Cranleigh Reserves Manager Ben Horne reviews the 2024-25 season.
There’s something about standing pitchside in the rain, watching a group of players put everything on the line for the badge on their chest. That, more than anything, sums up this Cranleigh FC Reserves side. Passion, graft, and togetherness.
It wasn’t our easiest season – we knew it wouldn’t be, coming off the back of previous success – but that didn’t stop this group from giving everything.
Season highlight
Our 2-0 win away at KPR after a long break said everything about the character of this team. It was a textbook away performance – resilient, composed, and with real moments of quality. I’m proud to have played even a small role in that day. Sometimes, as a manager, you just stand back and admire the group for what they’ve become. That was one of those games.
Season lowlight
The cup final defeat will stick with us for a while. I believed we had enough to win it and the lads gave absolutely everything over 120 minutes. But football is cruel sometimes, and we just couldn’t get over the line. From a personal perspective, I don’t think it was my best performance on the touchline, and that frustrates me. The team deserved more, and I’ll take that one on the chin.
Which players have shown the most improvement?
We’ve seen real growth across the squad, but three young players have stood out:
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Jacob Treeby – A fantastic season bouncing between the 1s and 2s, showing maturity beyond his years. He’s a proper player.
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Ronnie Lee – Started the campaign with the 2s, spent a spell with the 3s, and came back at the end showing huge development. Massive strides made.
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Callan O’Carroll – Joined us just after Christmas and slotted in seamlessly. His performances have been top-drawer. A trio to keep your eyes on.
Which players have led the line?
We’ve got a group of senior players who consistently show what leadership means. They set the tone on and off the pitch.
Sam Horne, the skipper, embodies everything this side is about. Then there’s Paul Kelly, Aran Brown, Harry Scott, Jake Collins—leaders all over the park. Paul, in particular, is there with me every week. He lives and breathes this team, and honestly, we wouldn’t be where we are without him. That culture of leadership and support is something we’re proud of.
Best match of the season
KPR away will take some beating, but the semi-final win over Worplesdon deserves a special mention. I wasn’t there—my little man had just arrived—but the lads delivered a defensive masterclass. Conceding in the first minute and then shutting up shop was remarkable. They did me proud.
Goal of the season
Joe Sutton in that semi-final. First minute. Cuts in from wide. Top far corner. Absolute stunner. A moment of real class that summed him up perfectly. Quality for days.
Proudest moment
This team gives me reasons to be proud every single week—whether it’s the bounce-back from defeat, a gritty away point, or just the way they pull together when it matters. Watching the lads step up for an in-fated penalty shootout, arm in arm, backs against the wall—that’s the stuff that sticks with you. That’s why I do the long journeys every Saturday.
Preview: Season 2025/26
We’re not standing still. With the league likely expanding and some exciting new teams coming in, next season already looks promising.
We’ll also have a blend of fresh young talent and returning faces from our double-winning season a couple of years ago. That mix gives us every reason to believe we can push on.
Yes, this season wasn’t our best, and I knew that would be the case after such a high. But the fire’s still there. The squad is reinvigorated, and I know I’ve got work to do too. We’ve all got things we can improve—and we will.
With the 1st team continuing to make incredible strides under Paul and Sam, and momentum building across all senior sides, 2025/26 could be a special one for Cranleigh FC.
Let’s go again.
Ben HorneManager, Cranleigh FC Reserves
