Goals change games, so the old cliche goes, and that was certainly true as third placed Clapton CFC visited leaders Bromley.
A goal in each half for Bromley sealed a priceless three points – though CCFC will rue three missed chances that could have changed the game.
Around 150 spectators gathered – roughly 50/50 split for home and away – at Bromley’s Hayes Lane, possibly the biggest stadium that the club played a competitive game.
There was a clash of styles in evidence from the start, with Maria Mendonca and Marta Boiro showing individual skill, while the Ravens were less flashy but very organised.
Our first attempt on goal saw Lucy Spours – who had an impressive game in midfield – test the keeper from distance.
But on ten minutes, the crucial first goal went to Bromley. Both sides exchanged loose passes and the ball ran to a Bromley attacker, who fired it sweetly past Polly Adams.
First blood to Bromley, who had won every home league game of the season, and they pressed for a second goal, grazing the woodwork twice.
The Tons were forced into a change after 40 minutes when Mim Chadwick was taken off, having taken a blow to the head, to be replaced by Emily Link, returning from injury herself.
Then just before half-time came the first of three close attempts, with Link playing Mendonca through, but her shot was deflected on to the post and just trickled out and away.
In the second half, Adams, her defence and the bar kept us in it at 1-0, while Boiro took a yellow card after being fouled on the edge of the box.
Then on the break with 15 minutes to go, we went close to an equaliser once again, with Mendonca slipping a shot just wide of the post.
Within minutes, player of the match Marta Casanovas went even closer, with her cross / shot edging agonisingly wide, with no one able to slide in and touch it in.
We’d weathered the storm and an equaliser felt like it was coming, but with five minutes to go Bromley hit us on the break with a well-taken lob to settle it. An absolute sickener – but no one could fault the effort or desire to get a result.
Bromley now need just four points from their last two games, against Comets and Enfield Town Thirds, to clinch the title. With a superior goal difference, one win is likely to be enough.
The Tons are realistically vying for second place, which itself won’t be easy with a home game against current second placed side Islington Borough and away games at fourth placed Headstone Manor and old rivals Regents Park Rangers.
It’s going to be a nail-biting end to the season, with a cup final thrown in for good measure, and we’ll need your support to help them over the line.
Player of the match
Photos
Attendance
150