Clapton CFC sub Lewis Owiredu’s calm finish in added time settled a close, quality clash and inflicted a first defeat in two months on Coggeshall Town.
The opening goal came after 17 minutes. A Clapton shot was scrambled off the line by the keeper but the danger was not completely cleared. Felix Murray’s slide tackle on the wet turf set up another bite at the cherry and Louis Brown slotted home for his second goal in three games.
Into the second half and Coggeshall levelled on 63 minutes, bundled in at the back post by Benjamin Towler. That sparked a spell with the Seedgrowers on top – including multiple corners in a row – but Clapton defended resolutely, including captain Jack Francis on his 200th competitive appearance.
In the last 10 minutes the home side were back on the front foot but it looked like the game was heading for a draw. However, a second yellow card for visiting captain Todd Hollocks on 88 minutes inspired a renewed push for a winner. And so it came, in the 94th minute when Owiredu swept home at the back post to spark jubliant celebrations.
A hard-fought win that moves CCFC up to third in the table ahead of the trip to division’s leaders Newbury Forest on Saturday.
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