GAME WEEK 3 v DURHAM UNITED FC PUMAS (A)

Rutherford were down to the bare bones this week due to illness and unavailability, leaving the squad with only 1 sub, so a determined, controlled and gutsy display was needed and that's exactly what we got, with Rutherford securing a resounding 5-0 victory over which showed all the benefits of a hard preseason .

The match kicked off with an electrifying start as the away team wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the very first minute, Alfie struck gold with a perfectly executed goal. Tom sent Alfie through, just inside the lefthand side of box, and a powerful shot across the keeper into the far corner, off the post, was a perfect start. This early lead was exactly what Rutherford needed and set the stage for what would become pretty much a relentless offensive onslaught.

As the first half progressed, Rutherford continued to press forward, demonstrating some excellent passing, teamwork and patience. In the 30th minute, another strike, this time from Liam who found the back of the net, doubling their lead and leaving their opponents scrambling to find answers. This was a really good goal, following some nice passing and final ball from Wiktor who was excellent on the day.

The second half began with the away team showing no signs of letting up. In the 47th minute, they extended their lead with a well-crafted goal, showcasing all of Liam's pace and ability. A great solo goal and something he'd be threatening all game.

In the 57th minute, Rutherford once again pierced the opponent's defense, adding another goal to their tally, this time Liam repaying the earlier assist to Wiktor who finished smartly from inside the box, cooly slotting the ball home. The relentless pressure from was starting demoralise and Durham were now struggling to mount any meaningful counterattacks.

The icing on the cake came in the 60th minute when the two main men, Wiktor and Liam combined again to score their fifth, Liams second and final goal of the match, sealing their commanding 5-0 victory.

Todays match showed exactly what the team are about this season, the work rate was as high as it's been all season, every player working their hardest, some in unfamiliar positions, all for the team and their mates. But work rate and effort will only take you so far, eventually skill and quality are needed, this was here in spades today. Simple things, like short, sharp passing to feet, drawing players in then playing quickly into space, body positioning when receiving the ball and not to mention individual skill when in tight areas or 1 v 1. The defenders and defensive midfielders also need a mention too, Joseph, Morgan and Oliver were fantastic today, helped by Tom and Lewis who shielded them well, especially in the second half. They were calm and composed, often playing back passes to Thomas and Mason who distributed the ball excellently.

Fantastic performance from all 12 players, but the pick of the bunch was Wiktor for his two assists, goal and overall work rate.