Mixed bag of results for Ringmer AFC but first team put in convincing diisplay

ROTHERFIELD – 0-3 – RINGMER AFC: Despite the absence of nine first team players through injury, Ringmer arguably produced their most convincing performance of the campaign in a solid 3-0 victory at Rotherfield. Outstanding season debuts for Brett Johnson, Charlie Conrath, Jacob Buttifant alongside accomplished starts for new signing Will Stevens at the back. Experienced talisman, Marc Whiteman complimented a dynamic midfield trip display from Glenn Hunt, Jake Forward and Ben Earle.

Rotherfield started the brighter with several early shots on the Ringmer goal, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Earle’s late breaking run from midfield allowed him to outpace the Rotherfield back four, putting Ringmer 1 up with a composed finish.

The second half mirrored the first, Rotherfield starting with greater intent. However, on the hour, Whiteman went through 1 on 1 only to be bought down inside the penalty area. His resulting spot kick dispatched with assurance. The introductions of Conrath and Buttifant led to the 3rd, with Conrath releasing 18yr old Buttifant who slotted home to secure the 3pts with 20 minutes left.

Assured performances from Dave MacNeil and Ben Gardner at the back left a chasing Rotherfield with only half chances from open play confirming a first clean sheet of the season for the Blues.

MOM – Glenn Hunt

PECHE HILL SELECT – 2-0 - RINGMER AFC 2s: A disappointing trip to Hastings in the Sussex Junior Cup led to a first defeat of the season for the 2s. In eyes of the management team it was a case of the team not turning up. MOM – Harry Barnett

RINGMER AFC 3s – 6-2 – PEACEHAVEN & TELSCOMBE 3s: A second win of the season for the 3s with a great all round team performance. With another big crowd behind them, the 3s started quickly and stormed into a 2-0 lead in early stages, with man of the match, youngster Noah Simmons-Botelho bagging his first of what would be a super hat trick. Skipper Dave Manning added the second, running 60yrds beating man after man to slot home a contender for goal of season. Their control continued throughout half with Simmons-Botelho cheekily slotting home for his second of the game.

Despite giving their opponents a sniff of opportunity by conceding late in first half, Ringmer continued their excellent play from start of 2nd half, Joshua Dean racing through to slot home past the Peacehaven keeper. Simmons-Botelho completed his hat trick and then produced the assist for veteran player/manager Mark Hutchings to roll back the years and volley home another goal of season contender.

Hutchings was full of praise for his young side performance and 3rd team debuts for Jake Barber and Jack Mansbridge.

MOM – Noah Simmons-Botelho

LECTERN LIGHTS 2s – 2-1 – RINGMER AFC 4s: A competitive first half with some good individual midfield battles saw Jackson Kelly controlling that area for Ringmer. The stalemate was broken when Michael Taylor and man of the match Tom Hiller linked up well for Hillier to put Ringmer in front giving them a well deserved lead.

The second half was a different story with the hosts taking control and dominating following a number of enforced substitutions by Ringmer. Lectern Lights physical and long ball approach turned that domination into two goals leading to 2nd defeat on the trot for Ringmer 4s. MOM – Tom Hillier

This week’s fixtures see the 1st travel to TD Shipley in the Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup, 2s take short trip to Ditchling, whilst 3s play at home to Polegate Town 2s. No game for 4s this week.

Report contributed