MATCH REPORT- 7th NOVEMBER 2004

Clapton Orient 0v1 C.E.F.I

Rachel Kettle
Mandy Mason, Katy Arnold, Sarah Kucera, Helen Parr
Krystal Anderson, Sabrina Samuel, Helen Donohoe, Latasha Kirton (Choko,55)
Karen Clarke (Lucy Mills, 70), Jema Bekir
Attendance: 2

A hard fought game ended in a defeat for Clapton, but the score line did not do justice to Clapton's second half performance, widely thought to be the best of the season so far.

CEFI are a strong side, with several very talented individuals, and clearly expected to beat Clapton easily. Both teams started strongly, but CEFI created more of the early chances. In particular, CEFI looked dangerous from corners, but Clapton defended very strongly, with Sarah and Katy masterful in the centre. Clapton made some chances of their own, Krystal in particular showing strong running on the right. Clapton held firm, but before half time CEFI won a corner. One of their taller players cannoned the ball home with a powerful header.

CEFI's coach, however, had underestimated Clapton as in the second half, Clapton had all the play. In a tactical switch, Tash made way for Choko. Jema dropped into left midfield and Choko partnered Karen up front. Her deft control created real problems for CEFI, and a CEFI defender was booked following a blatant body check. Later in the game, Lucy swapped in for Karen. Clapton made several chances; Tash firing over with a left footed shot from close range, Karen and Jema both came close and Sarah and Katy put in long-range shots. CEFI did not threaten until two late breaks. Despite their dominance, the ball did not run for Clapton, and CEFI were relieved and extremely thrilled to travel back to South London with all three points.

Man of the match: Katy

Back to 2004-2005 results