A tough opening fixture against a strong Lingfield team, who were playing their first game in this division after being promoted from division 2 with only one game lost last season. That, along with our new venture into 11 a-side football this game had a lot of unknowns for the boys to consider.
The game started well with both teams pushing hard for the first 10 minutes and both having chances to take an early lead, good saves were needed by both keepers to keep the score level. Then with 11 minutes gone a move down the left-hand side saw Arthur E play a quick ball to Oliver ,which resulting cross into the area saw Arthur F out jump the defender with a strong header to see the ball hit the back of the net. This settled Cranleigh down who started to apply continuous pressure against the newly promoted team. Strong performances in the middle of the park from Rylan and Harry soon saw Cranleigh’s 2nd goal come from Raul, after the ball was picked up by Dom on the halfway line who played a first-time ball, splitting the defence and sending Raul down the left side of the pitch. With still a lot of work to do, Raul cut past the first defender before striking the ball from a tight angle into the back of the net. A lot of good work continued in the midfield with Gwilym and Arthur F making strong runs down the right causing Lingfield problems to solve and with Rowan coming on for Gwilym continuing to cause the defence a hard time. With our defence being marshalled as usual by the unflappable Elliott, along with solid performances from Jack, Hamza and Owen by his side, the game looked to be heading only one way.
Halftime arrived and went and Cranleigh scored a couple of quick goals from Raul and then Dom which pushed the game to a flattering 4-0 score line, but the opposition were not taking this lying down and pushed numbers forward giving our defenders real trouble for the first time during the game. Their pressure paid off with a well-deserved goal past our top goalie Jake, who was once again showing his class between the sticks with another good display throughout the game. The pressure started to show and Lingfield got their 2nd goal half way through the 2nd half. Cranleigh reacted well with their own pressure down the right side which saw Dom and Arthur F both score another goal each. Towards the closing minutes of the game Lingfield scored their 3rd goal by which point the game was won.
A mention to Arthur E who played unselfishly up front making runs and pulling the defence apart creating space for his team mates, and to Rylan for his captain performance. Also a huge well done to the new team members Arthur Fuller, Owen and Hamza who all showed why Cranleigh have improved their squad this season.
Well played boys! Next up Chesworth Rovers
