Clapton lost 1-0 to Aylesford on Sunday afternoon to exit the London & South East Regional Women’s League Cup, reports Harry Gillies. The East London side played some exciting football on a muddy surface, particularly after going behind, but could not pull a goal back.

The heavens opened on Sunday morning and the downpour lasted until just before kick-off. The Old Spotted Dog Ground was muddy in several patches, not conducive to slick passing, but players and fans were just thankful the pitch survived postponement.

The early stages saw Marta Casanovas and Emily Link trying to combine down the right. Ana Holmes, as ever, was key in driving Clapton forward with her vigorous runs.

The mud held up play in the middle of the park, slowing down passing. The conditions suited wingers. High passes over the top did not go out of play as quickly, giving Maria Mendonca and Casanovas more time to run onto the ball.

Despite the muddy terrain, Aylesford had come to try and play good football. In the first five minutes, they worked their way nicely into the box and managed to get a shot off which kissed the far left post.

An early warning for Clapton and the fight was on. Casanovas and Link combined well down the right and won a few corners, but the first 20 minutes was not teeming with chances.

Clapton survived 25 minutes in. Janell Mathurin produced a miraculous fingertip save from a wicked volley inside the box. Her flick over the bar was the save of the day.

The save inspired Clapton and the home side grew into the game, winning more corners and pressing higher.

The game became a fight with possession constantly breaking down in the middle of the park. The ball appeared to be more in the air than on the grass.

It was a slog in the closing stages of the first half until a spectacular Egle Trezzi shot revitalised the crowd. The midfielder shot from around 30 yards. A launched, looping shot that forced the keeper to tip the ball over the bar. This was followed by Casanovas driving down the wing and putting in a dangerous ball that Aylesford scrambled to clear.

Clapton had all the momentum, and the half time whistle was a reprieve for Aylesford.

Second Half

The second half saw two determined sides sliding into challenges on an ever-muddier surface.

Clapton carried their determination on and had some early chances. The ball was played over the back line into the path of captain Link. The Clapton forward took on an audacious early volley as she tried to catch the keeper out. The ball fell agonisingly wide of the far right post.

Shortly afterwards Holmes was played through on the right side of the box. The midfielder managed to whip a right foot shot back across towards goal, but it did not trouble the Aylesford keeper, Sade Rider.

As the second half went on, Marta Boiro was an increasingly influential player. The left back was strong and dominant in every dual she entered but was also key in driving Clapton forward. One of the heartbeats of the team in what was a dogged fight.

Holmes also showed her quality as she threaded perfectly weighted passes into the path of wide players.

Link went on a mazy run from the right and managed to get clean through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat but shot straight at her. The clearest chance for Clapton.

Aylesford showed some good attacking play down the right, but their goal came from nowhere. The ball fell to Beth Hulme who instinctively hit a volley from outside the box. Everything happened in an instant as the ball looped high over Mathurin, who this time couldn’t get fingertips to it. The ball fell into the net and Aylesford were 1-0 up.

Clapton did not give up the fight and pushed for the equaliser. They were resilient in their play and gave every part of themselves to stay in the cup. The fans also played a huge part as Lucy Spours said after the game: “It really does make such a difference. As the game goes on you try and be a voice and a presence on the pitch but the value of having it all around lifts and carries you. They’re like the 12th player and they’re always much appreciated.”  

Exciting youngster Taiyah Evans came on in the 75th minute to offer one final push.

Their ‘never say die’ attitude nearly paid off when Link won possession from a ponderous centre back. The Clapton number 7 charged through on goal with only the keeper beat. She elected to shoot early and bent her shot just wide of the far post.

With 10 minutes left, tired legs began to show. Clapton kept pushing but couldn’t find accurate crosses. Aylesford defended resolutely.

There was one last gasp shot from defender Eva van der Vliet from the edge of the box, but her effort was once again tipped over the bar capping a sensational display by the Aylesford keeper.

It wasn’t to be for Clapton as the final whistle blew. The result felt harsh with the chances that Clapton missed but Aylesford did well to hold out. Clapton must now focus on their two remaining games before the mid-season break.