It was either a point gained or two points dropped as Clapton CFC came back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, only for Carshalton Athletic to level.
Maria Mendonca scored a hat-trick to take her season tally to seven, and Clapton would have scored a hatful more but for an inspired performance by the home goalkeeper Beth Yarrow, on loan from AFC Wimbledon.
A good away following for CCFC on the big terraces of Carshalton’s War Memorial Sports Ground saw the team make a strong start, creating early chances through Ciara Monahan and Lucy Spours in midfield.
Clapton were awarded an early penalty for a trip in the area, but Emily Link saw her spot-kick saved by Yarrow before the follow-up was blazed over.
Clapton continued to press and Marta Casanovas and Mendonca could have broken the deadlock, but against the run of play it was Carshalton who struck first with a long-range effort. Shortly after, their striker beat the offside trap, rounded Clapton keeper Rhia Jacobs, and slotted home for 2–0.
CCFC grabbed one back before the break. Link played Mendonca clean through on goal, and the forward made no mistake. Despite further chances before half-time, the Carshalton keeper produced further brilliant saves to keep it at 2-1.
The second half saw Clapton continue to push for an equaliser. The pressure finally paid off when Link picked out Mendonca at the back post, allowing her to tap in her second goal of the afternoon and bring the scores level.
Momentum was fully with the visitors, and Mendonca completed her hat-trick in magnificent style shortly after. Cutting in from the wing, she unleashed a magnificent 20-yard strike into the back of the net to put Clapton ahead for the first time.
However, with just five minutes left on the clock, Carshalton hit back Catching Clapton on the counter-attack, a well-placed cross from the right wing was headed home for 3–3.
Clapton threw everything forward in search of a late winner and Mendonca saw two close-range efforts flash just over the bar, while Casanovas was denied once again in a tense one-on-one.
But it wasn’t to be and the points were shared after a breathless afternoon of football.