MATCH REPORT-17th OCTOBER 2004
Clapton Orient 2-2 Hendon
No wind during this game, but a lot of rain, and Clapton played extremely well against a Hendon team who beat them 4-1 on the opening day of the season. Latasha started at left midfield, but when Mandy Mason went off early because of a cold, and Tash switched to right back and Anita came on at left mid. Anita, Sabrina, Krystal, Jema and Karen linked up very well pushing forward and Clapton created several early chances.
Clapton took the lead after about 20 minutes, Jema latching on very well to a through ball and scoring with a left-foot tap past the keeper. Clapton continued to dominate in the first half, with the defence holding firm and Helen D playing a strong role at central midfield, and went in at half time deservedly ahead. Hendon started the second half in a more determined fashion, and equalised after about 20 minutes following a forceful run from midfield. But Clapton continued to create chances and still looked the better side. Karen hit the crossbar, Jema was close and Anita and Helen P both had (hopeful) shots. Two very well taken free kicks from Helen D and Sabrina respectively also worried the Hendon keeper.
Hendon always
looked potentially dangerous in midfield, and liked to play from the
back, but did not really threaten Rachel's goal. Clapton took a
well-earned lead again on the half hour. Clapton broke quickly from a
Rachel kick-out, and Karen fired goal wards from the edge of the area,
the ball taking a deflection from a Hendon defender on the way in.
Clapton still looked the better side, but two minutes from time the
ball
fell kindly to a Hendon midfielder on the edge of the box, who looped a
very well taken shot over the keeper.
Sheroe: Krystal
MATCH REPORT-17th OCTOBER 2004
Tottenham Hotspurs Reserves 11 – 0 Clapton Orient Reserves
The Baby COW Parade braved the industrial wastelands of N16 this Sunday, and deprived of lush fields to graze on, were overpowered by a technically strong and dynamic Tottenham side, who were determined to make their mark on the game from the off, scoring their first goal in the first minute. It was a well-worked goal that tore through the Clapton half. Still reeling from the shock of the opposition having taken such an early lead, clever play saw the home team double the score-line a few minutes later. What is it they say? “It never rains but it pours” - as the grey clouds drew in, the drizzle got heavier, and in went another three goals in the first half. Our two centre midfielders did superbly as anchors, soaking up pressure, and distributing the ball well to Hannah on the right, and to the two attacking forwards. The two attackers epitomised the “never say die” attitude of the whole team, with Clare making some penetrating runs which deserved a goal, and Estelle doubling up as a defender in the box for corners! As it neared the interval, Clapton absorbed more and more of the opposition pressure and finished the half with the initiative.
Going into the second half chasing a 5 goal lead, and already reconciled to losing the three points, the baby COWs decided to adopt a new strategy - simply to enjoy the rest of the game. Tottenham scored 6 more goals, and in spite of the attacking onslaught, the baby COWS dug deep and displayed impressive resolve, often playing some lovely football, and maintaining the pressure on the home team. It was an intensely fought encounter, and Tottenham were never allowed to ease up – they were forced to work hard for their victory by every one of the COWS. The defence combined well to absorb much of the pressure, particularly Nikki M who made some vital interceptions to be crowned the Shero, whilst Gel pulled off some spectacular saves. The final score flatters Tottenham and belies the unbelievable team spirit and determination that Clapton showed right to the end. Tottenham are one of the strongest teams we'll face, and they had an early psychological advantage over us after they scored their first two goals. However we can be confident going into the next few matches that the Baby COWS can claim both goals and points if we play with the same positive attitude and commitment.
Special mention to Mooch, who risked frost-bite to watch us, and to Phil, who had to sprint up and down the muddy-puddle-line for the whole match… Thank you!
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