Joint First Team Manager Sam Carpenter reviews the 2024-2025 season.
After a challenging start, Cranleigh First Team rallied impressively in the second half of the season, securing a strong league finish and showcasing real progress across the squad. From standout individual performances to memorable team moments, here’s a look back at the highs, lows, and key contributors of the 2024/25 campaign.
Season highlight
If I cast myself back to that first sit-down with Dave and Jonesy in December, we were clear on one thing: survival was the goal. Fast forward five months, 14 games, and a serious run of form – we didn’t just stay up, we climbed to 8th. Fifth in the form guide over that period, 23 points gained, and a goal return that jumped from 1.07 to 2.8 GPG – that’s a turnaround to be proud of. I’ve got to single out Beazo too. Told him he’d be playing right-back in that first game – not his favoured role – and he wasn’t exactly buzzing about it. But credit to him, he became one of our most consistent performers and absolutely earned his Players’ Player of the Season.
Season lowlight
Easy one – the League Cup decision. We’d convincingly won the quarter-final against Addlestone and really fancied ourselves to go all the way. Based on our second-half form, that cup was there for the taking, and having that run cut short was a tough pill to swallow.
Which players have shown the most improvement
Makenzie Mortimer has been brilliant. His first full season in men’s football and he made that CDM role his own. George Mead has had a solid season between the sticks – mistakes happen, but it’s how you respond and George’s response has been top-class, pulling off match-winning saves and bagging a couple of MOTMs along the way. And Milo Duffin – started out on the wing, finished as one of our best at LB. Second top scorer and joint top contributor too. Big season for him.
Which players have led the line, pushing the team on the pitch
Ciaran Lynch earned our Management Player of the Season – when he’s on form, the team follows. Found his voice as well as his feet in the second half of the campaign. George Barrett has been a real presence, both on and off the pitch, always driving standards. Josh Kipping brought that valuable experience and calm, and helped some of the younger lads settle – he’s also been a bit of a hero on the transport front, making sure everyone got to training and games. And finally, Adam Bicknell – signed in March, finished top scorer with 10 goals and 2 assists. Proven number 9 at this level, and he proved it again.
Best match of the season
The 3-1 win at home against Worcester Park. Proper statement performance. We played some of our best football and scored our goal of the season in that one too.
Goal of the season
That goal against Worcester Park – started at the back with Makenzie, 14 passes later, Sam Jones fires in the cross and Beazo gets across his man to finish. Total team goal. Tiki-taka at its finest.
Proudest moment
Dial Square away. Probably one of our best all-round performances of the season. Every single player dug deep, gave everything, and we came away with a hard-earned point against a side pushing for promotion. It was one of those games that just summed up the spirit and togetherness we’ve built.
