CRANLEIGH 0, TONGHAM 1

DAN Carter’s timely strike earned Tongham their first three-pointer of the season and back-to-back wins in the Premier Division after last week’s cup success.

Manager James McArthur shuffled his pack once again as, for the first time this season, he had a near full-strength squad to pick from.

Tongham’s quick passing and direct play forced lowly Cranleigh to slow the game down and their tactics duly frustrated the visitors who, for all their possession, struggled to create clear-cut chances.

They thought they should have had a penalty for a foul on Carter, while Ryan Tull saw a sweetly struck shot pushed over for a corner.

Cranleigh survived numerous corners and it was still stalemate at half-time.

McArthur made further changes for the second half, hoping that an injection of pace would get Tongham behind Cranleigh’s defiant back line.

And within five minutes, the Redmen were celebrating. Nathan Tull jinked his way down the right and his cross was met by Carter, making a well-judged run to the near post, who volleyed in neatly.

Tongham pushed for a killer second goal, but were repeatedly foiled by an offside flag.

Carter, through on goal on the right, went for a shot instead of squaring to an unmarked Tim Rosewell. Minutes later, Rosewell had a one-on-one, but his attemped dink was saved by the onrushing keeper.

It was not pretty, but Tongham deserved the win for their resilience. But the Redmen need to stay off each others’ backs and be patient if they are to have a successful season.