Report by Chris Michaels.

Southgate U14s As 3 – 1 Old Cranleighans

The u14 boys got back to winning ways after last week’s disappointing cup exit.

In what’s becoming a weekly bad habit, the boys started slowly, getting trapped in the left side of midfield. OC’s, with some good technicians up top took the lead – and that was a sign for Southgate to wake up.

A slightly tweaked formation with Kitt moving up top and Charlie dropping into midfield was laying dividends as we looked tougher to pass through and quicker around the D.

This led to the equaliser as Zack who was causing trouble down the right, played in Chris, whose shot broke to Kitt to finish. His Jude Bellingham celebration was perfectly executed.

Whilst OC’s caused some trouble on the break, Southgate had more technical control going into halftime.

The lead came early in the second half as Zack beat three players down the right. His first shot was saved but the half volley follow-up was unstoppable. 2-1.

OC’s kept threatening, but Niccolo, stepping up from the Tropics for the first time was on excellent form saving both low and high.

The game was settled with 10 minutes to go as Captain Chris drilled home from the edge of the D. The boys were relatively untroubled through to full time.

A big trip to Guildford next week could see Southgate top the league at Christmas. Start faster and move the ball quicker and that is more than possible.