Clapton CC recorded a 3-0 win over Benfleet in our historic debut in the Men’s FA Cup at the Old Spotted Dog Ground.
Promotion to the ninth tier of the men’s football pyramid brought with it qualification for the famous tournament for the first time ever. And the Men’s First Team players and supporters seemed determined to make the most of the occasion.
Fellow Essex Senior Football League side Benfleet were the visitors, with whom we’d had two memorable tussles a few seasons back in the Eastern Counties League.
More of manager Geoff Ocran’s squad were back in contention after injuries and holidays, including Adam Sidky slotting back into defence while Samba Badjana made his second debut after four seasons away.
CCFC took the lead on 18 minutes thanks to a low strike from long distance by Sidky. There were chances in the first half for a second, most notably when Fred Taylor unleashed a powerful strike just over on 28 minutes.
Benfleet had chances before half-time too, with a curling effort dipped narrowly over Jack Francis’s crossbar on 26 minutes, followed by a stoppage-time header from a corner that missed the target.
Clapton were forced into an enforced change in the 58th minute when Azariah George-Lawal went off with a knock, allowing Louis Brown to come on for his first appearance of the season.
The match remained on a knife-edge in the second half with Benfleet coming close to an equaliser in the 74th minute when Francis tipped over the bar.
On 85, Fred Taylor rose highest at the near post to firmly head home from a free-kick delivered by sub James Goldring and it looked like it was all over.
However, within a minute Benfleet should have narrowed the deficit but missed from point-blank range.
The game was finally wrapped up in stoppage time when two subs linked up. David Makisi’s skill on the wing ended in a pinpoint ball into the path of Lewis Owiredu, who side-footed past the goalkeeper.
Higher division Concord Rangers are up next in the Preliminary Round with both teams now 12 wins from the final.
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