The Cranes returned to Fort Snox this week, eager to move past the disappointment of their previous result. Sporting their new, and somewhat controversial, change kit, the youthful Cranleigh Firsts side faced CB Hounslow in what proved to be a game of drama and determination.
Both teams began confidently, playing composed possession football in the opening exchanges. However, it was the visitors who struck first after 20 minutes, taking advantage of a clever flick that wrong-footed the Cranleigh defence. Despite some positive spells of play from both sides, the teams went into the break with Hounslow narrowly leading 1-0.
The second half started with renewed energy from Cranleigh, and they were quickly awarded a penalty after a skilful run by Emin Can Acar. However, the Hounslow keeper produced a brilliant save low to his right, keeping the visitors in front.
The match took a pivotal turn when a seemingly harmless challenge from a Hounslow midfielder resulted in a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Almost immediately after the restart, substitute Jacob Treeby-Goodall was brought down in the box following a determined run down the left. The referee awarded another penalty, and further drama ensued as the Hounslow keeper, having already been booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow and subsequently sent off.
This time, Will Smith stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty to level the score. With the momentum firmly in their favour, Cranleigh took control of the match. Joel Harris powered home a bullet header from a Smith corner to give the Cranes the lead, and from there, the result never seemed in doubt.
Smith was at the heart of Cranleigh’s attack, setting up Can Acar for a well-struck third goal. Treeby-Goodall then rounded off the performance with a fantastic strike from a tight angle, sealing a 4-1 victory for the home side.
Despite the scoreline, it was a closely fought match, with the turning point coming from a flurry of cards that could arguably have been avoided. The Cranes will head into next Saturday’s return fixture with confidence after this spirited performance.
Final Score: Cranleigh Firsts 4–1 CB Hounslow & Abbots
Man of the Match: Will Smith
Next fixture: (A) CB Hounslow & Abbots 3pm, Saturday 23rd November, Green Lane Sports Ground
Coaches: Paul Jones, Samuel Jones and Stephen Dawe
