Ruskin Park Rapids

24/03/2026

A quick catch up of the of the last few weeks.

15/3 Ruskin Park Rapids vs Ruskin Park Raiders

A tough game on paper vs one of the strongest teams in the league. Made even tougher with just a bare 11 players whilst the opposition had numerous subs. Rapids took the lead though, HENLEY with the long range strike that dipped over the Raiders keeper. Before half time Raiders levelled a good low strike that flew into the corner.

Half time: Rapids 1-1 Raiders

2nd half continued to be a very even game, both sides having good chances. Raiders went ahead, after a through ball found there striker who looked his shot away nicely. Rapids bounced back though and equalised, another stunning strike by HENLEY found the top corner to draw us level.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rapids 2-2 Ruskin Park Raiders (Henley 2)

Motm: HENLEY - Ran the game in midfield, dictated the play and scored 2 stunning goals.

22/3 Cheshire Blades Vipers vs Ruskin Rapids

Another tough game vs a team we've come close to getting results against in the past but have always fallen short. Like the week before the boys competed really well in what was an even game again. Henley had a few early long range efforts that went close. Owen at the other end made a coupe of good stops. We took the lead.midway through the half when CONNOR got through 1 v 1 with the keeper and calmly finished into the bottom corner.

Half time: Vipers 0-1 Rapids

2nd half the Vipers started to pile the pressure on, but Rapids were dangerous on the break, we won a free kick on the edge of the box, and Tristans strike forced the keeper into a good stop, Oli was 1st to the rebound but his shot went just the wrong side of the post. After a bit of pressure Blades won a penalty, fortunately for the Rapids the pen went just wide of the post. Rapids nearly added to their lead with a lovely move Henleys ball was perfect for Cal, his 1st touch was sublime he then hit a shot on the half volley but unfortunately he only found the side netting. Rapids defended the last few minutes well to see out a good victory.

Full time: Cheshire Blades Vipers 0-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (Connor)

Motm: CONNOR - Played upfront 1st half and lead the line well, taking his goal very calmly. 2nd half he was needed at right back and did a super job, didn't give their captain a kick and marked him out of the game.

02/02/2026

Managers match report:

Cheshire Blades Vipers vs Ruskin Park Rapids

The Rapids travelled to a wet and soggy Peacock to take on a decent Blades Vipers team. We were missing a few key players so it looked like a tough task. Even more so for the fact this was to be our 1st game on a grass pitch since last May. We started off slowly and could have been a goal down after a minute as Vipers attacked straight through the middle of our defence, but the effort went wide. The boys soon got used to the surface and actually began to knock the ball around quite well. It was a bit of a clash in styles with the Vipers going a little more direct. But the boys at the back started off well and dealt well with a few long high balls into our box. The Rapids then started creating chances of our own, Henley with a snap shot that flew just over. And Connor found space in the box, his strike trickled narrowly wide. Our biggest chance of the half then came and went, Henley slid a lovely through ball to Cal, he went clean through on goal, but instead of shooting tried to square the ball for Connor but couldn't quite find him. Vipers then took the lead and it was a soft goal from our point of view, they attacked down their left and when the cross came in, the opposite winger was left un marked and he bundled the ball in off his chest from a yard out. Owen prevented Vipers going 2 up with a smart save from a low driven shot.

Half time:

Cheshire Blades Vipers 1-0 Ruskin Park Rapids

2nd half we changed formation as they were getting too much space in wide areas. This seemed to work and despite alot of long balls into the Rapids box, Vipers struggled to create much in the 2nd half. Rapids came very close to levelling though, Jamie played Henley in, Hen picked his spot but the Vipers keeper made a top save, the rebound fell to Tristan on the edge of the box, he struck a powerful strike that cannoned off the cross bar. Rapids were pushing for an equaliser but they found a top keeper in form keeping them out, once again we tested him as Jamie hit a good effort from outside the box, but again the keeper made a good stop. As the game was coming to a close, Vipers killed the game off, a questionable free kick decision on the halfway line, and a ball was again pumped into our box, Vipers won the flick on and a player was left free near the penalty spot and hit a low strike to put the Vipers 2 up. We didn't have much time to respond, we tried pushing extra players forwards but to no avail. A very even match, that realiscally could have gone either way.

Full time: Cheshire Blades Vipers 2-0 Ruskin Park Rapids

POTM 🏆: JAMIE - Was fantastic in midfield all game, super composed on the ball. Drove us up the pitch at times and did a good job not only creating chances for us but stopping the opposition.

25/01/2026

Managers match report:

Crewe fc vs Ruskin Park Rapids

After a run of poor results recently, we faced a good Crewe FC side knowing we would need to be at our best to pick up any points this morning.

The 1st half was a very good watch. Both teams played some lovely passing football making for a good watch. Oli making his first appearance since last season and Cal on the wings brought alot of pace to the team and constantly caused Crewe fc plenty of problems. Our 1st chance came from some good play by Cal down the right, he crossed for Connor but his shot went just wide. Tjay then quickly had a couple of efforts that flashed wide of the target. Crewe FC were also a threat aswell, a few quick lads up top gave us plenty to be concerned about. They also created a couple of chances that narrowly went wide. Before half time some lovely skill by both Oli and Henley created the chance for Connor, he tried to curl an effort into the bottom corner but the keeper made a good stop.

Half time: Crewe fc 0-0 Rapids

2nd half started with Crewe fc trying to keep possession in their own half, a good press from the Rapids though saw us win the ball high up the pitch. Cal then drove forward and released a lovely ball through to CONNOR, he kept his composure and a lovely finish gave the Rapids the lead. Crewe FC tried to respond, a few times they almost got in but some good last ditch defending, particularly from Wilf kept us ahead. We still tried to be a threat ourselves though, Henley hitting a decent long range strike but he couldn't quite keep it low enough, Jamie also tried his luck from range, but his shot only stung the keepers gloves. For the last few moments with Crewe FC pileing some pressure on, we reverted to 4 at the back with Tristan dropping into the backline to help see the game out. The closest they came was a shot from the edge of the box that Owen did well to get down and tip wide.

Full time: Crewe FC 0-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (Connor)

A fantastic team performance today. Much more like the Rapids we all know today. To Crewe fc credit they played some lovely football aswell which made for a good game.

POTM 🏆 : RHYS - Made a few mistakes on the ball early on, but kept going and was so tenacious all over the pitch. Made lots of tackles and always got back to support the team. Honourable mentions for Wilf and Owen F who both had fantastic games also.

10/12/2025

Rapids had a great time at the Arena in Crewe, as a Christmas treat for the lads. A big thanks to Ruskin Park Football Club for arranging 🧡

🎄🎅⚫️🟠⚽️🎄🎅

Christmas has gone black and orange 🟠⚫️

Last weekend The Arena in crewe hosted our older teams Christmas party.

What a night it was. Got us all in the festive mood. With Darts, Pool, Food, Fun and competitions galore.

Roll on Friday when the little teams take on

Ninja Warrior 🟠⚫️🎅🎄

07/12/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Rebel-Warriors vs Ruskin Park Rapids

An early morning derby game as we faced Rebel-Warriors for the 2nd time this season after a tightly fought 2-2 draw a few months ago.

Rapids started the stronger of the 2 teams and moved the ball around well, as they dominated the early possession. We were however restricted to a few long range efforts by Connor F, Henley and Tristan. Midway through the half though we did get the breakthrough. HENLEY picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and with pin point accuracy found the corner with Rebel-Warriors goal keeper at full stretch. Rebel-Warriors hit back immediately though, a long ball found their striker who just beat Connor to the ball, unfortunately our keeper clipped him and the ref pointed to the spot. Connor got close to saving the pen bit unfortunately couldn't quite keep it out. Rapids were still on the front foot though and creating all the chances. Jamie had a good effort from range that whistled just wide. We then got ourselves back infront, Henley threaded a perfect ball through that found CALLUM and his pace took him away from the Rebel-Warriors defence and he slotted then ball nicely into the corner for his 1st Rapids goal.

Half time: Rebel-Warriors 1-2 Rapids

After a dominant 1st half where Rebel-Warriors struggled to test our keeper other than the penalty, it was Rebel-Warriors who started the 2nd half the stronger. They immediately put us under pressure. A scramble in the box resulted in our keeper going down injured in the box, the ref carried on though, James managed to head an effort of the line and the follow up went just wide. Shortly after Rebel-Warriors equalised, Connor who was still feeling the effects of the earlier knock just couldn't get down quick enough to a near post strike that squeezed in. Unfortunately Connor then had to be replaced with Owen once again stepping up in goal. From this point the game turned very scrappy, with very few clear cut chances. Then with 10 minutes to go, we conceded another penalty, this time Owen bundled a player over. But the stand in keeper pulled of a stunning save low to his right. The last few minutes saw Rapids push for a winner, Cal once again, caused Rebel-Warriors problems with his pace, he skipped passed his marker but the angle was too tight to squeeze his shot in.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rebel-Warriors 2-2 Ruskin Park Rapids (Henley, Cal)

A game of 2 half's, Rapids dominant in the 1st but Rebel-Warriors came back into the game 2nd half as the Rapids tired. A stunning penalty save from Owen saved us a point.

POTM 🏆: JAMIE - he's been fantastic the last couple of games in his CDM role. Broke up play very well, won a few good headers and when he got on the ball he was calm and composed.

24/11/2025

Our goals from yesterday's match by Henley and Owen. Also featuring Tristans last minute free kick that almost won the game for us.

23/11/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Rapids vs AFC Alsager

A tough test for the boys this morning as we took on the league leaders who have won every game this season. The Rapids started the game pretty well, Cal using his pace to cause a few early problems and Connor had an early effort that was comfortable for there keeper. After 5 minutes though Alsager took an early lead, a ball was squared into the box for what looked a simple goal but Owen F did superb to clear off the line, unfortunately though the same players was hand to score from the rebound. After the goal Alsager started to get on top, they had 2 very lively wingers that made life hard but the lads defended really well making a few brilliant last ditch tackles and Owen B in goal made a few good stops and was sharp off his line to stop any Alsager attacks.

Half time: Rapids 0-1 Alsager

At the start of the 2nd half, Alsager nearly doubled there lead, but Connor who had come on at half time raced off his line and made a really brave save at the feet of an Alsager attacker. Then midway through the half Alsager did double there lead, instead of clearing the ball in our own box we over played and got caught out, we managed to block the 1st Alsager strike but they were 1st to the rebound and scored. Against a really good side the Rapids could have easily given up but they did anything but that. A lovely ball from Owen F down the right found HENLEY on the edge of the box, a nice bit of footwork followed by a lovely strike into the top corner got the Rapids right back into the game. Then with just 5 minutes to go we got the equaliser our efforts deserved. Henley with a low free kick, Karol dummied the ball and OWEN B timed his run perfectly and scored with a crisp low strike. After this both teams pushed for a winner. Alsager won a couple of corners but some heroic defending including a few big headers from Jamie kept Alsager out. Then with just a minute to go Rapids won a free kick, a long way out on the left hand side. Tristan placed the ball and let fly, his effort looked destined for the top corner only for the Alsager keeper to pull off a worldie save to prevent the Rapids picking up all 3 points.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rapids 2-2 AFC Alsager (Henley, Owen B)

A fantastic effort from every player. To take a point off a very good side that had a 100% record before today. Lots of praise from the opposition coaches aswell which was nice to hear.

POTM 🏆 : WHOLE TEAM - Couldn't single one player out today. It was a complete team performance with every player contributing to a very good performance.

17/11/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Raiders vs Ruskin Park Rapids

Another Ruskin derby yesterday. As we faced the Raiders again. We have struggled vs Raiders this season, and with a threadbare squad yesterday feared the worst again

We started with just 10 players, a few of the lads playing out of position also, most notably captain Owen was in goal. We started very organised and did well to frustrate Raiders and limit them to every few chances. When they did get the odd chance Owen did well to save. One particular very good stop tipping an effort wide that was going in the bottom corner. Midway through the half the pressure did eventually tell, a long range effort that flew into the top corner and have Owen no chance. It wasn't all backs against the wall though, we did still show some l attacking intent, especially as we went up to 11 players. Henley hit a long-range strike that drifted over the bar. Callum also created a chance for himself bit his near post shot was well saved.

Half time: Ruskin Raiders 1-0 Rapids

A positive 1st half where the lads did very well to contain a very good team.

2nd half followed a similar pattern, Raiders having most of the play but the Rapids defending really well and restricting them to very few chances. Owen stopped alot of Raiders promising attacks being very quick off his line and showing good composure with his feet when needed. Unfortunately Rapids did fall further behind though, a free kick from the edge of the box was hit low and hard into the corner to double Raiders lead. Wilf and Logan in particular at centre back were very strong in there defending both kept things simple and headed and cleared most things thrown at them. Raiders added a 3rd as the lads began to get tired. We kept playing and battling to the end though and were rewarded for that. TRISTAN latched onto a poor back pass and used his pace and power to beat the the Raiders defender to the ball and blast his strike into the goal.

Full time: Ruskin Park Raiders 3-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (Tristan)

Overall a really good performance, especially considering the bare 11 (10 at times) today. The lads all worked hard and defended like heroes.

POTM 🏆: OWEN B - Stepped up in goal and put on a great performance. Made some great stops and was also really alive coming off his line and stopping alot of attacks.

09/11/2025

We will remember them 🌺

09/11/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Rapids vs Crewe FC Boys

This morning was the Rapids 1st game in 4 long weeks due to the half term break and 2 postponed games. We faced a strong Crewe Fc team that we've never faced before. 1st half was a very tight affair with neither team creating alot of chances, but still lots of good competitive football played by both sides. Rapids came closest when Connor F struck a free kick just over. Brodi and Cal also caused Crewe fc problems in wide positions and both had attempts on goal. In a tight half it was Crewe that took the lead though. A tight offside call as the Crewe fc winger got on the ball, he cut inside and curled a lovely strike into the top corner though to give them the lead going into the break.

Half Time: Rapids 0-1 Crewe FC

A couple of half time changes and the Rapids came out in the 2nd and upped the energy levels. Still Connor had to be alert in goal, coming out well to smother a couple of through balls and made a smart save with his feet at the near post. The Rapids deservedly levelled though, Henley played through towards KAROL and a mixture of him and a Crewe FC defender bundled the ball in to equalise. The goal seemed to bring alot more confidence into the team and the boys started knocking the ball around well. A lovely move ended up with HENLEY picking the ball up 25 yards out, he spotted the keeper slightly off his line and perfectly struck the ball over the keeper and into the goal to give us the lead. Not long after another similar goal again some good football and Tristan found CONNOR F, just like Henley his high shot caught out the Crewe FC keeper and nestled into the top corner from range. Only a minute after through the boys switched off, we had 3 opportunities to clear the ball in our own box but failed to do so, Crewe FC capatalised and scored to reduce the deficit. As we entered the last 5 or so minutes things got abit nervy in what was a close game. We then gave the ball away down the right and got caught out being abit high up the pitch, Crewe Fc got in behind and scored a late equaliser. After this in the last couple of minutes both teams tried to win it and both created chances but in truth it would have been harsh for either team to have lost what was a really good game of football.

Full Time: Ruskin Park Rapids 3-3 Crewe FC Boys (Karol, Henley, Connor F)

POTM 🏆- HENLEY: Constantly tried to get us playing the right way. Super composed on the ball and showed real quality. Also created the 1st goal and scored a belter to put us ahead.

12/10/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Rapids vs Cheshire Blades Vipers

This afternoon we faced league leaders the Vipers. Rapids started on the front foot and had most of the early possession, that was until a ball was played behind our defence and a Vipers player beat Connor to the ball and took it around him to score into the empty net. Rapids responded though and when Karol found CONNOR on the edge of the box he Rifled a great strike that took a slight deflection and beat the Vipers keeper to draw us level. Rapids nearly took the lead Cpnnor hitting a low shot that the keeper tipped wide and out for a corner. Vipers then re took the lead as the Rapids defence switched off for a second. In a topsy turvey half though the Rapids responded again, KAROL picked the ball up beat two players that picked out the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Vipers then came close to a goal, a good long range effort crashed against our cross bar and out for a goal kick. Before half time Vipers regained there lead, again another soft goal to give away, a low corner was swept into the corner.

Half time: Rapids 2-3 Blades Vipers

A really positive 1st half for the Rapids, as we pushed and matched the league leaders all the way.

As the 2nd half started it was clear the next goal was always going to be key. Unfortunately we had a few lads that had to go off with knocks and this gave the Vipers the upper hand. They then extended there lead with a cross into the box and a free header 5 yards out. Vipers quickly added another goal, it once again came too easily through the centre of our team and a good finishninto the corner giving Connor no chance. The Rapids didn't just give up though and continued to test the Vipers. Brodi having an effort that flew across the goal. Vipers wrapped up there win, again a cross from the right and a free header in the box. 6-2 felt harsh on the lads who for long periods matched the opposition.

Full time: Ruskin Park Rapids 2-6 Cheshire Blades Vipers (Connor F, Karol)

POTM 🏆 : KAROL - Played in a different position today in centre midfield, to try and give us abit more energy in the midfield. He did a super job and ran his socks off. Also took his goal really well with a smart finish.

05/10/2025

Managers match report:

Ruskin Park Royals vs Ruskin Park Rapids

A blustery afternoon in Shavington as we faced another Ruskin Derby, this time vs Royals.

Playing against the wind 1st half we struggled to up the pitch in the early stages. With Royals having most of the ball, but we were defending well and restricting Royals to very few early chances. A couple of early free kicks flew harmlessly over and Connor had to make a smart save at his near post. As the half wore on the Rapids started to play there way into the game. Cal cutting from the left forced the Royals into a good save, then Cal was too quick for the Royals defence, the keeper rushed out but he couldn't quite get his lob right. It was a half of few clear chances though.

Half time: Royals 0-0 Rapids

Despite the slow start to the game, we were still optimistic going into the 2nd half as we had the wind behind us 2nd half.

But as the 2nd half started it was clear we weren't using the wind to our advantage at all. Aimless long balls kept going straight through to the Royals keeper. Rapids were struggling to put more than a pass or two together and Royals were winning all the battles. Royals then deservedly took the lead a smart finish from just inside of the box. Brodi nearly drew us level with powerful strike that went just wide. Next Jamie tried his luck from 25 yards, he hit a peach of a strike that looked destined for the top corner but flew agonisingly wide. Royals then doubled there lead, they got through the centre of us far too easily and another good finish for there forward who scored his 2nd of the game. Rapids had it all to do and did try to throw everything at Royals in the last 10 minutes. Cal and Connor both coming close with close range efforts. With 2 mins to go the Rapids got one back, the ref played an advantage despite Connor being down injured, we took advantage though as BRODI got through and lifted the ball past the keeper to score. In the last minute, there was more drama as we threw everyone forward we nearly got caught out, Connor.makimg a brave save, and once again as he went down injured the Rapids went down the other end on the break and nearly equalised. In the aftermath the Rapids were reduced to 10 player after dissent from a Rapids player was punished with the Red card.

Full Time: Ruskin Park Royals 2-1 Ruskin Park Rapids (BRODI)

No where near good enough today as we were 2nd best for most of the game. Only when we went 2 goals behind we started to show any fight at all. Back to the drawing board for the lads this week with much hard work and reflection to he done. All credit to Royals though who were deserved winners this afternoon. 👏

No POTM award for today. Every player played miles under the level they are capable of.