Three points capped off a memorable weekend at the Old Spotted Dog Ground as the Clapton CFC Women’s First Team bounced back from an early blow.
With the emergency generator running once again to keep the OSD Clubhouse and changing rooms operational, CCFC started on the front foot.
Within minutes, Maria Mendonca had somehow been denied from close range by Benfica’s exceptional goalkeeper.
However, against the early run of play, Benfica struck in the 10th minute. A quick breakaway saw their forward go clear in the box and finish well.
Clapton almost immediately equalised when Marta Casanovas’ header was deflect onto the cross bar.
The pressure finally told when Emily Link beat her marker and slotted home the equaliser just before a hydration break in the October heat.
Clapton continued to turn the screw before half-time. Maria Mendonca hit the crossbar with a lofted effort, and the Benfica keeper produced another heroic save to keep her side level.
In the closing minutes of the half, Link turned provider, swinging in a corner that Annie Lyons met from a few yards out to send Clapton into the break with a 2–1 lead.
Early in the second half, sub Aimee Shaw carved open the Benfica defence with an incisive pass, releasing Link to produce a trademark finish for her 10th goal of the season.
With the win pretty much wrapped up, the second half was a slower affair, though Clapton would have been further ahead were it not for the form of the Benfica goalkeeper.
Clapton were awarded a penalty to kill the game off completely, but Link’s penalty was saved, as was the rebound, then Lucy Spours’ shot from distance was pushed over the bar.
This second win in a row sees CCFC move up to seventh place hopefully turning the corner after a tricky start to the season.
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