The start of a new season, a warm evening and a flat surface conducive to a very enjoyable game played by two teams who were keen to play a quick passing game.
Merstham started on the front foot winning the ball back high up the pitch and looking to bring their skilful number 10 in to the game, that being said the Cranleigh goal was rarely under threat other than a few corners which were well dealt with and sound handling from Ethan Styles. As the half progressed Cranleigh, who were only playing together as a unit for the second time, gradually worked their way back into the game starting to close down their counterparts and looking where possible to bring the pace of the wide players Jonah Harewood and Harvey Styles into play. As the game ebbed and flowed a great move saw Ben Cole win the ball in midfield who played the ball into George Hughes who released quick pass in behind the right back for Jonah Harewood to run on to, although from a tight angle his shot went over the bar. 0 – 0 at half time in an evenly contested game.
No changes from either side as the second half commenced with Cranleigh pushing higher up the pitch and the central areas well controlled by Tom Barker and Ciaran Lynch, with Merstham restricted to trying to break out via long passes over Cranleigh’s defence, although Jack Coleman and Oliver Ferrier were at their dominant best through out. With a strong squad available changes were made with Charlie Dyer coming on to relace Felix Butler who had been manfully battling a knee injury. Mid way through the second half Ben Cole managed to intercept a pass and with with good change of pace broke into the right had side of the box and riding a couple of heavy challenges fired across the goalkeeper to give Cranleigh a 1-0 lead. With players tiring further changes were made with Owen Bartlett replacing Harvey Styles and Luca Ellis, for Tom Barker to ensure the high energy levels could be maintained and Aaron Alderton and Isaac Collins also joining the fray for the last 20-minutes, with the former replacing Jamie Kaffo whose physical presence had proved a real challenge for the Merstham back line . A 1-0 lead is always dangerous and the changes seem to bring extra impetus to the team and with 5-minutes to go a superb reverse pass by Isaac Collins inside the right back freed Aaron Alderton who despite having much work to do skipped inside and curled a great finish into the far corner.
Final whistle, game over, and a great start to the season for Cranleigh, who appear to have a well balanced squad with great contributions from all 16-players on the night.
