After a week of heavy rain, the fixture was switched to Albury with Cranleigh’s pitches left waterlogged. Fortunately, the Tillingbourne pitches held up superbly, offering a perfect surface for an early 9am kick-off. Thanks go not only to the groundsman but also to the army of parents who rolled up their sleeves to help set up the pitches in the chilly morning air.
The Eagles came into the match in determined mood, eager to avenge their heavy defeat to the Lions at the start of the season. They welcomed back Digby, who started brightly at right back and was a constant threat storming down the right flank. Jenson and Cian, forming an increasingly impressive partnership at the back, kept Cranleigh’s attacks at bay, and the first quarter ended goalless with both sides showing real discipline.
Second Period
With Leo and Max finding their rhythm in midfield, the Eagles began to assert themselves. Their first major chance came when Leo whipped in a brilliant cross from the right, only for Max to narrowly miss from close range. To his credit, Max immediately put the disappointment behind him. Moments later, the pair combined again—this time Max coolly slotting home when one-on-one with the keeper to give Albury a deserved lead.
Cranleigh, always dangerous with their tough tackling and long passes, continued to threaten and eventually equalised before the half, sending the teams into the break level.
Third Period
Digby returned with fresh energy and once again caused havoc down the right-hand side. However, Albury’s shape began to slip as fatigue set in, allowing Cranleigh to force several chances. Tommy, alert and brave in goal, made a series of important saves but was eventually beaten by a strong effort from distance to put Cranleigh ahead.
Despite the setback, the Eagles showed tremendous resilience and character, refusing to let their heads drop.
Final Period
With the game finely balanced, Jenson and Leo returned for the final 12 minutes. Leo remained a constant threat, engaging in a fierce but fair midfield battle, while Jenson was immense at centre back—calm, composed, and unshakeable in the face of Cranleigh’s constant pressure.
Then came the moment of the match: Leo’s relentless work down the right earned a free kick around 25 yards out. With confidence and technique, he struck it beautifully into the top corner—“top bins”—sparking a well-rehearsed celebration and bringing Albury level.
The final minutes showcased the squad’s depth and determination:
Marcell pressed tirelessly on the right, never allowing Cranleigh’s defence a moment to settle.
Sullivan, under constant pressure at left back, stood firm with some vital interventions and clever positioning.
Full-Time Summary
A fantastic result for the Albury Eagles—hard-earned, richly deserved, and achieved through grit, teamwork, and superb attitude. The improvement in this team is clear for all to see, and every player contributed to a performance that left their coach extremely proud.
Eagle of the Week
Digby — for relentless energy, superb overlapping runs, and a true “ran his socks off” display.
A superb team performance and a brilliant morning of football.