Before a ball was even kicked, getting Saturday’s fixture on was already a triumph of community spirit. Left without mains power in the Old Spotted Dog Ground clubhouse and the changing rooms since Tuesday, there followed a relentless chase for a heavy-duty generator to get the lights and the showers working.
The generator was eventually installed on Friday night, though it did mean some changes to the match details, not least switching the entrance to Disraeli Road. Apologies to all for the queues.
The first half featured Clapton CFC’s best football since promotion, pressing high and keeping Great Wakering Rovers pinned in their own third.
The dominance paid off in the 23rd minute when Julian Austin found space inside the area to slot home the opening goal, reacting quickest from a free-kick into the box.
In the 45th minute, Andre Odeku pounced on some indecision in the Rovers backline to round the keeper and squeeze the ball past a covering defender on the line.
That second goal seemed vital as Great Wakering started the second half on top, however before they could start a comeback, CCFC put the game beyond reach. In the 56th minute, defender Okwute Izuchukwu smashed home his first goal for the club.
That was the end of the scoring, although the visitors went close on several occasions, while subs Rafael Da Mata and Flavien Stierlen rattled the crossbar and the post respectively in the same move for CCFC.
Highlights
Interview
Photos
