A superb team performance saw the Clapton CFC Women’s First Team recover from 1-0 down to secure a deserved away win thanks to two goals from Emily Link.
For the first ten minutes, it was all Clapton, with Link, Marta Casanovas and Maria Mendonca testing the home side’s goalkeeper.
However, Richmond & Kew then enjoyed a spell of sustained attack of their own and it was they who struck first on 11 minutes. A sharp save from Ella Bowles was followed up on the rebound by Amy Fitch to give Richmond & Kew the lead.
Clapton hit back quickly, however. The ever-lively Link was tripped in the box on 19 minutes and dispatched the penalty herself to make it 1–1.
Before half-time, Link and Leigha Bradding-Butler went close again while at the other end, Bowles pulled off a brilliant low save after the ball bobbled awkwardly.
After the restart, Clapton took control of the game with Bradding-Butler, Ching Chun, and Annie Lyons all going close.
On 70 minutes, the breakthrough finally came. Link produced a moment of magic, spinning between two defenders before slotting the ball calmly into the far corner.
Richmond & Kew rallied, and had a real chance to snatch an equaliser in added time when from an indirect free-kick a few yards out, awarded after Bowles picked up the ball twice. The resultant shot was blocked from point-blank range, however, and the points were secured.
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