Clapton CFC bowed out of the FA Vase in the Second Qualifying Round after shipping two first half goals to the high-flying Swifts.
Heybridge broke the deadlock in the 12th minute via the penalty spot when a cross struck an outstretched arm in a crowded box. Home captain Luca Albon slotted his penalty into the corner, just evading Clapton goalkeeper Jack Francis.
Heybridge doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute. After Clapton failed to clear a succession of corners, including one being headed on to the bar, Harrison Topliss pounced in a crowded penalty area to force the ball home for 2–0.
Heybridge threatened to put the tie out of reach before the interval, hitting the crossbar with a stunning effort from range by Zack Littlejohn. Clapton managed their best move of the half just before the break when Fred Taylor flicked a cross into the box towards Julian Austin, who couldn’t over the ball and his header flew over the bar.
In the 74th minute great combination play between Taylor and Cameron Gordon saw a cross whipped into the box, where Andre Odeku was toppled in the area to earn Clapton a penalty.
It took four minutes for the penalty to be taken due to persistent protests from the home side and when Odeku took the spot-kick, his initial effort was saved by Heybridge keeper Callum Chafer. However, Gordon reacted quickest, charging into the box to smash home the rebound.
Heybridge could have put the tie beyond doubt with two shots screwed just wide of the post, but CCFC almost forced extra time with Gordon’s dipping long-range strike landing just wide.
The teams meet again on Saturday – this time in the Essex Senior Football League at the Old Spotted Dog Ground.
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