The long trip to Forest Row was worthwhile as it produced not only three points but also a gritty and impressive performer from Cranleigh. Playing on a pitch that cattle would have turned their noses up at, the home side stared strongly but Cranleigh remained composed and resolute in defence expertly lead by Callum Jones, and quickly took control of the game, with midfield trio of Tom Barker, Callum Price and Ben Cole finding gaps in Forest Row’s team to create chances for Matt Clarke to beat his man and hit balls into the box. And it was Price who broke the deadlock after 15 minutes as he converted a penalty after he was brought down having drawn an unnecessary challenge from a defender. Ten minutes later a cool finish from Maxim Sheik ensured that Cranleigh took a well deserved 2 nil lead into the break.
A third was added by Sheik three minutes into the second half and Cranleigh now looked very comfortable with substitute Marcel Kotowski’s pace and trickery causing a few headaches. This however breathed some life into the home side who continued to battle and win possession although their attacks were thwarted by the pace of Jack Dowdall and our full backs Seb Ellis and Eddie Flynn who snuffed out any threats from either wing, meaning that goalkeeper Matt Forrester had the luxury of a reasonably quiet game. As Forest Row tired Cranleigh continued to threaten and following a few squandered chances Arthur Powell finished superbly after some great play from Cranleigh which had started with a fantastic pass from Max Elstone, to add a fourth goal and finish the game of.
