Clapton’s new manager Glen Kendall, got the club off to the best possible start with a hard fought victory over an impressive Sporting Bengal side in a match played at Redbridge FC .

The visitors started the stronger, pinning Clapton back in their own half, but a 4^th minute free kick by Jonathan Klug couldn’t find a red head.

Clapton then opened the scoring in the 8^th minute when Jayesh Gohil netted home after some great footwork by Olliwatoyu on the right. Things even got better a minute later when Jonathan Klug netted home after some good team play by the Tons. The away keeper was again forced to make a fine save in the 13^th minutes as Clapton looked to press home their advantage. Clapton tails were really up now  – Thanytogo was only just wide in the 21^st minutes after some super work by Gohil.

To be fair, Sporting had their moments too. Things quieted down around the half hour mark. But in the 36^th minute Oluwatoyint scuffed his shot. Clapton was coming alive again just before half time, but the ref blew his whistle and the first half was over. HT 2.0

The second half started and Sporting came out very sharp and strong. Indeed as early as the 49^th minute when the ever dangerious and unmarked Tanvir Ahmed fired home . It was one way traffic  in favor of the visitors at this point. They should have leveled after 55 minute when a header sailed wide.

Clapton needed to give their over worked defence a bir of a breather and in fact Tons sub, Khalid Madey wasn’t far over with a firm header. It was becoming a more and more hard fought game; a credit to both set of players, coaches and managers.

In the 78^th minute, Clapton reopened its 2 goal advantage when sub, Arinze Ossat, blasted home. Again and unsurprisingly this spurred Clapton on whilst taking the wind out of visitors sails, but  Sporting battled to the end, but Tons deserve their victory.

We would like to make a special mention to the Clapton fans that came to watch the match. Thank you for your support.