09/11/2025
MATCH REPORT | Ruskington AFC 4 - 4 Brant Rangers
A rotated Brant Rangers side travelled to Ruskington this morning for our first competitive away fixture — and what a wild game it turned out to be!
Things started in true Sunday League fashion when the referee casually informed both sides that his eyesight wasn’t the best during the teamsheet exchange 👀. From there, it only got more eventful.
Ruskington took an early lead just moments before a break in play for a minute’s silence — a brief and fitting pause for reflection. When play resumed, the Gers responded quickly: Owen Smith teed up Jack Thompson, who coolly slotted home his ninth goal of the campaign (not counting our record-erased fixture!).
The hosts retook the lead shortly after through what can only be described as a dubious finish — whispers of a “Maradona moment” were heard from the sidelines 😉. But the Gers weren’t done yet. A lovely bit of play from Fin Hyland and Mitch Martin saw the defender grab his first goal of the season, levelling it 2–2 before the break.
The second half began with a few tweaks from the gaffer Stefan Porter, and almost instantly, Brant Rangers took the lead thanks to a Ruskington own goal. The hosts hit back again, though, equalising midway through the half.
With time running down, a heavy challenge gave Luke Holmes a free kick 25 yards out — and Luke did what Luke does best: buried it. 4–3 Brant Rangers in the 85th minute!
But just as Owen Smith was bellowing for everyone to “get behind the ball,” Ruskington nicked an equaliser from a corner. 4–4. Moments later, the ref blew for full time — despite plenty of injury time expected — leaving both sides scratching their heads.
Despite the frustration, both teams shared great banter during the match, though the game never quite found its rhythm with all the stops and starts.
🏅 Men of the Match:
Mitch Martin – relentless, tireless, and everywhere on the pitch.
Jack Smith – first full league debut and impressed everyone watching.
A huge thanks to Ruskington AFC for a competitive game and good spirits throughout 👏
Next up: Birchwood Queen in the West (H) in the Fred Quibell Junior Cup – Round 2,next Sunday at Hykeham Memorial Playing Fields, 10:45am kick off.
Massive thanks as always to our sponsors D.P. Wilkinson Roofing Building & Utilities , MAK Community Care Ltd , and our photographer Lincssnapper photography for their continued support 📸
Up the Gers! 🔵🔴⚪
