It was a milestone day at the Douglas Eyre Sports Centre in Walthamstow on Saturday. A combined Clapton CFC squad of players from the Over 35s and Cageys teams, as well as the youth coaching set-up, took to the field against their visitors from north of the border, Glasgow Piraten. Before kick-off, there was a palpable sense of occasion in the air, with many of the players taking part in their first 11-a-side mixed gender game.
With a lot of new Clapton acquaintances hastily being made during the pre-match warm-up and team talk, it was encouraging that we began the match with a surprising cohesion (all the more impressive given some players’ limited experience of 11-a-side football). However, Piraten’s familiarity with one another immediately showed as they too started brightly, and an intriguing back-and-forth encounter unfolded in front of a sizeable crowd.
There was much to admire about the Clapton side’s attacking play, particularly in wide areas, and several teasing crosses into the Glasgow penalty area almost produced an early goal, with only resolute defending keeping them at bay. At the other end, Piraten showed signs of their attacking threat, and the Clapton back line had to be alert at all times. The game was finely poised.
Midway through the first half, a strong run and outstanding pass – bent over and around the Glasgow defence by Clapton’s ball-playing centre-back – released the CCFC striker. One sublime half-volley later, and the home side were ahead. Undaunted, the response from Piraten was strong, with the Glaswegians hitting the Clapton woodwork on THREE occasions during the first 45 minutes. Unlucky is an understatement.
As the game wore on, Clapton’s strength in depth began to tell, and with regular rotation during the second half bringing new threats to the Glasgow rearguard, further goals seemed inevitable. Four more arrived, but so too did another huge chance for Piraten, with an effort off the underside bouncing down on the line before being cleared. No VAR in Walthamstow meant that the game continued, and the Clapton defensive sheet remained intact.
A comprehensive home victory was eventually seen out, even if the scoreline reflected harshly on the visitors. The Clapton team were certainly made to work for their win however, and the frequent periods of stretching by a number of players throughout the afternoon, was testament to the effort put in by both teams.
Final Score: Clapton CFC 5 – 0 Glasgow Piraten
Not to be disheartened, the Piraten squad joined their Clapton counterparts for Non League Day at the Old Spotted Dog. This celebration of real football rounded off what was a fantastic occasion, with long-term connections made with another club that shares much of CCFC’s ethos.