Cranleigh’s First Team secured their first point of the campaign with a dogged and hard-working display in a 1-1 draw against local rivals Keens Park Rangers.
In a match that featured a much-changed side, the first half was evenly contested. Joe Sutton, making his first start of the season, was a constant threat to the KPR defence and kept them on their toes throughout the game.
Fixtures & Results
Cranleigh broke the deadlock on 60 minutes with some excellent interplay between Makenzie Mortimer and Sam Nicholson. The duo combined to set up Ben Beazeley, who showed his pace and composure to slot the ball past the keeper, giving Cranleigh a 1-0 lead.
With KPR reduced to 10 men for the final 25 minutes, Cranleigh looked in control and created several chances to extend their lead. However, despite dominating possession, they couldn’t find the decisive second goal to put the game to bed.
League table
Cranleigh were left to rue their missed opportunities when, with just 10 minutes remaining, KPR equalised from the penalty spot after a rare lapse in concentration.
The match ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the spoils. Despite the late setback, Cranleigh can take pride in their gritty performance. Special recognition goes to Sam Horne and Paul Kelly for their relentless commitment, and a standout mention for young Jacob Treeby-Goodall, who made his Step 7 debut at just 16 years old.
Player profile: Sam Wade
Final score: Keens Park Rangers 1-1 Cranleigh Firsts
Man of the Match: Joe Sutton
Next fixture: (H) Addlestone Seniors Firsts, 3pm, Saturday 5th October, Snoxhall Fields, Cranleigh
Coaches: Paul Jones, Samuel Jones and Stephen Dawe
New players needed
Cranleigh FC is actively seeking to strengthen its men’s first team squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. Competing in the Surrey County Premier League at Step 7, the club has set its sights on promotion to Step 5 and is looking to recruit new players to help achieve this ambition.
Playing at their home ground, Snoxhall Fields, located in the heart of Cranleigh, the club is known for its vast youth system, with over 500 registered players across various age groups. First team training sessions, which are conducted on both grass and 3G pitches, are led by a team of qualified coaches committed to player development
Prospective players interested in joining Cranleigh FC are encouraged to contact Dave Nicholas, Director of Football, at davenicholas@myyahoo.com.
