The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team produced a sparkling first-half display to win through in the FA Vase in a tie that was switched to the Old Spotted Dog Ground.
It was an even start with early half-chances for Flavien Stierlen and Nathan Cook, but CCFC made the breakthrough on 18 minutes. Andre Odeku was alive to a mistake in the Enfield defence, calmly slotting past the keeper to make it 1–0.
That goal seemed to settle the hosts, and soon the pressure told again. On 29 minutes, Odeku doubled his tally, rising sharply at the near post to head home a pinpoint James Briggs’ corner. The assist came after lung-busting work from Felix Murray, who forced the set piece with a driving run down the flank.
Moments later, Enfield nearly struck back when a thunderous free kick rattled the Clapton crossbar, but the home side held firm. Then, just before the break, Odeku turned provider. He slipped a clever ball into Nathan Cook, who drove home confidently on 44 minutes to make it 3–0 at half-time.
Enfield began brightly after the restart, flashing one shot over and another just wide of the far post, but Jack Francis and his back line kept them out. Clapton, meanwhile, remained a threat on the break including Stierlen having a shot block.
Three good goals in the first half, but the fourth goal on 71 minutes was the best of the lot. Midfielder Jeff Twumasi spotted the goalkeeper off his line and produced a sublime chipped finish.
In stoppage time, Enfield pulled back a consolation when a great low finish beat Francis in the 94th minute, but it was too little too late. CCFC now face an away trip to Brimsdown in the second qualifying round on September 20.
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