The U14’s ventured into deepest Sussex to defend their plate title from last season.
Cranleigh had the perfect start in the second minute when Liam make a great run through and slotted the ball swiftly past the keeper. Cranleigh continued to dominate for the next thirty minutes with excellent passing play down the right between Olly, Zach and Max. Despite several near misses rendering Marcus Fleeson to his knees with his arms aloft, Cranleigh failed to extend their lead. Ben B worked tirelessly down the left wing supported by Alex and Greg and was very close on more than one occasion to adding a second. The team has been working hard during training and there was definitely an air of confidence with how the team took control and passed the ball around the pitch. Loxwood created a few chances but these were comfortably dealt with by Ben S, William C, Harvey and Will D in goal.
After half time Loxwood came out with renewed vigour and the second half was a different game. Alex, Greg and Max took control of midfield and created more chances for Josh, Liam and Olly but Loxwood defended well and Cranleigh were unable to penetrate their defence.
In the latter part of the second half, Loxwood looked dangerous on the break and created their own chances but valiant efforts from our defence and some superb saves from Will D, kept us narrowly ahead. With a few minutes to go Loxwood earned a free kick on the edge of our area which was hit in low and hard and skilfully slotted in. The Cranleigh boys looked deflated having held the lead for so long but a final push saw Alex thread a lovely ball through to Josh who was taken down in the penalty area.
With what was going to be the last kick of the game, Josh calmly walked up and slotted the ball in the bottom left corner.
Man of the Match; Liam Bartlett
