After last week’s setback against Battersea Ironsides, Cranleigh’s First Team arrived at Addlestone eager to bounce back. However, a string of absences and late fitness tests left the squad struggling, with several players unable to make it. To make matters worse, additional last-minute dropouts meant Cranleigh travelled with just 11 players, including a debut for young Callan O’Carroll.
Fixtures & Results
Unsurprisingly, the game began nervously for the Cranes, who conceded an early goal. Despite the setback, they dug deep and gradually played their way back into the match, holding on with just one goal separating the teams at half-time.
However, within ten minutes of the restart, disaster struck. First, Cranleigh lost Jacob Treeby after a nasty knock to the head, and soon after, Deon Mubaiwa, who had taken a heavy tackle in the first half, was visibly limping. Yet, in a show of grit, Deon refused to come off, inspiring the team to press on.
League table
As Cranleigh rallied, some exceptional defending began to galvanise the side. Against the odds, they took the game to the opposition, with players showing incredible spirit and determination. With 25 minutes to go, Emin Can Acar’s deft footwork left the Addlestone defence scrambling, and the referee pointed to the spot. Acar coolly converted the penalty, drawing the Cranes level.
For the rest of the second half, Cranleigh held strong. Despite Addlestone controlling large stretches of play, they couldn’t find a way through Cranleigh’s resilient defence. Sam Wade and Aran Brown were magnificent in midfield, while Mackenzie Mortimer, Ciaran Lynch, Joel Harris, Matt Cragg, and George Mead formed a seemingly impenetrable back line.
In what was arguably the best defensive half of football this season, Cranleigh came away with a hard-fought point—a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
Final Score: Addlestone 1-1 Cranleigh
Man of the Match: Aran Brown
Next fixture: (H) Wimbledon Casuals, 3pm, Saturday 2nd November, Snoxhall
Coaches: Paul Jones, Samuel Jones and Stephen Dawe
Photo: Craneligh in action against Battersea Ironside, by Martin Bamford
