Cranleigh Firsts battled torrential rain and fierce opposition to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at CB Hounslow & Abbots. On a pitch in superb condition despite the weather, the hosts dominated early proceedings, rattling the post and seeing several efforts blocked by a resolute Cranleigh defence. It follows last week’s 4-1 win against the same opposition, thereby completing the Double.
Despite the pressure, it was Cranleigh who broke the deadlock. A slick move down the left saw Ellis thread a perfectly timed through ball to Mackenzie, whose first-time cross flashed across the box to Milo at the back post for a clinical finish. Against the run of play, the visitors led 1-0.
Fixtures & Results
Hounslow’s relentless attacks finally led to a penalty after a clumsy challenge by Cranleigh’s right back. However, a heated disagreement among the home players over who should take the spot-kick seemed to unsettle their taker, who dragged the penalty wide with the last kick of the half.
Second Half
The second half saw Cranleigh adopt a deep defensive shape, frustrating Hounslow’s attempts to break through. The hosts dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, with Ciaran and Jake repelling long balls superbly and Aran and Joel providing a solid midfield shield.
Hounslow earned another penalty after George brought down their striker. With fans filming and jeering from behind the goal, George kept his cool, diving low to his left to make a stunning save and then cheekily giving the fans some stick in return.
League table
Hounslow eventually found an equaliser, though, as a low cross was turned in off the post by their earlier penalty miss taker. But Cranleigh weren’t done. Against the run of play, a counterattack saw Milo latch onto a through ball and stab it past the onrushing keeper, sparking jubilant celebrations complete with belly and knee slides in the rain-soaked pitch.
Down to 10 men after Aran was ordered off, Cranleigh held on through what felt like endless stoppage time. The final whistle marked a memorable win for the visitors, who were graciously treated to post-match hospitality from the Hounslow owner, rounding off the day in class.
The result sees Cranleigh move up to 10th in the league, pulling away from the foot of the table.
Next up, Cranleigh will look to build on this momentum as they take on their next challenge at Fort Snox.
Final Score: CB Hounslow & Abbots 1-2 Cranleigh
Man of the Match: George Mead
Next fixture: (H) Banstead Rovers, 2pm, Saturday 7th December, Snoxhall
Coaches: Paul Jones, Samuel Jones and Stephen Dawe
Photo: Craneligh in action against Battersea Ironside, by Martin Bamford
