The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team have won the Southern Counties East Football League Division One Cup!

Last Saturday was another memorable day in the short history of CCFC. Goals from Fred Taylor (2) and Joel Akuwudike put us in a 3-0 lead at half-time, and despite a comeback from Forest Hill Park we saw out the win in the sunshine.

Congratulations to manager Geoff Ocran and all his players and coaches for lifting another trophy despite FHP being many experts’ strong favourites.

It was our third trophy in four finals and the first time the team had won in normal time. We beat Hilltop and Kensington Dragons on penalties, while we lost against Catholic United.

The crowd at Barking’s Mayesbrook Park was a magnificent (and thirsty) 1242. 768 Clapton fans bought tickets online in advance, while there were some guest tickets for players, mascots etc. Others may have paid on the day, which was allowed in the end. So probably two-thirds of the crowd were supporting Clapton.

All in all it was the biggest number of CCFC fans at a game taking place away from the Old Spotted Dog, Wadham Lodge Stadium and the Stray Dog.

If you want to relive the day, here’s the match report by Obi Lazarus. On Flickr, we have hundreds of great photos by Nick Davidson and George Sharp. Video-wise, we have short highlights from the VEO camera, there are 30 mins of highlights from Ashley Hanson and a first person video from Tonbridge fan TV.

Clapton CFC reached the final having beaten Meridian VP, SC Thamesmead and Halls Athletic in earlier rounds. Forest Hill Park meanwhile beat Faversham Strike Force, Canterbury City and Tooting Bec on the way to the final.

The Division One Cup was launched last season, when Lewisham Borough lifted the inaugural trophy. They beat Larkfield & New Hythe 3-2 in the final, which was held on a Tuesday night at a neutral venue, Corinthians FC’s ground in Longfield in Kent.