The Clapton CFC Women’s First Team exited the Capital Cup at the first hurdle after an end-to-end game at the Old Spotted Dog Ground.
Clapton began brightly, testing the visitors in the opening minutes including the first of several long-range efforts from Egle Trezzi through the game. The early home pressure paid off on 14 minutes as Leigha Bradding-Butler beat the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper and squared for Maria Mendonca to tap into an empty net.
It looked a very close onside call and one which Denham United disagreed with vociferously – a bit too vociferously in the case of one of their coaches who was sent off for his second time against us.
On the pitch, however, Denham responded strongly, as you would expect from a team that has won six out of six games in the league this season. They had already gone close several times before deservedly levelling on 29 minutes, although in fortunate circumstances when they charged down a clearance that ricocheted straight in.
Moments later they headed narrowly wide as they took control of the match, but went 2–1 up before the break when a looping shot from range was fired above the grasp of Ella Bowles.
Clapton could have equalised just before half-time when Mendonca’s lob drifted over and Trezzi continued to threaten around the edge of the box, but the visitors’ goalkeeper – assured and proactive throughout -kept them at bay.
Into the second half, Clapton were chasing the game but struggling for rhythm. Denham extended their lead on 55 minutes with a sharp passing move finished by a strike into the corner.
If there was any doubt that Denham had the tie in the bag, their fourth goal swept in on 78 minutes sealed it. Bowles produced a brave smother at the feet of a forward to prevent further damage. Deep into stoppage time, Bradding-Butler had a final chance when Spours threaded her through, but her shot beat the keeper and rolled just wide.
The visitors were deserved winners, which continues the run of Clapton winning all the league meetings, and Denham all our cup meetings.