The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team lost 3-1 to Romford FC in the first round of the Essex Senior Cup, following a spirited but ultimately doomed performance under the lights at The Old Spotted Dog Ground.
After Saturday’s sparkling 4-1 victory over Enfield Borough in the FA Vase, Clapton CFC went into this first-round BBC Essex Senior Cup tie with real hope, albeit against a Romford side a step above us in the football pyramid. These hopes were boosted by Romford’s shaky start to their season, losing five consecutive games in all competitions coming into the tie.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Romford to dent those hopes. The away side started the first half threateningly, menacing an experimental three-man CCFC backline and going close on several occasions, foiled only by a couple of good saves from Jack Francis, along with some last-gasp defending.
The pressure told in the 29th minute when Romford’s Fabio Co raced through and was tripped as he shaped to shoot. Referee Mungo Prior immediately pointed to the spot for the first of three penalties he’d award on the night. Despite his earlier heroics, there was little Francis could do to stop Ellis Devereux’s drilled spot kick.
Clapton Community almost conjured a dream immediate response when Joel Akuwudike’s free kick fizzed narrowly over the bar. Yet, it was Romford who would score again. After a couple of defensive mistakes from CCFC, the dangerous Fabio Co raced clear, rounding Francis to tap into an empty net.
Things were beginning to look a little bleak for CCFC, but the reaction demanded by head coach Geoff Ocran materialised in the final ten minutes of the half. Sam Cook – having a brilliant game despite the scoreline – was the first to test the Romford keeper, seeing a 30-yard speculative chip saved. This was quickly followed by Nathan Cook driving the ball inches wide from a low cross.
CCFC were pushing, and two minutes into first-half injury time, they got the goal their pressure deserved through the game’s second penalty. Romford’s Nick Reynolds sycthed down Flavian Stierlen as he latched onto a ball into the box, leaving Prior little choice but to point to the spot again. Up stepped Azariah George-Lawal to send Bradley Davison the wrong way and halve the deficit.
CCFC’s momentum continued, and there was still time for one last chance as Nathan Cook’s cross-come-shot flew into the side netting.
So began an open second half in which both teams went on the attack, with the introduction of wing wizard Jacob Wintour at half-time making a real difference for CCFC. However, it was Romford who took their chance. Substitute Reece McGovern finished smartly after a great through ball from Joe Damrell.
From there, the game descended into a slightly niggly affair with regular stoppages for fouls and Romford players going down with cramp. CCFC continued to hustle, but were often lacking the final ball.
Hope returned in the 74th minute as Romford’s Ola Sosanya’s clumsy but possibly clean challenge on Louis Brown led to another penalty. Pushing and shoving ensued, with Romford making their displeasure at the decision known. Three minutes and two yellow cards later, George-Lawal finally placed the ball on the spot. Sadly, the preceding melee seemed to have had an effect as his effort sailed high and wide of the upright.
Down but not demoralised, CCFC kept fighting. Sam Cook again went close with a driven free kick four minutes from time. And, only everyone back on the line stopped a goal from a rare indirect free kick after Francis was adjudged to have handled a back pass.
However, for all CCFC’s efforts, it wasn’t to be with Romford running out 3-1 winners at the full-time whistle.
Our congratulations to Romford, and best of luck in the second round. Meanwhile, CCFC have another chance to address a spotty home record this season against visitors Southend Manor this Saturday.