Clapton CFC bowed out of their debut foray in the Men’s FA Cup with a heartbreaking late defeat to Concord Rangers in the Preliminary Round.
CCFC matched their higher-tiered visitors from Canvey Island tackle for tackle, coming back from a goal down to level through a wonder strike from Noah Adejokun and have chances to win it.
Adejokun, dual signed with Cannons Wood, was back for his first Clapton appearance of the season while midfielder Nathan Cook also made a welcome return to the line-up for the first time in 2026/27.
Just 4 minutes in, Samir Sedaoui drew a sharp save from Concord Rangers goalkeeper Charlie Brown with a curling free-kick. Four minutes later, Cook turned nicely on the edge of the box and tested the keeper once more.
Concord threatened in the 29th minute when CCFC goalkeeper Jack Francis made a reaction save, only for Toheeb Elegushi to nod the rebound off the post and wide.
A lengthy stoppage for an injury to Azariah George-Lawal resulted in 10 full minutes of added time. And in that tenth minute of stoppage time, Concord struck the opening blow. A free-kick cross was headed back across goal, where Connor Hart bundled it home.
It didn’t feel like game over, despite the visitors being ahead and boasting a 100% record in the division above so far this season. And in the 65th minute, Adejokun picked up a long ball from Cook, cut inside onto his right foot, and unleashed a magnificent curling effort off the inside of the post.
The home side came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 75th minute. Sub Lewis Owiredu found himself through on goal but his lofted chip over the onrushing keeper sailed just over the cross bar.
With the tie seemingly heading for a midweek replay, both sides pushed for a winner, In the 81st minute, Concord’s Kai Torres rose highest to head home a corner and restore the Beach Boys’ lead.
Clapton threw everything forward in the closing stages and a chaotic goalmouth scramble inside the Concord penalty area almost yielded a dramatic equaliser in added time, but the visitors managed to clear their lines.
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