Third team take Ringmer AFC plaudits on busy weekend

TD Shipley 2 Ringmer AFC 1

An increasing injury list ahead of this County Cup fixture against the side residing at the top of the Southern Combination Division 2 could have been a recipe for disaster, however the collective application of a young Ringmer side ensured that even in defeat there were a number of positives to come from the tie.

The match itself played out as a contrast of styles. TD Shipley fielded an XI bursting with experience and guile that allowed them to control possession for large parts of the game. Ringmer’s youthful line up displayed excellent mobility and pace that ensured a counter attacking threat was always possible.

Despite Joe Whiting being forced to make a number of good early saves, it was a counter attacking move that saw the travelling Ringmer side go 1-0 up. MoM Sam Strutt, who had struggled for consistent early season form now looked the unplayable centre forward of the last two years and was rewarded for a high press on Shipley’s centre half combination. Strutt closed down his defender with pace, and then adjusted his footing to finish emphatically from 18 yards with his left foot. Further chances for Ringmer followed minutes later. The lively Tyler Watson unselfishly squared for others twice. Only last ditch defending saved Shipley from a greater deficit.

As half-time drew close, Ringmer were punished for their only two lapses in concentration in the game. Shipley’s Toby Funnell scoring from close range to level, before Brad Curtis gave the home side the lead.

The second half played out in a comparatively cagey fashion. Ringmer’s midfield trio of Luke Turner, Glenn Hunt, and Jake Forward matched their Shipley equivalents, with both teams having passages of play in wide areas that broke down prior to a clear-cut chance. The introduction of Jacob Buttifant almost brought a Ringmer equaliser. The pacey striker who combined well with exciting debutant Connor Ghosh throughout, was adjudged to have fouled Shipley’s centre back prior to breaking through one on one. The home defender admitting his blushes had been spared after tripping over his own feet.

Ringmer AFC return to league action this Saturday with an away fixture against Sporting Lindfield. Manager Oli Gibson hopes to have injured players returning to action to compliment a squad that has found renewed resolve of late.

MOM – Sam Strutt

Ditchling 4 Ringmer AFC IIs 1

Ringmer conceded early again this week making it an uphill struggle against a very good Ditchling side. It was 2-0 at half time with sloppy defending being the cause of both goals. The second half saw Ringmer fight hard but concede a third against the run of play. New signing Jacob Ashwood created a chance for Charlie Weller on 70 minutes which could have put Ringmer back in the chase, only for Ditchling to grab a fourth minutes later which settled the game.

MOM – Jack Tuffin

Ringmer AFC 3s 7 Polegate Town 2s 0

It was all about youth and the future as Ringmer thirds tore Polegate apart in this Division 3 clash. Manager Mark Hutchings was ecstatic at his young team's performance, which saw six 16-year-olds in the squad, with four of them starting.

One of those youngsters, winger Joshua Dean opened the scoring midway through the first half, cutting inside from left and firing past the Polegate keeper. Shortly after it was two, with Dan Wade breaking the offside trap and squaring for Noah Simmons-Botelho to pick up the first of what would be his second hat trick in two games.

Wade then bagged his first of the season with a cracking 25yrd strike adding to the growing list of goal of the season contenders for the 3s. The fourth came just before half time, with another youngster, Jake Barber, scoring with what Hutchings described as one of best headed goals he had seen. Barber would then pick up the MOM award for a dominant midfield display.

Ringmer did not let up in the 2nd half and continued to play a style of football that would receive some glowing comments from a number of the once again large crowd in attendance. The fifth came from the penalty spot with Michael Parris upended in the box and stepping up to convert himself with some aplomb.

Noah Simmonds-Botelho then took centre stage, striking home another 2 goals to complete his hat trick and carry on his rich vein of goal scoring. Tougher challenges ahead for this young side but every minute played will continue their development.

MOM – Jake Barber

This week’s fixtures see the 1sts travel to Sporting Lindfield in Mid Sussex Premier, the 2s have a tough home game vs Burgess Hill Rhinos, the 3s take short trip to Lewes Convent Field for a derby v Ridgewood 2s, while the 4s return to action against Newick. It is a feast of football at the new home ground this week, with the 2nds and 4ths both at home followed by an early evening KO and a firstt home fixture for Ringmer AFC Ladies.