Cranleigh FC Women began their season with a 3-1 victory over South Park Ladies, despite being reduced to 10 players due to injuries and travel delays. Though starting understrength, the team’s organisation, fitness, and relentless effort saw them through the full 90 minutes.
Fixtures & Results
Soph opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, setting the tone for Cranleigh’s determined performance. Genevieve soon doubled the lead, putting the pressure on South Park. Cranleigh’s disciplined defence, supported by a hard-working midfield and forwards, restricted South Park to speculative long-range efforts. Keeper Laura remained largely untroubled until an unlucky deflection brought the score to 1-2 just before half time.
In the second half, Soph struck again, delivering another superb goal to make it 3-1. The pace of both Soph and Caroline left South Park struggling to cope. Emily nearly added a fourth when her 35-yard free-kick rattled the crossbar.
Special praise goes to Saskia, who ran tirelessly in her first-ever football match, completing the full 90 minutes. Cranleigh’s performance was met with celebrations at the final whistle, marking a fantastic start to the season.
Final score: Cranleigh 3-1 South Park
Next fixture: (H) South Park, 2pm, Sunday 15th September, The Sanctuary, Glebelands School, Cranleigh
Coaches: Nick Bamford, Wayne Stevens
Team sponsor: Bear Content
About Cranleigh FC
Cranleigh Football Club is an inclusive club and its youth teams welcomes boys and girls of all abilities, with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment. Coaching is based around a variety of games and exercises, following the latest FA models for player development.
The coaching models the club follows place emphasis on equal opportunities for all players, regardless of background or ability, and on participation rather than winning. All players receive equal playing time, are provided with the opportunity to play in all positions, and the coaching focus is on playing the ‘right way’, even if this has a negative impact on results in the short and medium term.
