Clapton CFC marched into the third round of the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League Cup and a tie against old rivals Brentford with a composed away win.
Just like the league meeting on the same Gunnersbury Park pitch three weeks ago, CCFC scored first. The breakthrough came on 25 minutes when Maria Mendonca chased down a ball many on and off the pitch assumed was going out for a goal kick. From an impossible angle, she lofted a superb finish past the keeper into the top corner.
And just like that league meeting, Actonians responded with pressure late on in the first half and into the second half. Goalkeeper Ella Bowles produced several excellent saves to preserve the lead, while Actonians hit the bar and put some gilt-edged chances wide and over. They were missing the division’s top scorer Katy Hanscomb, absent for this game.
Unlike the league meeting, Clapton were able to ride the wave of pressure and wrap up the win with two goals in the last ten minutes. On 81 minutes, Marta Casanovas burst down the right and squeezed a shot in off the post from a tight angle.
Emily Link sealed the win in the 87th minute, beating the keeper after latching onto a loose ball.
A record three yellows cards were handed out – to Lenny Holmes, Marta Boiro and Kaylee Shurety – but the game was already in the bag.
It was the first time the classic attacking trio of Link, Casanovas and Mendonca were all on the scoresheet since January 2024.
Another clean sheet – only one goal conceded in the last four games – would also have pleased manager Alice Sharpe.
Now, back to the Old Spotted Dog Ground and four home games in a row, including that Brentford tie.
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