Ruislip travelled to rural Oxfordshire and produced a near perfect tournament performance as against decent opposition they won seven and drew one of their eight matches scoring eleven times and impressively not conceding a single goal. The quality of the football at times was as good as anything they’ve produced for some time as they played with a flair, cohesiveness, tempo and work ethic from start to finish with their first goal coming in the first minute of the opening group game and the last goal coming in the last minute of the final.
GROUP STAGE (8 minutes):
v ABINGDON UNITED BLUE won 2-0
v CROWMARSH BLACK won 3-0
v DIDCOT TOWN LISBON won 1-0
v GROVE CHALLENGERS B won 1-0
v HARWELL & HENDRED drew 0-0
Ruislip powered their way through the group stages with some excellent performances, scoring some well-crafted team goals mixed in with a couple of fine individual efforts. Charlie Coshall finished this stage with four goals (including a fine hat-trick), Drillon Krasniqi scored two with one coming from Caleb Watts. A measure of the quality of the team’s ball retention and strength at the back was that in 40 minutes of football, Harry Sandiford was only called upon to make one save. However it was a superb effort tipping the ball onto the post, in the team’s toughest game against Harwell & Hendred, to preserve the unbeaten record.
QUARTER FINAL
RUISLIP RANGERS A 1 ARDINGTON & LOCKINGE 0
Arguably Ruislip’s least impressive showing on the day as having taken the lead with a well worked Krasniqi strike in the opening 10 seconds, they were unable to add to their tally through a mixture of profligate finishing and fine goalkeeping and were somewhat fortunate as a late rare lapse in concentration at the back went unpunished.
SEMI FINAL
RUISLIP RANGERS A 2 SOUTHBORNE COLTS 0
Ruislip were back to their best in this encounter and two Krasniqi goals, the second from the penalty spot, ensured a comfortable passage into the final. The only drawback was an injury sustained in the penalty incident by Watts which put his involvement in the final at risk.
FINAL
RUISLIP RANGERS A 1 SWINDON RANGERS 0
With Watts only fit enough for a place on the bench, Ruislip lined up in the 14 minute final against the other really standout team in the competition. No surprises then that a tight game with few clear cut chances ensued between these two well matched sides. However, with 30 seconds left before the dreaded penalty shoot-out, Krasniqi bustled and tricked his way to the left hand by-line and his pull back was perfect for the onrushing Watts, on as a half time substitute, to drill the ball low and hard past the stranded Swindon keeper. Ruislip had found their very own Bobby Zamora and the cup was theirs. A fitting end to a very very good day!
TEAM
Goalkeeper – Harry Sandiford: well protected all day but looked focused and sharp and made an excellent save when called upon. Communicated well with his defence.
Defenders – Luke Massingham/Mark Webb: simply outstanding. Virtually error free at the back and complemented each other really well. Most impressively they were often an integral part of the attacking movements.
Wide midfielders – Remi Ogunbayo/Charlie Coshall: hardworking, skilful and positive all day. Always driving forward and both got into great goal scoring positions with Coshall having the better day in front of goal.
Centre midfield – Caleb Watts: quick feet, wonderful skill and driving runs as always. Worked hard for the team and showed great character in playing in the final with an injury. Rewarded with the winning goal.
Attack – Drillon Krasniqi: led the line brilliantly. Worked tirelessly to create openings for himself and for others. Fantastic assist in the final. Top scorer with five goals on the day.
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT:Â Unfair to pick anyone out as the whole team were outstanding.
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