Cranleigh FC men’s first team difficult start to the season continued with a 4-2 home defeat to Frenchies Athletic, marking their second loss at Snoxhall this campaign. Despite missing several regulars and fielding a young side with an average age of 20, Cranleigh held their own in the early stages. However, the visitors took the lead midway through the first half with a well-worked move.
Fixtures & Results
Cranleigh had a golden opportunity to equalise when Kieran Hargreaves’ perfectly weighted through ball saw Will Smith brought down in the box, but the hosts missed the resulting penalty. Moments later, Frenchies doubled their lead as Cranleigh struggled to deal with a long ball, leaving young goalkeeper Joe Hurel exposed.
League table
The home side came out fighting after the break, and 15 minutes into the second half, a composed finish from Milo Derham halved the deficit. Cranleigh surged forward in search of an equaliser, but Frenchies’ defence and goalkeeper proved tough to beat. Then, against the run of play, the visitors punished Cranleigh again with a third goal.
Refusing to give up, Cranleigh responded instantly with a fine strike from Deon Mubaiwa to make it 3-2. Despite continued pressure from the hosts, Frenchies dealt the final blow, scoring a fourth after beating the offside trap.
Man of the Match honours went to debutant Mackenzie Mortimer, who impressed throughout. A spirited performance from both sides in what was an exciting game to watch. Best of luck to Frenchies for the rest of the season.
Final score: Cranleigh 2-4 Frenchies Athletic
Next fixture: (H) AFC Cubo First, 3pm, Saturday 21st September, Snoxhall Fields, Cranleigh
Coaches: Paul Jones, Samuel Jones and Stephen Dawe
For sponsorship enquiries for the Cranleigh FC Men’s First Team, contact Dave Nicholas, Director of Football, at davenicholas@myyahoo.com.
About Cranleigh FC
Cranleigh Football Club is an inclusive club and its youth teams welcomes boys and girls of all abilities, with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment. Coaching is based around a variety of games and exercises, following the latest FA models for player development.
The coaching models the club follows place emphasis on equal opportunities for all players, regardless of background or ability, and on participation rather than winning. All players receive equal playing time, are provided with the opportunity to play in all positions, and the coaching focus is on playing the ‘right way’, even if this has a negative impact on results in the short and medium term.
