Clapton CFC Women’s First Team fell to a 3-0 defeat against a clinical Camden Town side in West Finchley.
Despite playing more than half of the match with a player advantage, CCFC were unable to break down a disciplined Camden defence that showed exactly why they have lost only once this season.
In an even opening spell, Clapton’s best chance fell to top scorer Leigha Bradding-Butler, who sprinted through and guided the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper. However, she couldn’t put enough power on it, and a recovering Camden defender was able to get back and clear the danger off the line.
The deadlock was broken by the promotion-chasing hosts in the 37th minute. Ella Bowles made a sharp initial save, but the rebound fell to an unmarked Camden attacker on the penalty spot, who blasted the ball into the roof of the net.
Just before half-time, the game looked like it would swing in our favour. Eva Van Der Vliet, playing her final game before leaving the country, pulled the Camden number 10 back, and received a punch to the face in response. A yellow for VDV, and a red for the Camden player.
Despite the numerical advantage, Clapton found it difficult to grab the game by the scruff of its neck. In the 53rd minute, Camden doubled their lead when an in-swinging corner either went directly in, or took a gentle touch on the way.
CCFC thought they had found a lifeline shortly after when Bradding-Butler broke clear and put the ball in the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.
At the other end, Ella Bowles remained busy, producing a magnificent diving save to tip a long-range effort onto the bar and smothering the rebound, taking a heavy kick in the process.
In the 68th minute, lively Clapton sub Aimee Shaw delivered a cross from the left that for once eluded the Camden centre-backs, but Marta Casanovas couldn’t quite steer her shot on target.
The contest was effectively ended in the 74th minute when Camden’s standout defender, their number 4, rose highest to power home a header from another corner.
No lack of effort on the Clapton side, but Camden’s ten players managed the closing stages effectively. A frustrating afternoon that highlighted the quality of the promotion-chasing hosts.