Clapton CFC’s outside chance of the title is still alive with two games left after a 1-0 victory at fourth-placed Rayleigh Town.
After just four minutes, a James Briggs corner caused havoc and Jake Wintour showed the sharpest instincts to poke home for his first-ever goal for the club.
It was a perfect return to the line-up for Wintour, back from university for Easter for his first league appearance in six months.
The one-goal cushion was put under severe threat from a dangerous Rayleigh side. In the 26th minute, the hosts dragged a golden opportunity wide, and just before the interval, the crossbar came to Clapton’s rescue.
The second half saw Rayleigh dominate possession, aided by the strong wind at their backs. Minutes into the second half, a header went over while in the 63rd minute, an audacious overhead kick cleared the bar.
Clapton had moments to seal it themselves, with Korahn Gayle appearing to be clattered while clean through on goal in the 79th minute, and Cameron Gordon having a shot blocked a few minutes later.
A fine save in injury time from Jack Francis denied Rayleigh a late equaliser and kept his 15th clean sheet of the season.
This victory extends Clapton’s remarkable unbeaten run to 17 games and takes us level on points at the top of the table.
However, Hutton maintain a superior goal difference and a game in hand so remain the overwhelming favourites to grab the one automatic promotion spot.