Cranleigh Men’s First Team took their first win of the season with a 1-0 win over Addlestone. The Cranes welcomed the return of experienced players Aran Brown and Harry Scott, along with 19-year-old goalkeeper George Mead, back at the club after a spell at Step 5. A slow start gave Addlestone a couple of early chances, but Cranleigh’s centre-back partnership of Ciaran Lynch and 17-year-old TJ Ford quickly found their footing and took control of the game.
Fixtures & Results
18-year-old Mackenzie Mortimer was a threat down the left wing early on, providing Cranleigh with attacking opportunities. At the back, Joel Harris, despite playing with a broken rib, was a steadying influence, shutting down Addlestone’s danger man. Chances were few for both sides in the first half, with neither team able to find a breakthrough.
League table
Cranleigh came out with renewed energy in the second half. Aran Brown and 20-year-old Sam Jones took charge in midfield, while forwards Ben Beazley and Will Smith created a few chances but were unable to convert. Harry Scott led the line up front, holding the ball well, but the elusive goal remained out of reach.
With 25 minutes to go, 17-year-old Jacob Treeby-Goodall came on for only his second first-team game, replacing Scott and putting the Addlestone defence under real pressure. Another substitution saw 19-year-old Deon Mubaiwa replace Emin Can Acar, whose touch and energy had been excellent all game.
The game looked destined for a draw until, with just minutes left, young Jacob burst past the defence and delivered a perfect cross into the six-yard box. Deon made a great run to the back post and tapped in the winning goal, securing Cranleigh’s 1-0 victory with just four minutes remaining. Cranleigh managed to hold onto possession for the remainder of the game, sealing a well-earned three points.
Player Profile: Matt Cragg
Final Score: Cranleigh FC 1-0 Addlestone
Man of the Match: Ciaran Lynch
Next fixture: (A) Worcester Park Firsts, 3pm, Saturday 12th October, Worcester Park Athletics Club
Coaches: Paul Jones, Samuel Jones and Stephen Dawe
