Match Report: Ruskin Park vs Ball Haye Green FC Reserves

Ball Haye Green Reserves returned to league action after just over two months away, travelling to face an in-form Ruskin Park side unbeaten for over 11 weeks.

As expected, the hosts started strongly, applying early and direct pressure aided by difficult, blustery conditions. Green’s back line of Corden, Horvath and Bruce stood firm, dealing well with a sustained spell of long balls into the box.

Green took the lead midway through the first half with their first real opening. Zac Turner played Ashton Barker through on goal, and Barker showed great composure to round the defender and finish neatly under the goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

The game then settled into a scrappy period, with midfield battles dominating and both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Ruskin Park responded well and found an equaliser from a dangerous corner delivery, with Ryan Tomkinson applying the finishing touch to level the score at 1–1. Momentum swung firmly in the hosts’ favour, and further pressure told before the break when Connor Edwards headed home from another well-worked set piece to give Ruskin a 2–1 half-time lead.

Despite conceding twice, Green remained composed at the interval, having defended well under heavy pressure and knowing they would have the wind advantage in the second half.

However, Green started the second period slowly. Another Brandon Palin set piece caused problems, once again finding Tomkinson. Following a brief scramble in the area, Bruce appeared to have the ball under control before a linesman’s flag and subsequent discussion with the referee resulted in the goal being awarded, much to the confusion of both sides. 3–1 Ruskin.

Green responded positively and spent much of the next 25 minutes on the front foot, pushing hard for a way back into the contest. Ruskin defended resolutely, but with 10 minutes remaining, centre-half-turned-striker Horvath was brought down in the box. Ashton Barker calmly converted the resulting penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–2.

Further attacking changes were made as Green searched for an equaliser, and chances fell to both Horvath and Barker, but the decisive final touch proved elusive.

Full credit to Ruskin Park, who defended strongly and showed great character throughout. Ball Haye Green Reserves return to league action next week with a home fixture against LA Potters, where a strong response will be required to secure all three points.

P Bruce
L Tams (R Heery)
F Horvarth
R Corden (c)
C Birch (M da Silva)
R Dakin (M Knight)
A Leith (R Birchall)
R Ngwashi (N Salt)
K Thomas
A Barker
Z Turner