Cranleigh Reserves 3-1 Tongham Reserves
Goals: Rylan Shickell, Charlie Still, Dan Hallett (pen)
MOTM: Matt Cragg
Cranleigh Reserves returned to action with a solid and composed 3–0 win over a tough Tongham side in the spring heat.
The first half was dominated by Cranleigh in terms of possession, but despite controlling the ball, clear-cut chances were at a premium. Tongham had a few threatening moments of their own but were kept at bay thanks to a commanding performance from the back four.
With the game goalless at the break, Cranleigh came out in the second half with renewed intensity and began to wear down the well-drilled visitors. The breakthrough finally came through Rylan Shickell, marking his return to the side with a cool finish after a swift breakaway move.
The second goal followed shortly after, this time from a set piece. Charlie Still rose highest from a corner to head home Cranleigh’s second and give the home side some breathing room.
As the game wore on, Cranleigh continued to dominate and a third goal felt inevitable. It arrived after the energetic and impressive Ronnie Lee was brought down in the box following a surging run. Up stepped Dan Hallett, who calmly slotted the penalty home to seal the points.
It was a professional, patient performance from the Reserves in tough conditions and against a well-organised opponent. Man of the Match went to Matt Cragg, who put in a composed display as he continues his return from injury.
Speaking after the game, Manager Ben Horne said: “I was really happy with the lads today. After the frustration of a cancelled fixture last week and a disappointing performance against Shottermill, the boys stood up against a tough Tongham team and delivered the kind of performance we needed.”
With one league game remaining, all focus now shifts to the Cup Final on Thursday 24 April at Westfield FC in Woking. The stage is set for a big finish to the season.
