Well, it’s not every weekend that you overcome going two nil down early in the match and comeback to win. But that is just what has happened to the under 16 A team across the last two matches.
Last week we went two behind to bottom of the table Copthorne after just three minutes before recovering to win 11-2. This week we were two behind to high fliers Three Bridges after a quarter of an hour before levelling things before half time, and then going on to win 6-2.
The Cranleigh team played exceptionally good football, looking very comfortable on the ball and passing their way around a highly committed and energetic Three Bridges team. First half goals from Ben Cole and Arthur Powell leveled the score and settled early nerves meaning that Cranleigh went into the break on the front foot and with the momentum, the visitors clearly angered having thrown away a great start.
And it was Powell who added a third for Cranleigh to take the initiative five minutes after the start of the second half, having contained early pressure from Bridges, with Max Elstone, Charlie Dyer, Callum Jones and the fantastic Seb Ellis looking assured across the back, and Matt Forrester returning to his dependable self after an early error which lead to the second Bridges goal.
Shortly after Harry Card drilled in a fourth from inside the box and Maxim Sheik added to the score line with a fine strike from the edge of the area. The scoring was complete after Marcel Kotowski netted with just a few minutes remaining.
Throughout the game Cranleigh stuck to their game plan, moving the ball quickly and enjoying possession, Callum Price and George Ringrose working hard to win the ball back distribute to midfielders Ben Cole and Mackie Ringrose to create chances for Sheik and wide players Kotowski, Powell and Card.
The game completes the U16s league fixtures for 2017, and it feels like this well earned victory has rewarded the team with a very well earned break.
