With Cranleigh depleted by injury Harvey and Ethan Styles were drafted in from the under 16’s to bolster the squad on the day to 13 in another must win game to keep alive Cranleigh’s hopes of maintaining a challenge for the league title. With a number of positional changes being required the team started slowly and conceded an early go to a free kick that deflected off a breaking wall leaving the goalkeeper, (Ethan Styles), with no chance to adjust his position in time. Cranleigh gradually worked their way back into the game and scored a well worked equaliser when George Hughes fired in a shot from the right and side of the box into the far corner. With Cranleigh now beginning to dominate it looked like there could be only one winner although unfortunately Henry Fewings picked up two bookings in quick succession thus leaving the pitch for an ‘early bath’ and Cranleigh to see out the remainder of the game with 10-men.
The second half began with Cranleigh on the back foot as Merstham tried to make the pitch as wide as possible and to take advantage of their extra man. However, a very hard working Cranleigh team once more started to dominate and Hayden Skerry, who had been a threat all night, drove in from the right had side and gave Cranleigh a well deserved lead. The game became scrappy at times with Merstham unable to work their way back into the game where the Cranleigh midfield worked tirelessly and defended diligently with the central defensive pair of Jack Coleman and Ciaran Lynch putting in impressive performances. With only a one goal advantage George Hughes pocked home a third following a great cross from Hayden Skerry and Cranleigh then had a little breathing space to see out a hard earned win.
Cranleigh squad. Ethan Styles, Owen Bartlett, Jack Coleman, Jacob Collins, Henry Fewings, Jonah Harewood, George Hughes, Ciaran Lynch, Hayden Skerry, Harvey Styles, Samuel Vines, Oliver Denton, Daniel Walmsley.
