Finally a game not postponed.
Playing just their third game in 2018 the U18s made the long journey to Crowborough.
Again due to college and work commitments the squad was down to its bare bones.
15 year old Ethan stiles deputising in goal in only his second appearance had an excellent game. His twin Harvey coming on in the second half to make his debut, scoring an outstanding individual goal.
From the start of the game both teams struggled to take control, not helped by the pitch.
Midway through the first half Cranleigh got into their stride and after sustained pressure took the lead. Captain Jack Miller breaking the deadlock, slotting home a good cross from the rampaging right back Owen Bartlett, at the far post. He is lethal from inside the 6yd box, his 4th goal of the season. With confidence high and playing some good football the 2nd goal soon followed.
Free kick just outside the area, Hayden Skerry steps up smashes the ball against the cross bar with Jack Coleman following up to score his first goal of the season with a cracking half volley.
Within a couple of minutes Crowborough were back in the game, the first goal conceded in 5 games. A good through ball broke the defence with their forward running onto it and hammering the ball home. Ethan never stood a chance and did well to get out of the way ! Straight back down the crowborough end and it’s Haydens turn to get on the score sheet, ball breaking to him just inside the box and before the keeper can set himself the ball hits the back of the net. That’s 12 goals for the season, equal top goal scorer with the absent Finn Graham.
Half time, ‘keep playing the same way, give nothing away and job done.’
Two minutes later, 3-2, the same Crowborough player ghosted past the defence, finishing the run well shooting across the goal and just inside the farpost. Cranleigh were struggling to get out of their half, slightly up hill on a heavy pitch. Dogged defending for 20 minutes kept their frustrated opponents at bay.
Time for substitutions and Cranleigh began to get back into the game. The fresh legs making all the difference. Harvey drifting in from the left wing with a mazy run past 3 defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the keeper. We could all breathe again. Then finally to put icing on the cake, Sam vines also coming off the bench, along with Ollie Denton, completed the scoring with another fine finish after good build up play. Job done into the next round of the cup.
Every single player worked so hard and deserve a mention, all making a significant contribution in another very good team performance.
Team
Ethan Stiles – Owen Bartlett, Jack Miller, Oscar Brown, Henry Fewing – Ciaran Lynch, Jake Collins, Jack Coleman – Jonah Harewood, George Hughes, Hayden Skerry. Sam Vines, Ollie Denton, Harvey Stiles.
