Only one place to start this week after an amazing occasion and day for the club last Saturday. I’m getting used to describing 4-0 defeats as ‘win win’ but what else can you say about what unfolded in front of a packed Old Spotted Dog last weekend.

Hard as we tried Queerspace just had too many stronger players in key positions and run out worthy winners. But this was far more than just a game of football, and the scenes during and after the game were the real testimony of a hugely successful Community Day.

The changing room tactics board contained a clear message ‘Have no regrets, leave everything on the pitch and give 100% for the Clapton Community shirt’. To that end the players were superb, gave their very best and fully deserved the magnificent vocal support they received during and after the game.

Have always loved the imagery of the line ‘And if we score a goal, the Scaffold’s gonna blow’ and for one tantalising second I actually thought it would as Jalina bore down on goal, expectation level reaching fever pitch. A moment in CCFC folklore was only denied by a superb block by the Queerspace keeper as 220 odd frenzied supporters waited for the net to bulge and wild celebrations to begin. It wasn’t to be but what an unforgettable occasion it was, a football experience which will hopefully stay with the players for life wherever their career paths take them.

Although the players took centre stage this was also a great day for the club, my heartfelt thanks to the fans groups who pushed this to happen and our wonderful ground staff who turned a waterlogged surface on Friday night into a Theatre of Dreams by the next day.

Thanks also to all the volunteers who kept things running smoothly, raising money with their hard work and dedication. Goes without saying that the OSD faithful were also just sensational, arguably The Scaffold was as loud as I’ve heard all season and made for an incredible, previously unheard of atmosphere for the level.

Lastly I must make mention that we are home again this Saturday at 10am at Hackney Marshes as we look to avenge the recent 4-0 defeat to Victoria Park Vixens. This won’t be an easy game but the sides are well matched and hopefully we can put the experience gained to good use albeit in front of a good few less ‘men (and women) and their dogs’.

Big thank you once again to everyone from myself and Brian and all the WDev/NB team.
Regards Neil