Clapton CFC battled to a hard-earned away victory with Cameron Gordon’s sixth goal in six games proving the difference in a tense and physical encounter.
Goalkeeper Jack Francis was called into action early, staying big to stop a one-on-one in the ninth minute.
CCFC began to find rhythm, and in the 27th minute broke through: Cameron Gordon latched onto a through ball and produced a clever dinked finish over the keeper to make it 1–0.
Clapton thought they had doubled the lead twice before half-time — first when Gordon again put the ball in the net, and later through Sam Cook from a corner — but both were disallowed for unclear reasons.
In the second half, Basildon brought on some attacking reinforcements and increased the pressure, particularly with long throws. Francis was tested several times, including taking a knock in a heavy collision after he claimed a free kick.
Clapton might have settled it in the 77th minute when substitute Lewis Owiredu – making his first appearance of the season – crashed a shot off the bar following neat work from Flavien Stierlen. Moments later Basildon had the ball in the Clapton net, only for the referee to disallow that one too.
Basildon pushed hard late on, but CCFC stood firm for a fourth away win on the bounce.
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