Clapton CFC Women’s First Team kicked off the London & South East Regional Women’s League Division One North season with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over division newcomers Herne Bay.
The win came thanks to a composed first-half strike from Leigha Bradding-Butler on her league debut as well as a determined defensive display.
Despite missing a host of players due to holidays, Clapton were in sparkling form. They were rewarded on the half-hour mark when Bradding-Butler latched onto a ball over the top from Egle Trezzi and lifted it neatly over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Herne Bay looked the more likely to score for much of the second half. However, they were continually thwarted by Janell Mathurin and the defence – which included Reserves Team stars Noora Oikarainen and Ruby Earle – and also at one stage by the crossbar.
At the other end, Marta Casanovas, Trezzi and Bradding-Butler went close to scoring a killer second goal.
Another Reserves Team star, midfielder Ching Chun, caught the eye on her debut while late on Lucy Fell also made her first appearance. More info on the new names to follow.
After more than eight added minutes, much of it with Herne Bay launching free-kicks into the Clapton box, the referee finally blew for full-time. An impressive win after holding our nerve.
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