Cranleigh went into this week’s game brimming with confidence after recent strong performances and showcasing several new faces. Debuts for Johnny Abaya, Josh Kipping, and James Faulkner, as well as a home debut for new joint manager Sam Carpenter, added to the sense of excitement.
Fixtures & Results
League table
The Cranes started with a bang, stunning fourth-placed Walcountians with a brilliantly worked goal from Ellis Rowland inside the first minute. Although the visitors equalised within 15 minutes, Cranleigh regained the lead through another Rowland strike.
Both sides played entertaining football despite challenging conditions, but Walcountians managed to level the score just before halftime.
As the second half progressed, the weather deteriorated, with the wind intensifying and heavy rain adding to the difficulty. Both teams enjoyed spells of possession, but clear chances were rare. A controversial moment involving what appeared to be a foul on Arthur Fuller led to a lapse in concentration, allowing the visitors to edge ahead.
Despite sustained pressure in the final 20 minutes, the Cranes couldn’t break down Walcountians’ resilient defence.
While the 2-3 loss was disappointing, there’s plenty of optimism within the squad. Standout performances, particularly from the debutants after just a few training sessions, highlight the renewed energy around the team. With more fresh faces expected both on and off the pitch, the second half of the season looks much brighter for Cranleigh.
Final Score: Cranleigh Firsts 2-3 Old Walcountians
Man of the Match: Ben Beazley
Next fixture: (H) Hersham, 2pm, Saturday 4th January 2025, Glebelands
Joint Managers: Paul Jones; Sam Carpenter
