Full-time: Ash United 1–3 Cranleigh FC Women
It was always going to be a tough match against Ash United, who had beaten us twice last season both home and away. But we knew the Cranes would click eventually – and today was the day.
Ash were caught off guard by the changes in the Cranleigh team, and from the start our pressing game caused them problems. Combined with our pace down the flanks and power through the middle, we quickly took control of the match.
Our back four were organised and solid throughout, restricting Ash mainly to long-range efforts. Fleur opened the scoring with her first goal of the season, firing a powerful shot into the net. Ash responded with an equaliser, but we continued to drive forward, and Lily clinically restored our lead before half-time.
As Ash tired in the second half, fresh legs from the bench kept our momentum going. Caroline came close to extending the lead with a well-struck free kick that narrowly missed the crossbar, before Gina secured her second goal of the season from a Hardie corner to give us a more comfortable advantage.
Maintaining our pace and intensity until the final whistle, Cranleigh finished as worthy winners.
A big thank you to Ash United for their hospitality – always a fantastic group of people to play against.
