Cranleigh Reserves 1 -1 Keens Park Rangers Reserves (KPR win 3–1 on penalties)
Cranleigh Reserves fell to a cruel defeat in the Challenge Cup Final after a hard-fought match against Keens Park Rangers Reserves, losing 3–1 in the penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.
The first half saw the Cranes struggle to find any rhythm, unable to string passes together and allowing KPR to gain control of the match. After a poorly defended free kick, KPR took full advantage and slotted home to take a 1–0 lead into the break.
The second half, however, was a different story. The introduction of Aran Brown brought much-needed control to the midfield, while Rylan Shickell continued to terrorise the KPR defence. His relentless pressure led to a foul in the box, and Dan Hallett stepped up to calmly convert the penalty and bring Cranleigh level at 1–1.
With momentum firmly with the Cranes, they pushed hard for a winner. Rylan caused havoc down the wings, and Cranleigh looked the stronger side as the game wore on. A key moment came when Charlie Still agonisingly struck the post from a corner with virtually the last kick of normal time.
In extra time, Cranleigh continued to control much of the play, weathering a few chances from KPR but creating the better opportunities themselves — with Rylan flashing dangerous balls across the face of goal. Despite all the pressure, the breakthrough didn’t come, and the game headed for penalties.
Sadly, the shootout did not go Cranleigh’s way, with three penalties missed. KPR showed composure and their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves to secure the cup, winning 3–1 on spot-kicks.
Manager Ben Horne said after the match:“It was an incredibly tight game, as we knew it would be. KPR are a great side and we always have a super game of football against them. I thought from half-time onwards we took control of the match and were unlucky not to get the win before penalties. Fair play to KPR — they defended well and kept us on our toes, and their goalkeeper was outstanding in the shootout. Obviously, the lads are gutted, but after a hard season, there are plenty of positives to be proud of. I think it was an incredible advert for the SCILW Reserve League, despite the result. I’m really proud of the effort the team put in and I’m honoured to have led these lads to another final. I look forward to bringing them back here next year for a third season — and getting our hands back on the trophy.”
A special mention must also go to the KPR goalkeeper, who made a stunning save in the first half to deny a fantastic Dan Hallett header that looked destined for the top corner.
