Cranleigh got their season up and running with an impressive 2–0 victory over last year’s runners-up, AFC Cubo, in front of a lively home crowd.
The Cranes, wearing their change colours, started brightly, pressing high and dictating the tempo from the first whistle. Their dominance was rewarded midway through the first half when Isaac Collins delivered a pinpoint set piece, met superbly by Adam Bicknell, who rose highest to power home a header.
Moments later, Cranleigh doubled their lead. Bicknell broke away after a clearance but was thwarted in the one-on-one, but it fell to Joe Barnes, who showed real composure outside the box to notch his first goal of the season, capping off a strong spell of pressure.
The second half saw AFC Cubo push hard in search of a way back into the game, but Cranleigh’s back line stood firm. Man of the Match Jake Collins was immense at the heart of defence, throwing himself into every challenge and winning countless aerial duels to keep the visitors at bay.
When the final whistle blew, it was a deserved win for Cranleigh – a result that sends out a statement of intent for the season ahead. This was a real team performance, full of energy, determination and belief.
Joint Manager Sam Carpenter said:“We came under a lot of pressure in the second half, but the lads defended brilliantly. Jake was outstanding – he put his head on absolutely everything and really steadied the ship. To beat last year’s runners-up is a great result and hopefully we can keep making these sorts of statements. It was a real team performance today, and you could see how much the boys wanted it.”
Full time: Cranleigh 2-0 AFC Cubo
Man of the Match: Jake Collins
Photos: View the match day gallery here. Photos by Hughes Visual
Highlights
Table
