Selby Olympia WMC

Olympia Reserves 3–1 Rufforth

Another brilliant win for the Olympia Reserves today, overcoming Rufforth in a hard-fought encounter that saw determination, quality football, and some standout performances across the pitch.

Rufforth came into the game seeking revenge after the previous meeting between the two sides, and both teams started brightly. Olympia, however, quickly found their rhythm, pressing high and controlling possession in the early stages.

Down the left flank, Lewis Kelly was a constant threat, repeatedly getting in behind the Rufforth defence, though that final killer pass just eluded him. After 20 minutes of strong play, Olympia were caught out by a long ball over the top. Rufforth’s striker found himself one-on-one with Adam Prince and calmly slotted home to make it 1–0.

The setback didn’t dampen Olympia’s spirit. The lads responded brilliantly, continuing to press and play positive football. Their efforts paid off just minutes later when Ellis Cunningham broke through on goal and finished confidently to level the scores at 1–1 going into half-time.

Managerial changes at the break brought fresh energy, with Nathan Sedman replacing Ellis. The substitution proved inspired — Nathan immediately made an impact, running tirelessly at the Rufforth back line and causing constant problems. His persistence was rewarded when he latched onto a through ball and coolly finished to put Olympia 2–1 up.

Olympia weren’t done yet. Determined to put the game beyond doubt, the side continued to press forward. A long throw deep into the Rufforth half was flicked on by Chris Thompson, and Bobby Lawler was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net. His celebration — shirt off and pure elation — said it all.

From there, Rufforth looked deflated, and Olympia saw out the match with composure. The back four of Bayley, Marcus, Josh Wilko, and Adam Wardle were rock-solid, keeping Rufforth’s attack quiet for the remainder of the game. In midfield, Chris Thompson and Josh Woollard battled for every ball, linking play beautifully and driving the team forward.

A well-deserved Man of the Match award went to Bobby Lawler — not just for his emphatic goal, but for his pinpoint passing, tireless work rate, and tough tackling reminiscent of a prime Steven Gerrard.

A superb all-round performance from the Olympia lads — fully deserving of the victory.

Final Score: Olympia Reserves 3–1 Rufforth
Goals: Cunningham, Sedman, Lawler
MOTM: Bobby Lawler

A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors, MTS Plastering & Damp Proofing and RG Kickboxing, for proudly sponsoring our brand-new training kit.

Your support means the world to us and helps our team grow.

⚽ MATCH DAY ⚽

📆 - 11/10/25
🆚 - Barmby Moor
⏱ - 14:00
🏆 - Reserve C
🏟️ - Barmby Moor, YO42 4DW

⚽ MATCH DAY ⚽

📆 - 11/10/25
🆚 - Leven Members Club
⏱ - 14:00
🏆 - East Riding County Cup
🏟️ - Leven, HU17 5NF

Another weekend, another victory for our first team this weekend who still remain undefeated this season.

Off the back of a great performance but a disappointing result in their last league fixture, the Olympia Reserves stepped out against current league toppers Rufforth, who were unbeaten so far this season. It was a wet and windy Saturday, but the Olympia boys started well, with plenty of promising football from the midfield duo of Bayley and Thomps — think Scholes and Keane in their 99/00 prime and you’ll get the idea. The lads up top created plenty of opportunities, but the travelling defence held firm.

A strong Rufforth attack resulted in a sloppy goal, but their own linesman had flagged for the ball going out of play, and the referee — maintaining his high standards — brought it back, disallowing the goal. That seemed to flick a switch for Olympia, who knew the opposition meant business. The rest of the first half saw solid football all around, with centre-backs Bobby and Marcus standing strong to keep things level at the break — 0-0 at halftime.

The second half got underway quickly with just one defensive change. Olympia pushed forward and, after a good attacking spell, Lambert picked up the ball near the back post. He held onto it perhaps a second too long but eventually laid it off to captain Bayley Smirthwaite, who fired home a fine left-footed strike into the far corner! The lads were buzzing — a goal up against the league leaders — and gaffer Howden started dreaming that this could be his first managerial victory in his second season in charge.

That dream was short-lived, though, as some sloppy defensive play allowed Rufforth to equalize soon after kick-off, making it 1-1. Still, Olympia dug deep. Goalkeeper Prince pulled off some brilliant saves to keep them in it, and not one lad stopped battling. Winger Tammy caused havoc down the flank, delivering a cross that Lamine Yamal would’ve been proud of — but unfortunately, Lambert’s 4ft frame meant his little leg couldn’t quite reach to finish it off!

Olympia kept pressing, and their persistence paid off. Awarded a free kick just inside the opponent’s half, Bayley Smirthwaite delivered a superb ball into the box. A fortunate flick-on from a defender found striker Jack Pullan at the far post, who calmly dinked it into the opposite corner. The Rufforth players stood in disbelief as the Olympia lads erupted in celebration on the penalty spot — 2-1 up!

With heads held high, the boys gave everything in the final ten minutes, defending tightly and holding their shape until the final whistle. When it blew, it felt like they’d won the league and cup in one — not only the team’s first victory in around 30 games, but to take points off old rivals and league leaders made it even sweeter.

It feels like the start of good things for the reserve boys — a brilliant sight after some abysmal results last season. The lads take on Barmby Moor next week, looking to continue their fine run of football.

MOM: Bobby Lawler
TOM: Nobody — because we’re all winners.

⚽ MATCH DAY ⚽

📆 - 04/10/25
🆚 - Rufforth Res
⏱ - 14:00
🏆 - York League, Res C
🏟️ - The Rec, YO8 5AL

⚽ MATCH DAY ⚽

📆 - 04/10/25
🆚 - Boroughbridge AFC
⏱ - 14:00
🏆 - York League Div 3
🏟️ - Boroughbridge, YO51 9EA

Olympia Firsts remain undefeated as they progress into the next round of the cup.

Great performance by everyone, a well deserved win against a team who is a division above us.

⚽ MATCH DAY ⚽

📆 - 27/09/25
🆚 - Wilberfoss FC
⏱ - 14:00
🏆 - York Cup Round one
🏟️ - Wilberfoss Playing fields, YO41 5AB.

Another strong performance from our first team today! The lads dug deep and battled hard in tough, wet conditions with the rain pouring down non-stop.

⚽ MATCH DAY ⚽

📆 - 20/09/25
🆚 - Kirkbymoorside
⏱ - 14:00
🏟️ - Kirkbymoorside Recreation Ground, YO62 6DY