Arriving at the King George V playing field the Rudgwick lads were pleased to see things standing tall and erect, no it wasn’t their morning glory (these meet times are getting earlier and earlier) it was in fact, the goal posts. With most of the work already done it meant the team stand around, chewing the fat. After a conversation about Harry and Joe helping to move a shrink wrapping machine for Viagra into the Barnett residence earlier that morning. It brought up an interesting revelation about a young Bradley Barnett. Does he actually own the Armani tracksuit he famously once wore? Or did he simply borrow it from his dad to try and impress the guys? It was also an opportunity for Lee Thomas, proving once again he has the ability to shoehorn the fact he has played at a much higher level into any conversation. Talented indeed. An early contender for WOTW.

The pre-match changing room was nothing out of the ordinary; Whitworth having difficulty with the music, Steve cutting up socks and Shane struggling to understand Ian’s simple instructions. But there was one incident that stood out. Now Steve, not being a regular eater of fruit I apologise if I am incorrect, but I believe that bananas are best administered orally, rather than through the rectum. With Lee breathing a sigh of relief, it seemed that WOTW was decided and only a monumental faux par could change the vote.

The purpose of a warm-up is to prepare your body for more physical activity. With highly effective training drills set up by the knowledgeable management staff at Rudgwick the players were raring to go.

Before the game a minutes silence was held in memory of Mike Weeds who sadly passed away earlier this month. Mike was club chairman from 1985-2002 and then again from 2005-2011. After years of planning he was instrumental in bringing us the club house in 2007. He was also heavily involved in the community, namely the Parish Council and numerous other committees. He was a big supporter of the football club and huge part of this club’s history. From everyone at Rudgwick FC we are truly grateful for everything you have done.

The first half was a fairly comfortable affair for the railway men, despite a heavy pitch they settled into their usual way of playing. Some excellent play involving our front four caused the Wisborough Green defence numerous problems, it only seemed a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. A superbly driven toe punt from Andrew Whitworth split open the defence leaving Kieran Greig one on one with the keeper, 1-0. A second soon followed, Mark Blick with a delightful 25 yard free kick, the ball nestling into the bottom corner. After some good play down the left hand side, the ball found its way into the box and at Mark Blick’s feet, what usually follows is a strike on goal, but surprisingly he chose to lay it on a plate for his brother to score, 3-0.

In the second half Rudgwick continued to dominate with much of the game being played in the opponent’s half. Chances were being created regularly and it wasn’t long before they scored again. From 10 yards out with the ball in the air local lad Joe Berwick leapt to meet it, heading over the keeper and into the top corner. The fifth came from another Mark Blick assist, this time passing to Kieran Greig who as ever finished with great aplomb. Mark blick turned provider again, sliding a through ball to Steve Blick who coolly slotted it past the keep, 6-0. Finally, after many attempts, he got his name on the scoresheet, from a rudgwick corner Lee Thomas powered a header to the far corner, 7-0 and game over.

Shane Cholwich
Our ‘swole’ GK had a quiet afternoon between the sticks so wasn’t able to show off his full repertoire of GK skills. With a recurring shoulder injury from a previous collision it came as no surprise he was in the wars again. Fed up of clashes with opponents he decided to take on the goalpost instead, only one winner here, 1-0 goalpost. Also had a run out at cb as well.

Ross Higham
Despite playing in a somewhat unfamiliar position at right back, he performed admirably. Defensively strong and marshalled the right flank well. When in possession he distributed the ball effectively and helped start attacks.

Dan Baker
A comfortable afternoon for the skipper, cool and composed in possession and never look flustered when he needed to defend. Only saw him get angry once, so he must have been pleased with the team, or that we weren’t playing Cowfold? Maybe both.

Andrew Whitworth
Much like our skipper didn’t have much to do but when called upon he performed well, keeping his passing short and playing the ball into midfield superbly. Notched an assist that any creative midfielder worth their salt would have been proud of.

Bradley Barnett
Followed his managers instructions of getting up and down the left flank perfectly. Made some excellent runs which contributed to some of the good forward play in the first half. Sadly, he did not follow the managers instruction about staying on his feet. Maybe Ian didn’t shout loud enough? Who knows

Joe Berwick
You know you’ve had a good day when you get both awards. On the pitch he was superb, got himself on the score sheet as well. Thoroughly deserved MOTM. Unfortunately a premature post game celebration for MOTM saw him receive WOTW. Joe’s excuse of miscommunication fell on deaf ears. Thoroughly deserved WOTW

Graeme Sosna
After some harsh body shaming from the Rudgwick management group, rumours were that he has been living in a gym for a month. Would not have helped his self esteem when he got poleaxed by their big number 6. Now questioning his lifestyle choices.

Lee Thomas
Has some glorious moments on a football pitch, wonderful touches and an impressive array of passes. What was not so glorious was the amount of shots he attempted in the second half. Eventually he did get on the score sheet though, which should help his confidence to play at this level. He also has 72 protein cookies which I am not at all jealous about.

Steve Blick
A constant threat going forward and deservedly bagged himself a couple of goals. Turns his opponents inside and out with his speed and agility. His sock and tape game is also on another level. Bananaman

Kieran Greig
Is always one of my favourites for MOTM, so the fact I didn’t vote for him must mean he had an average game today. Must be tough when an average performance sees you score 2 goals, winning tackles and tracking back, he did it all today.

Mark Blick
A big contributor to our slick attacking play, finishing with a total of 3 assists today. His generosity knows no bounds, probably contributing to a charity as you read this. Scored a beauty of a free kick, again. It’s not possible for him to score more freekicks than pens this season, is it?

Adam Kemp
Played very well when he came on, slotting into left back effortlessly. Closing down and winning the ball back regularly. Exceptional going forward as well, providing a real threat down the left flank.

Harry Pleece
Sporting some new white boots Mr Pleece made his long awaited return. With the game effectively over he didn’t have much to do but meant he was able to ease into his first game after a lengthy absence. Great to see him back on the pitch again wearing the blue and black.

Christian Williams
Came on to replace Shane as GK and as he always does, performed well. Made 2 excellent saves, the first was a great reaction, leaping and then tipping the ball onto the bar and safely out for a corner. The second, a great dive to his right and turning the ball round the post which seemed destined for the bottom corner.