Clapton CFC Women’s First Team’s first home match of the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League Division One North season ended in a frustrating 2–0 defeat thanks to two late set pieces.
Rhia Jacobs stepped up from the Reserves to make a competitive debut in goal, while Ellie Dunn made her first appearance at right-back. Another summer signing Genevieve Buabeng was named on the bench for the second game in a row.
Actonians threatened early on with a flurry of corners, one of which hit the post but was scrambled clear. Julia Moulton also sprinted back to make a superb goal-line clearance. As the half progressed, Clapton settled into their rhythm, with Maria Mendonca trying her luck from long range.
In the second half, Marta Casanovas chipped a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Mendonca rose to meet it, but the ball went agonisingly over. Casanovas delivered another fine ball to Aimee Shaw, whose effort trickled past the post.
Just as a draw looked likely, the deadlock was broken in the 78th minute, and it was Actonians who scored it. Following a contested foul decision on the edge of the box, Actonians lofted a looping free-kick into the top corner.
With Clapton pushing forward for an equaliser in stoppage time, Actonians won a penalty following a late challenge just inside the 18-yard box. Their number 21 stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot-kick to seal the match.
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