The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team extended their excellent run to seven league wins in a row* after edging a frantic and physical encounter against FC Baresi in Ware.
The match began with a significant milestone as Dean Bouho made his 200th appearance in a CCFC shirt, joining Jack Francis in the 200 club. More on that milestone to follow.
In a cagey opening, Baresi had the best chance to take the lead, but Francis pulled off a vital save as an attacker raced into the box one-on-one.
The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute through a moment of acrobatic brilliance. In the absence of the suspended James Briggs, Ross Broadway delivered a deep free-kick to the far post. Sam Cook, despite being nudged off-balance by a defender, managed to extend his leg and direct a volley over the keeper’s head and into the farner corner. A second goal for the defender in as many games.
As the rain lashed down and the light grew gloomy, the second half proved to be a proper test of temperament, with numerous yellow cards dished out to both sides.
Clapton had opportunities to double their lead. Alfie Francis, making his first start, saw a powerful effort skim the roof of the net, and Andre Odeku dragged a shot just wide after being teed up by Francis (Alfie, not Jack). Nico Bunduku had a chance to seal it after being played in by fellow sub Louis Brown, but the Baresi keeper reacted quickly to smother the shot.
Francis was called into action several times too, notably in the 73rd minute when Baresi had a clear sight of goal, and in stoppage time a crucial stop kept out a free-kick. But CCFC held firm and means they have conceded just one goal in the last six games too.
Next up for the team, two home games, against Barkingside on Tuesday night then Enfield Borough on Saturday.
* The defeat against Brimsdown in early January has been declared void and is to be replayed.
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