Cranleigh Vets delivered a dominant display at Snoxhall to secure a resounding 4-0 victory over Old Wimbledonians Vets in the second round of the Peter Hobdell Challenge Cup. Captain Mikey Barbato was the star of the show, netting a spectacular hat-trick in a match that Cranleigh controlled from start to finish.
Fixtures & Results
From the whistle, Cranleigh set a blistering pace, asserting dominance in the midfield and launching purposeful attacks. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Barbato thundered home a volley from the edge of the box. Cranleigh continued to press with intensity, ending the half with a deserved 1-0 lead.
League table
Old Wimbledonians attempted to rally in the second half, but Cranleigh’s defence stood firm, with Man of the Match Tom Puttock delivering a standout performance at the back. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed as Barbato completed his hat-trick with two quick goals, demonstrating his clinical finishing and exceptional positional awareness.
Substitute Stefan Brash added a fourth with a well-taken low shot into the bottom corner, sealing a comprehensive victory. Cranleigh could have easily doubled the score with the number of chances they created, but the woodwork and some sharp saves from the Old Wimbledonians’ keeper kept the margin from being even greater.
Player Profile: Tom Tickner
As the final whistle blew, Cranleigh celebrated a well-deserved 4-0 win. The team’s balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity was on full display, with Barbato and Puttock leading the way. Cranleigh remain unbeaten and now advance to face Hawley Vets in the next round of the cup.
Final score: Cranleigh Vets 4-0 Old Wimbledonians Vets
Coach: Richie Bowers
Man of the Match: Tom Puttock
Team sponsor: Lynn Murray & Co Solicitors
