Clapton CFC women’s first team stay top of the league after a hugely impressive win and clean sheet against Walton Casuals Reserves.
Despite the name, the Reserves actually called upon eight players from their first team squad who did not have a game.
With a Women’s FA Cup tie away at Plough Lane against AFC Wimbledon coming up next, they won’t have wanted a free weekend.
Their preparation for this game wasn’t ideal, however, as some of their team arrived around 2pm, including some who had to dash straight from the car park into the action.
The Tons meanwhile picked a largely settled side, but with Lenny Holmes starting at left-back and Mim Chadwick on the bench, and Ciara Robinson coming in at right-wing for the absent Marta Casanovas.
The Casuals looked flustered early on due to their rush to make kick off, and Clapton looked to take advantage. Within the first minute the Walton keeper was called into action to save from Maria Mendonca.
Shortly after, hotshot striker Emily Link rattled the crossbar with a superb strike from 25 yards, with the visiting defence only able to watch and be thankful it bounced clear.
Link was not be denied for too long, however, as after nine minutes she took a pass from Robinson and her quick shot on the turn from the edge of the box evaded the keeper.
After the early onslaught, Walton settled down and reminded us all what an extremely talented, organised team they were in their last two near perfect promotion seasons.
They were by now dominating possession without creating too many clear-cut chances, although CCFC keeper Polly Adams was forced to deal with several shots from distance.
Back at the other end, Boiro almost scored directly from a corner but curled it just, just over the bar. Anyone who has seen her free-kicks will know she meant it.
Then a great team move saw player of the match Kiki Marino surge forward down the right, Her cross was met by Mendonca whose improvised attempt to bundle it in was just kept out.
Casuals had the chance to level up when the ref gave a free kick inside the area for a backpass. However, Polly saved the show destined for the top corner.
The end to end football was relentless, with Adams diving low to keep out a goalbound shot, and centre-backs Alice Nutman and Annie Lyons putting themselves in the way to block another good break.
On Clapton’s part, Boiro tested the keeper from long range, Link headed just wide and then saw her fierce shot kept out by the Walton keeper’s trailling left leg. Finally, the last chance of the half, as Lucy Spours forced the keeper into action with a shot from distance.
it had been an impressive, assured performance so far from CCFC, but at 1-0 and having enjoyed plenty of possession, the Casuals were by no means out of it.
Within 10 minutes of the restart, however, the Tons established a two-goal lead. Spours threaded a delightful pass on the ground for Mendonca to slot it into the corner.
A more comfortable cushion at 2-0, and that led to a notably quieter half, although there was plenty of play in both goalmouths.
Link dragged a shot across the goal and just wide after a great ball from Li Steiner, while Boiro and sub Camila Marcolino both beat several players on jinking runs but couldn’t quite finish.
Not to be outdone, Walton’s winger showed some tremendous trickery with a great dummy and turn of pace, while Adams was called into action again to keep out close range shot from a long free-kick.
There was just time for Link to go close again then time was up on a fascinating, end-to-end clash where Clapton impressed hugely at both ends.
The Tons came through this tough workout with flying colours ahead of next weekend’s big Women’s FA Cup clash away at Biggleswade United.
It’s undoubtedly the club’s biggest game of the season so far for any our teams against a good side a division above. And it’s less than 40 minutes from Finsbury Park on the train – you won’t want to miss it.
Photos
Player of the match
Attendance
75