Some smart footwork, and excellent close control, helped Raul to the only goal of a match which Cranleigh thoroughly deserved to win.
Ashurst Wood defended well, and created the odd half chance, but Cranleigh dominated possession and should have created more clear cut opportunities. But the defence was well organised, and after Raul slid the ball past the goalkeeper into the far corner after fifteen minutes of the second half, Cranleigh assumed control. Arthur headed wide, Jack had an outstanding long range shot palmed around the post, and a double attempt by Max was narrowly bundled away.
In the first half, Gwilym had volleyed just wide but the best move of the match came a quarter of an hour in. A rapid sequence of passes involving the majority of the team resulted in Hamza shooting across the face of goal.
So this was a well earned three points for Cranleigh – overseen by a coaching team which had earlier done their bit for community relations. An elderly woman with a flat tyre was pointed in the direction of Kerbside Tyres, with instructions to drive the 300 metre distance very, very slowly.
And after that sort of publicity, the company must now surely feel under a moral obligation to sponsor the team next season.
Match report by Russell Fuller
