Clapton CFC slipped to a frustrating 2–1 defeat at home to AS London which brought an end to a fabulous five-game winning run.
The first half was a tight, scrappy affair with few clear chances for either side. Clapton’s best opening came when Korahn Gayle stretched to head a flick-on just wide after a long throw from Ross Broadway.
Both teams picked up yellow cards – ours for Adam Sidky and James Briggs, who picked up an injury and was replaced at half-time by Joel Akuwudike.
The visitors started the second half brighter and broke the deadlock on 55 minutes via a penalty. Junia Charlton, sliding in to block the rebound shot after a fabulous Jack Francis save, was deemed to have handled the ball though the players insisted it hit him in the face. AS London’s Naim Mejdoubi made no mistake from the spot to take a 1–0 lead.
Clapton’s response grew gradually, and after a spell of pressure we found a deserved equaliser in the 80th minute. Fred Taylor delivered a perfect cross and Cameron Gordon rose highest to head home at the far post.
The home side and the crowd sensed we could go on and win it but instead it was the visitors who won it in stoppage time on the break, with Alfie Francis scoring on his debut. An AS London player on the bench was sent off in their celebrations that followed.
Despite the loss, CCFC are still firmly in the play-off places – manager Geoff Ocran’s target for the season.
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