In a crucial fixture against fellow promotion challengers Seaton Carew Tigers, Rutherford AFC U13s turned in a performance full of determination and quality to secure a vital 5–3 victory. With four players unavailable and just one substitute on the bench, Rutherford showed resilience and class on the club’s first-team pitch.

The game started brightly for Rutherford, and they struck first when Max Billingham fired home after a pinpoint assist from Michael Burns to make it 1–0. Ten minutes later, Billingham turned provider, setting up Michael who doubled the lead with a calm finish to make it 2–0.

Seaton Carew clawed one back before the break, but Rutherford entered half-time 2–1 up, having held firm under pressure.

The second half saw Rutherford turn up the intensity. Michael bagged his second of the game after good build-up play and an assist from James, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3–1. Then, Billingham struck again with a solo effort to make it 4–1.

Seaton responded with a goal of their own to close the gap to 4–2, but Rutherford weren’t finished. A clever assist from Sam found James, who smashed home Rutherford’s fifth goal to put the game beyond reach at 5–2. A late third from Seaton Carew made the final score 5–3, but the hosts had already sealed an impressive and hard-earned win.

I thought it was an absolutely outstanding from every single player, especially with limited numbers and under real pressure, everyone dug deep and played with real maturity. The result was massive and with other results going our way, it sealed promotion and achieved the goal the lads set out in preseason

Michael was awarded Man of the Match by guest Coach Matty Shreeve who said "Tough one today, they all played great but I think Michael just edges it. Scored a spectacular volley, held the ball up really well and played forward passes brilliantly. Cleared every corner too!"

I couldn't agree more and would like to say that every single player put in a shift today and they got the rewards their effort deserved. Fantastic win and brilliant achievement.

Congratulations