Game week 3 v LEON FC (H)

As boxing promoters would say "Someones 0 has got to go!" as Rutherford faced unbeaten Leon FC. Leon were 2 wins from the their first two games and hadn't conceded a goal this season so it was likely to be a stern test today for Rutherford.

And that proved to be the case especially in the opening exchanges. A combination of decent football from Leon, a strong assisting wind (for Leon) and a slow start from Rutherford saw Leon have most of the early chances and were the bigger threat. From a Rutherford point of view, tackles were being lost too easily, the gaps between the lines too big and the passing was poor. On the up side, despite being second best, we stayed in the game and didn't lose soft goals like we have in previous campaigns. Leon did however take the lead through a decent enough goal, a low, powerful shot was too much for Mason who could only get a hand to the ball and couldn't prevent it from going in.

Rutherford stayed in the game and were slowly creeping back into it, passing was better, more combinations and the introduction of Jamie made the gaps between defence and attack smaller and it was Jamie who scored to get us back on level terms. Liam sent a high cross in which was fumbled by the Leon keeper and Jamie was on hand to poke the ball over the line. From here, Rutherford were the better team with a few half chances falling to Liam but as the half was drawing to a close, Leon scored. It was a poor goal from Rutherfords point of view, the right winger avoided 4 soft challenges to hit a cross to the back post for the opposite winger to score on the volley.

2-1 at half time.

The message at half time was positive but stern, we needed to start playing our passing game, attacking quickly and become more positive in our challenges. We brought 3 subs on and challenged the team to show what they're made of and stand up to their first real test of the season.

Second half kicked off and what a reaction! Liam scored the first of his 4 goals following an assist from the excellent Jamie in midfield. And it was Jamie who scored his 2nd, Rutherfords 4th to put some daylight between the teams. Liam went on to score his 2nd and 3rd goals of the game following excellent through balls from central positions to make the game safe at 6-2 before missing a penalty after being crudely followed in the box. Freya rounded off the scoring with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. 7-2 the final score.

The reaction to the challenge in the second half was very impressive and it was in no small part to our ability to bring on genuine "game changers". I say game changers because that's exactly what we ask the subs to do, change the game! Chloe caused the Leon fullback to have kittens, beating him for skill and pace. Freya sured up the midfield and scored a brilliant goal and Jamie got us back into the game and put it safe and Thomas was unbelievable in goal, making 4 brilliant saves, a couple of which he had no right to make. When we have a full complement of players, who are all fit, we have a very very strong squad.

A great start to the season, we really couldn't have asked for more but now is not the time to get carried away, now is the time to work even harder and kick on further. Well done to the team and in particular Jamie who was aware the MoM award.