Rutherford hosted Wrekenton Nou Camp in the opening round of the Shield Cup on a very wet morning, though the pitch held up well despite the conditions.

Wrekenton started the brighter of the two sides, moving the ball well and putting Rutherford under pressure early on. To their credit, Rutherford showed signs of improvement from their previous outing, gradually finding more composure and building some attacks of their own.

Just before half time, Rutherford were reduced to ten men, leaving them with a difficult task in the second half. Wrekenton made their man advantage count midway through the half, breaking the deadlock with a well-taken finish.

Chasing the game, Rutherford threw caution to the wind, committing more players forward in search of an equaliser. The gamble almost paid off: one effort was cleared off the line and another rattled the crossbar. Despite their determination, the goal just wouldn’t come.

The match ended with Wrekenton progressing, but Rutherford could take real positives from the performance, particularly the togetherness, determination, and improved signs compared with their last game.