Rangers turned in a terrific all-round team performance to crush nearest rivals Hawkins and leapfrog them into first place, thus avenging their only defeat of the season.  With advantages of wind and slope Rugeley looked the better side from the off, winning the midfield battles and playing some slick passing football.  The opening goal soon came, courtesy of James Lewis who half-volleyed into the roof of the net after a corner from Jack Rimmer was not cleared.  Rangers continued to dominate but could not add to their tally until ten minutes before half time when Rimmer chipped the keeper from just inside the box to make it 2-0.  Five minutes later Ethan Wood got in front of a defender and flicked George Anderson’s cross onto the bar and the striker reacted quickest to head in the rebound from close range.  Soon after Anderson got onto the score sheet himself when he bundled the ball home after the keeper saved his first attempt.  The players went at half time well worth their 4-0 lead.

Kicking uphill into the wind, Rangers turned around expecting a stern test.  What followed was one of the team’s most controlled displays in a long time.  The back four rarely looked troubled and the whole team held their shape superbly and retained possession for long spells.  Any Hawkins attacks were snuffed out before they began and the frustrated home team had to rely on long range shots and set-pieces as they tried to get back in the game.  At the other end, Rangers always looked the more likely team to score.  Alas no goals were added and the game finished 4-0.  All thirteen players contributed to the win and it was impossible to select a man-of-the-match and the award went to the entire team for a superb display.

This was a day when the Rugeley players really put into practice the work on the training field.  As a team they kept their shape, dominated possession and attacked with skill and determination.  In short they were a team and they won in the right way.  Julian, Linton, Steve and the parents were all very proud of you today.  WELL DONE!!!!

On Sunday, for the first time in several weeks, Rugeley were able to choose from almost a full squad.  This proved bad news for Dragons who had already been slain 17-2 by Rangers on the opening day of the season.  With skipper Sam Cope the only absentee, James Baird made his first appearance since April.  The latter started where he left off and opened the scoring after just three minutes.   Dragons then shocked the home side when they equalised soon after.  The comeback was short-lived however when Ethan Wood bundled home Baird’s cut back to make it 2-1.  Baird then added a third and George Astall a well-struck fourth.  By now Rangers were in full flow and producing some excellent passing football, often from defence right through to attack.  Burntwood had no answer and before half time Jack Rimmer added a fifth and Baird completed his hat-trick.  James Lewis made his first appearance in over a month and was instrumental in most of Rangers best play.

With the game won Rugeley relaxed after half time and took their foot of the gas.  Even so, they still managed to forge a number of good chances but were unable to add to their tally until five minutes from time.   A fine passing move ended with a curling shot from Lewis that thudded against the angle of the bar.  The rebound fell to Joseph Pringle on the edge of the box and the full back controlled the ball and blasted an unstoppable shot into the top corner.  Just before full time the visitors grabbed a consolation with a well worked second goal.

Man-of-the match was midfielder George Astall for his consistent effort and willingness to get involved.  A feat he performs week in, week out.  Well done boys for a good win!

A depleted Rangers squad travelled to improving AFC Lichfield with only one sub and two inexperienced players but they showed grit and determination to secure a share of the spoils.  The home side started stronger and Rugeley stood off and allowed them to dominate midfield.  A number of long passes were hit forward and blues defence struggled to cope with AFC’s lively number nine.  From one such attack the home side won a penalty which was fortunately struck against the bar and scrambled clear.  Rangers pushed forward and earned several corners but were unable to create worthwhile chances while AFC continued to look threatening at the other end.

The second half continued in similar vein and it was no surprise when the home side finally took the lead and were only denied a second by a sensational save from Dan Money.  Rangers dug in and finally began to compete in midfield and were rewarded with a penalty after a deliberate hand ball.  George Astall stepped up and converted the spot kick for his sixth goal of the season.  This finally sparked Rugeley into life and they at last began to dominate possession.  They forced another string of corners but again no clear cut chances.  AFC continued to look dangerous on the break and were again denied by another superb block from Money.

Man of the match was full back Joseph Pringle who was solid in defence but also willing to overlap in attack.  In difficult circumstances, this game was testament to the battling qualities of the squad.

On Sunday Rangers sealed their fifth win in six games to stay second in the league with a game in hand.  The home side made a terrific start and put Penkridge under immediate pressure.  After 3 minutes a half cleared corner was bundled home by Luke Mellor – his first goal for the club.  Rangers continued to press and some good passing football created some good chances but none could be taken.  Perhaps at times there was a tendency to over play around the box when a shot or cross might have wrought more reward.  The visitors had some joy down the right flank, but Ben Woodbridge, making his first start for the club at left back, put in a fine display.  Shortly before half time Penkridge beat the offside to break clear but the imperious Dan Money made a fine save to keep it 1-0.

The first five minutes of the second half were end-to-end before Rugeley managed to reassert their dominance.  Once again, captain Sam Cope put in a fine performance at the back to snuff out most attacks.  After more missed chances at the other end Rangers finally got a second from a disputed penalty – the spot kick despatched confidently by Harry Earll.  Shortly afterwards the referee surprised both teams and supporter by waving play on after a foul on George Astall that looked  a more obvious penalty.  Thereafter George Anderson continued to torment Penkridge with speed and trickery while Jack Rimmer almost scored a wonder goal when chipping up the ball to tee up his own shot.  Josh Turnball came on to make his debut for the last twenty minutes.  But, rather surprisingly, the game stayed 2-0 and Rangers sealed another three points.   Man-of-the-match went to Ben Woodbridge for a confident performance in his first full game.  Well done to all thirteen players for their efforts.

Rugeley’s proud eleven-match unbeaten run stretching back to early February finally came to an end after a catastrophic first half display.  With skipper Sam Cope unavailable the defence had to be re-jigged and the game started quite slowly.  But a powerful Hawkins side began to gain the upper hand in midfield.  A series of headers and secondary balls went unchallenged and after 8 minutes a long ball played over the home defence caused panic at the back.  The resultant corner was curled directly into the top corner.  Minutes later another long ball earned a second corner and poor marking caused another goal.  After 15 minutes the referee, in his first game, awarded a soft-looking penalty, without any appeal from Hawkins, and the score became 3-0.  Soon after, after a long punt from the visiting keeper caused more panic and Rangers were four down.  Finally the home team began to get into the game and had a goal disallowed, another shot against the bar and two more saved by the keeper.  But just before half time another big kick by the latter caused more disarray and blues went in 5-0 down!

After a stern talking to Rangers came out with renewed vigour and at last began to compete in midfield, creating several half chances.  At the back, Callum Whetton grasped the baton and began to head clear any further attempts to play the ball over the home defence while Harry Earll produced some strong play at right back.  But fortune remained against Rangers when the Hawkins winger spotted Dan Money off his line and chipped in from 25 yards to make it six.  Rangers at last reduced the arrears with fifteen minutes to go when Jack Rimmer’s corner was met by a fierce low volley from James Lewis.  Five minutes later the same player made it 6-2 with a well-struck drive from the edge of the box.  Now it was the turn of the visiting defence to look uncertain as Rugeley began to pass the ball.  With three minutes to go George Anderson finished a strong run with a vicious drive into the top corner to make it 6-3.  Moments later another shot went just wide but time ran out and Rangers slipped to a disappointing defeat.

Despite the disaster of the first half, we should learn from what went wrong in this game and take heart from a spirited fight back – we won the second half 3-1 after all!  In future we must not panic when faced with long balls and never allow it to bounce in front.  As Callum realised in the second half, a strong header can usually snuff out such an attack.  We should also consider heading a bouncing ball back to Dan in goal.  Far too often in the first half we simply stood by and allowed Hawkins to win 50/50 balls unchallenged.  We will discuss and work on what went wrong in training and come back as a better team as a result of this defeat.  Man-of- the-match was Callum Whetton.

Rugeley secured their first win of the new season in what proved to be a performance based on hard work and sheer determination by every player in the team rather than their normal free flowing football but it was pleasing to get the three points on the board and our first clean sheet. After last weeks slow start to the match it was stressed to the players that we needed to come out the blocks quickly and try and dominate the midfield battles and that is exactly what the lads did.

After creating a few early chances, Rugeley won their first corner, Jack Lynch drilled it in to the near post and after a good flick on by Alfie Alderson, Aaron Curley was on hand to poke the ball in to back of the net. Rugeley held strong at the back and kept Lichfield from really creating too many chances, but it was down to Joe Cooke in goals to make a fine save from a 25 yard effort which he clawed around the post to keep Rugeley’s lead intact. With about five minutes to go before half time, Alfie Alderson who had a hand in all three goals found himself in a bit of space in midfield, he found Jack Lynch with a good early pass who then cut inside and got a decent shot off, this was fumbled by the Lichfield keeper and it was down to Ellis Brown to do what he does best and follow up on the rebound to make it two nil.

After half time Lichfield came out a lot stronger and started to create a number of chances but with a fine defensive performance  from in particular Alex Savin who made a number of good tackles and defensive headers throughout the whole match and also with a little bit of luck from the post, Rugeley managed to keep the ball out of the net and maintain their two nil lead. With a few minutes to go Rugeley made a quick counter attack, Aaron Curley had a shot blocked which fell to Alfie Alderson whose follow up shot was then saved by the keeper, Ellis Brown was on hand again to slot the rebound home into the bottom corner of the net to grab his second goal of the match and finally wrap up the victory for Rugeley.

The whole team played a part in this victory and credit goes to all the players for all their hard work and the way they never gave up till the final whistle. Man of the match could have gone to a number of players but Aaron Curley was chosen for his fine battling midfield display.

Our next match will be Sunday 25th September at home against Holy Name Celts.

Rugeley carried on with their winning ways with another hard fought victory against Holy Name Celts in a game which Rugeley could have put to bed earlier if they had taken some of the good chances they made in the 1st half but the ball just wouldn’t go in the back of the net. Rugeley came out the blocks quickly and the midfield yet again dominated possession creating a number of decent chances, Jack Lynch fired wide from a superbly set up cross from Ellis Brown and both Alfie Alderson and Aaron Curley came close to opening the scoring but it wasn’t to be and the teams went into half time level.

It was stressed to the players at half time that if we kept it tight at the back and carried on with the level of performance of the 1st half then the goal would come and after another strong performance from the defence and with Alex Savin winning every header put into the box it was made sure that Joe Rowley wasn’t really tested in the Rugeley goals.

Rugeley stayed patient and with about five minutes to go before the final whistle, Ellis Brown chased a ball destined for a goal kick and managed to beat the defender to the ball, after a great bit of skill he unselfishly passed it across the box to find Aaron Curley unmarked who simply passed it into the back of the net and gave Rugeley a well deserved victory.

It was another fine team performance and credit goes to the players for their hard work in securing back to back clean sheets and another 3 points. Man of the match this week was split between Alex Savin for another solid display in defence and Alfie Alderson for his midfield performance.

Our next match will be Sunday 2nd October away against Beacon Colts.

Rangers made it two-in-two matches with another high-scoring win, but the final score line does not reflect the difficulty of this match.  Rugeley faced problems even before kick off when regular centre half Callum Whetton reported injured while his partner Sam Cope also had a knock but was able to start.  However, these problems were soon forgotten as the game got off to a perfect start.  Within a minute, Ethan Wood won the ball in midfield and played a neat pass to put Brandon Hitchman clear.  The striker made no mistake and it was 1-0.  The blues continued to punish any mistakes by their stunned opponents and Hitchman added a second followed by two from James Lewis to make it 4-0.  It could have been more.  To their credit, Premier regrouped and fought back and pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time.

Buoyed by this success, Premier came out for the second half with guns blazing and for the first time this season Rangers faced sustained pressure; Luke Mellor and Harry Earll each blocked near certain goals to preserve the lead.  Our defensive problems worsened when Sam could no longer continue, forcing Ethan to drop in at right back and Harry at centre half.  Despite these players in unfamiliar positions, Rugeley defended heroically and Dan Money remained rock-solid in goal.  Tempers frayed as Premier became frustrated by their failure to score and the referee faced a difficult task to calm things down.  Then, on the break, Hitchman made it five and we could breathe again.  As time ticked down Rangers began to look the fitter team, no doubt thanks to the hard work in training with Steve Baker.  Two more goals were added, one by Hitchman and one from Lewis, both superbly struck shots that gave the keeper no chance and the game ended 7-1.

Everyone involved played their part in this win.  Our finishing was superb but the work of the defence deserves particular praise, particularly as we had to use several players in unfamiliar positions.  Men-of-the-match were Brandon Hitchman and Harry Earll.

Rugeley entertained Lichfield Round Table in the first game of the new season and it proved to be a very exciting match for the spectator. Rugeley started off very slowly and just couldn’t get into the game and went one nil down in the first ten minutes. Thomas Porter came off the bench and injected a bit of energy into the side and Rugeley slowly started to get back into the match, creating a few half chances. With a few minutes to go before half time Jack Lynch fired a shot in from the edge of the area which nestled in the bottom corner of the net and Rugeley went into half time level. The 2nd half was another even contest with chances being created at both ends of the pitch and after some good saves from both goal keepers the game finished level at one all, on reflection of the whole game this was a fair result for both sides. There were some good performances from a number of players in the 2nd half but the Player of the day went to Jack Lynch for his battling performance in midfield and his important goal just before half time.

Our next match will be Home against Lichfield Round Table again, meeting at the school at 11am.

Rugeley ran riot in their first league game of the season, hitting seventeen goals to add to the twelve scored during the midweek friendly with Chasetown.  On a bumpy pitch with thick grass the first five minutes were quite cagey although Rugeley passed the ball around well.  After a few half chances the first goal came when Ethan Wood headed in George Astall’s excellent cross.  Ninety seconds later Wood bundled home a second.  Rangers then eased off and allowed their opponents into the game and Dragons duly pulled one back.  This kicked the blues back into life and they added six more without reply to complete an outstanding first half.  Astall grabbed a hat-trick, new signing Brandon Hitchman hit two and Jack Rimmer also opened his account for the season.

After the break Rugeley did not quite match the high standards of the first period, but the goals still flowed against demoralized opponents.  Hitchman hit a second half hat-trick to take his tally to five while Astall hit another to cap a domineering midfield display.  Wood and Rimmer went on to complete trebles as James Lewis and new signing Ben Woodbridge also got on the score sheet.  To their credit Dragons tried to attack and did score a late consolation with a well taken long range strike.

This was an outstanding opening display, particularly during the first half where we kept possession just as we have trained.  Our opponents had no answer to our pace and variety up front and the goals flowed.  In the second half we preferred to run at our downhearted opponents but will need to keep on with the passing game against better opponents.  Well done to all thirteen players as everyone played their part.  Next week we face old rivals FC Premier who will surely offer a stern test, especially after we pipped them to runners-up last season.  Remember training is now on Wednesday.