Clapton CFC exited the FA Vase at Brimsdown after a goalless ninety minutes on a fairly miserable outing to Wormley.
It was a frustrating afternoon for CCFC, who defended solidly and dominated possession but couldn’t create enough quality in attack, and were ultimately punished in the penalty shootout lottery.
The opening half was instantly forgettable, with little in the way of clear chances for either side. Clapton’s best moments came when a James Briggs corner bounced off the bar and away, while Joel Akuwudike fired wide and Louis Brown found himself in space but his shot lacked pace.
The second half followed a similar cagey pattern. Clapton lost Sam Cook to injury early on, with Junia Charlton introduced and Jeff Twumasi shuffling to left-back. Further changes saw Julian Austin, Cameron Gordon, Korahn Gayle and Ross Broadway all brought on in search of a breakthrough.
Several corners and goalmouth scrambles just didn’t fall for Clapton, while deep in stoppage time Gordon burst through but couldn’t connect cleanly.
With no extra time in the Vase, the tie went straight to penalties. Julian Austin, James Briggs, Adam Sidky and Gayle all converted, but Fred Taylor’s third spot-kick was saved. Brimsdown were flawless from the spot, scoring all five to clinch a 5–4 shootout win and knock Clapton out.
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