RESULTS: Clapton FC 2 – 0 Woodford Town FC

Matches between Clapton and Woodford were usually for the bragging, but on Saturday (17th)  Clapton with their new Chairman Christ Ottaway, Physio Devon Mings and a number of other allowed people attending to see the set up with a view to joining Team Clapton, created a buzz surrounding this match. Indeed some players and officials arrived at the venue 45 minutes early (the gates were closed though) When they were opened well ahead of the agreed time everyone walked to the pitch. The pitch looked wonderful; and photos taken no doubt for social media. It was a sunny warm pleasant day. Old and new friends started greeting one another. Clapton stewards and volunteers started putting up the nets, whilst the coaches started to put out their cones.

Both sets of players started to warm up. Clapton’s  new physio Devon Mings, was applying treatment to a number of players.

There was a number of social media personnel and photographers present, although they cannot replace the supporters, they were good to see knowing they would be promoting the game and the clubs. These new people wanted to know which direction Clapton would be kicking, we said we don’t know but considering the sun is so bright if we win the toss we’ll kick that direction so the sun is in their eyes of the opponent goal keeper and not ours. Then the ref told both teams to change ends, we looked at each other and laughed, because the sun would be in the Clapton keeper’s eyes! We all said together we lost the toss?

The ref told both teams of the minute’s silence at the centre circle; after this was done he blew his whistle for the start of the match.

Clapton started off strongly, but a low shot by Woodford saw the Tons’ keeper gather smartly after 4 minutes, immediately, after that Turay shot over the bar when clear through!  The visitors were looking dangerous, and enjoying the majority of the possession of the ball at this stage.

There was some nice football being played by Clapton but we weren’t scoring, but suddenly they broke and our keeper made a save from an acute angle. This looked like it spurred on the team and in the 32^nd minute Brandon Rooks scored to give Clapton a deserving lead.

From that Simeon Beckford had to gather from close range on the 39^th minute. 4 minutes later Turay shot wide from a sharp angle then Lewis Francis did the same a few minutes later. The Tons’ keeper had to be quick off his line to win the race to the ball and clear it. This was the last action of the half with the score Clapton 1 Woodford 0.

Clapton again started the second half strongly, and Rook shot straight at their keeper, the pattern of play was almost like the first half “Clapton failing to finish”.

With the two towers at the back not many headers were won by Woodford and this was what happened in the 57^th minutes after Woodford had won a free kick and we won the header from it. Shortly after Partridge’s spectacular effort was saved, nevertheless in the 65 minute Lewis Francis smashed home from the edge of the box. 2 nil to Clapton.

Woodford increased their effort but Clapton was well drilled. Turay’s effort was straight at the keeper. This was the best part of the match as Clapton held the ball and controlled the game by keeping the ball, then attacking wherever the opening appeared. This was the case in the 87 minute when Jerry Kamanzi hit the outside of the post from an acute angle.

This game increased both sides blood pressure, although Clapton showed some good qualities and we could have won by more, Woodford didn’t lay down and die they wanted to win to the end and that’s what made the game good.

To all the supporters who were disappointed for not being able to attend, we have  a Veo camera that we use to record all our matches, primarily for the coaches and players. We are trying to put the highlights on the Clapton site for your viewing.  Looking forward to seeing you when the lockdown is lifted. Stay safe.

Full Time. Clapton 2: 0 Woodford

Clapton Players: 1. Carlos Simeon, 2. Jaffa Hassain (Capt) 3. Joe Partridge, 16. Simeon Beckford, 5. Eleftherios Metso, 6. Guy Kiangebini,  7. Idreis Turay, 8. Joni Vukaj, 9.Melos Agvazi 10. Brandon Rooks 11. Lewis Francis.

Subs: GK Phil Stone, 14. Baye Ndiaye, 15. Juan Cuellar  4. Rhys Williams, 17. Jerry Kamanzi, 19 Josh Coulson.