Cranleigh FC Women | 2024/25 Season Review

Women’s Team Manager Nick Bamford reviews his side’s 24-25 season.

There’s nothing quite like the moment you complete the FA Full Time return for the final league fixture of the season. The stats speak clearly:

P18 W3 D2 L13 GF 32 GA 58 Pts 11

Compare that with just one solitary win in 2023/24, and you see progress. Dig a little deeper, and the fine margins become evident. We identified five games where one more goal scored—or one fewer conceded—would have almost doubled our points tally. With an average of 1.77 goals scored per game and 3.22 conceded, it’s clear we’re closing the gap. And closing the gap is exactly what we set out to do.

Incremental improvement—technically, physically, tactically—is our guiding principle. And this season, we saw it across the squad.

Season highlight

The season couldn’t have started better. Away to South Park Reigate—who had beaten us 10–0 and 5–1 last season—short on players (one still mid-flight across the Atlantic), and facing a tough opposition. But what unfolded was, without exaggeration, the best game I have ever seen.

A dominant performance saw us win 1–3 in the late summer sunshine, with two goals from Soph and one from Genevieve. Special mention to Saskia, who wasn’t just playing her first adult game—this was her first football match ever. The team delivered a statement win, full of belief, grit and togetherness. The smiles said it all.

Season lowlight

Football can be cruel. A rearranged fixture against Milford & Witley took us to the unforgiving Glebelands 3G in atrocious weather—40mph gusts, freezing rain, and a team of warriors in Cranleigh shirts who simply refused to buckle.

We battled through wave after wave of attacks. With just minutes to go, it looked like we’d earned a precious point. Then came the sucker punch—a speculative cross or shot (we’ll never know) caught by the wind and cruelly looped over Laura into the only spot she couldn’t reach. An 89th-minute heartbreak.

As Kelly Brown said, “I’m still not over that game.” We all feel the same.

Most improved players

We’ve said it before: incremental improvement is our aim. But a few players deserve special mention. Abby Gamboll and Ruby Halstead, both playing out wide, have grown tremendously in confidence and ability. Their energy and commitment have made a real difference.

Goal of the season

Every goal matters. But Fi Hughes’ first goal for the club—scored in a dominant 8–1 win over Guildford Saints—was special. The celebration? Even more so. As she jogged back up the pitch, she pulled up, limping dramatically past the coaches. Concerned looks turned into stunned silence… before she turned, grinned, and jogged off as normal. Well played, Fi. You got us good.

Leading the line

Truthfully? They all have. From seasoned players to debutants, everyone has played their part. One opposition player posted: “There is nothing more annoying than a Cranleigh Women’s team working so hard to stop us scoring!!” We took that as a massive compliment.

This is a team praised by opponents for being hard to break down. That’s the result of collective resilience and unwavering effort.

Proudest moment

While every matchday leaves us proud, one moment stands out. On the final day of the season, we welcomed league champions Oxted & District Ladies. As the teams lined up, we asked the referee to pause while we applauded their achievement.

It was a simple gesture, but one that meant something. “That was really classy of Cranleigh,” said one Oxted official afterward. We’ll take that. Classy.

What the players say

“Playing for Cranleigh is about friendship, fun, grit and determination. Ninety minutes just being us.” — Fi

“We work for each other—friendly, hard-working and playing for the love of the game.” — Leanne

“It’s not just about results. It’s about overcoming challenges together and having fun. This team is my freedom.” — Kelly

Looking ahead: 2025/26

Next season brings exciting change. For the first time, girls from Cranleigh FC’s youth system will be eligible for adult football. A key milestone in our long-term vision—keeping homegrown players in Cranleigh colours.

We’ll compete in Surrey Division 2 with familiar faces and new opponents. One potential new name? Jersey Bulls Women. If confirmed, we’re ready for our first away day by plane. Gatwick, here we come!

Off the pitch, we’re proud that thanks to generous donors, sponsors and fundraisers, our players haven’t paid a penny in registration or match fees. We’re working hard to continue this. Football should be for everyone—no barriers.

Final word

To every player—Nat, Maria, Genevieve, Saskia, Tia, Amy, Abby, Caroline, Badger, Kelly, Hardie, Katie, Emily H, Emily B, Leanne, Jenny, Laura, Lily, Fi, Soph, Faye, Ruby—thank you.

To Wayne—for the bacon sandwiches and more—thank you.

This team has spirit, heart, talent and ambition. The journey continues, and we’re getting better every time we step on the pitch.