At last! Clapton CFC secured their first three points of the season at the fifth attempt with a commanding 4-1 win in this East London derby.
Following a tough exit from the Women’s FA Cup the previous weekend, Clapton CFC travelled back to our old manor of Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow, though sadly this was on the 3G rather than the neighbouring Stray Dog or stadium pitches.
Hackney, coming into the game on the back of consecutive league wins, controlled much of the early possession. However, a mixture of Clapton’s well-organised defence and the offside flag meant they created only half-chances.
In the 42nd minute, Clapton took the lead against the run of play when Maria Mendonca controlled the ball with a confident touch before blasting home from about 12 yards out.
Ciara Monahan almost doubled CCFC’s advantage a few minutes into the second half when her free-kick rattled the crossbar and bounced out.
Clapton did grab that second soon after when Emily Link found the back of the net, her shot squirming under the dive of Hackney’s keeper, who had a good game it should be said.
The game had truly opened up and Hackney responded swiftly to keep the contest alive with a lofted free-kick from 25 yards out sailing into the top of the net.
Given Clapton let a 2-0 lead slip in the second half of last week’s defeat at Chelmsford City, there may have been some nerves about a potential repeat.
The next goal looked crucial and Clapton’s persistence paid off. In the 72nd minute, Maria Mendonca pounced on some hesitant Hackney defending to slot home her second goal of the afternoon and fourth of the season.
Clapton controlled the final stretch of the match and the 82nd minute Emily Link grabbed her second goal of the game, and eighth of the season, to make it 4-1.
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