Clapton CFC produced a five-star performance at Ebbsfleet United and banish the memories of the midweek mauling against Dulwich.
Making their first-ever visit to the picturesque Guru Nanak Sports Club, CCFC took a little time to settle into their stride. The deadlock was broken in the 29th minute when new signing Connie Howarth, making a first start, delivered a sublime cross from the left. Emily Link was on on hand to steer the ball in from close range for a 14th goal of the season.
Moments later, Clapton doubled their advantage when Link’s cross was blocked, but the loose ball fell invitingly to Aimee Shaw, who made no mistake in burying it past the goalkeeper for a first goal of the season.
Then Vee Hayward unleashed another banger from distance – her second in the space of three days – to take us into the half-time break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
In the second Clapton continued to probe, with the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper pulling off a superb save to tip a Link effort onto the crossbar. The fourth goal eventually arrived when Shaw struck again, capitalising on another fluid attacking move.
With ten minutes remaining, Clapton were awarded a penalty for a push in the area. Shaw was given the chance to seal her hat-trick and it was duly confidently converted.
A shout out to goalkeeper Rhia Jacobs and the defence for securing a clean sheet after the Thursday thrashing.
Interview
Speaking after the match, captain Julia Moulton reflected on the team’s response:
“Thursday was a tough one and I think we’ve shown our resilience to come back in the way we did. We all came out very confidently and the match performance showed that we’re a resilient team that can bounce back. I’m really proud of the girls—from defence to attack we were a class act, and a clean sheet is amazing.”
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