was clumsy and a penalty was inevitable. Edwards picked himself up to confidently ram home the spot kick to make it 4 from 4 this season. Then came Deas’ finest hour! This felt like a really big win in Ruislip’s quest for the title as it sent them 5 points clear at the top. Not only that but to also play this poorly and win reasonably comfortably against a side who could well be a threat next season is a very good sign. Ruislip can go into the Easter break knowing that the treble is still very much on. MoM Harrison Deas, a goal fit to grace any game at any level and a tidy job shielding the back line in the 2nd half to protect the lead
