The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team battled to a gritty three points against Southend Manor to move up into the play-off places in the early season table.
The opening stages were scrappy, and CCFC suffered an early setback when Felix Murray went down awkwardly on his arm, with Charlie Fagan coming on as substitute.
Chances were limited for both sides until the breakthrough arrived just before the half-hour. Sam Cook was bundled over in the box, and from the resulting spot-kick James Briggs stepped up to calmly slot home, giving Clapton a 1–0 lead on 28 minutes.
Though not at their fluent best, the home side deserved the lead and worked hard to contain Manor while seeking an all important second goal.
That cushion came on 63 minutes. A Briggs corner caused chaos in the box, and Adam Sidky reacted quickest, smashing the ball home from close range.
From there it should have been comfortable but Manor rallied late on. Substitute Cameron Gibbins fired home on 81 minutes and while they pressed for the remainder of the game, they couldn’t force an equaliser.
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