Ruislip Town B  1 – 1  Under 12C (After extra time Ruislip Town won 3-2 on penalties) 

A gorgeous sunny day, probably too hot for playing football but the boys were up for the League Cup 1st round tie vs Ruislip Town.  Being played at Ryefield School in Hillingdon, this was new to RRFC, but we found a good pitch, albeit on a slope. A sound team talk from Spencer’s Mum put the boys in the right frame of mind from the off.

The 9 boys able to play did so very well throughout the game.  The defence of Louie, Reagan and Spencer held their own and it did not appear they were going to be troubled throughout the afternoon. James as goal-keeper for the first time this season looked equally comfortable.  Aingaran and Harry in mid-field held their own as did Callum and Adam on the wing.  George had a rare venture as centre forward and chased well.

And hence the reward came with 5 mins of the first half remaining.  The ball came across from the right and Callum seized the opportunity to score the goal.

Half-time saw the boys relax but to be told by the manager that the same was required in the second half.  With the boys kicking down the slope,  caution was needed so that they didn’t over commit.

Unfortunately, 5 mins into the 2nd half, saw a breakaway and a well taken goal from Ruislip Town.  This obviously gave them a spring in their step but credit to RRFC, they also decided to give it a go! Both teams entertained an appreciative crowd but neither were prepared to give away a 2nd goal.

The end of normal time saw 10 mins each way of extra time and still no-one gave way.  Both hit the woodwork and yet the ball didn’t cross the goal-line.  And so penalties followed.  George, Louie, Callum, Reagan and Harry bravely stepped up but with a couple missing, the game was lost.  A great effort from RRFC was poorly rewarded but all had played to the best of their ability on the day.