Win At Clapton

In truth it was a game that ‘Side rode their luck to win, but one which Gus Gulfer’s team showed great character and spirit to attain.

In front of a crowd of 483, a win for in-form Clapton would have seen the Tons leap up into the top four, provided other results went their way.

Going into the match ‘Side were without a win in five. Clapton almost took the lead from an early set-piece but Nathan Cook saw an effort cleared off the line.

Gus Gulfer’s team did threaten the hosts defence. First from a set-piece of their own, Clapton’s skipper Kristian Haighton was forced to clear from his goalmouth before ‘Side’s forward Michael Ademiluyi had a goal ruled out for offside.

Jack Francis was in goal for ‘Side and the keeper had a great game, his first real save of the game came from a Raphael Duyile volley at the back post. Shortly after the keeper made an acrobatic save to deny Stefan Nielsen.

Luke With was impressing for ‘Side but luck was not on the tall forward’s side as twice, when seemingly though on goal, he was denied by defender Dylan Ebengo with only the goalie to beat.

Luck was then back on ‘Side’s side as Clapton forward Neilsen saw a chance cleared of the line by a ‘Side defender with the ball then striking the post before spinning away to safety.

Gus Gulfer would have been delighted with his team’s start to the second period as within five minutes ‘Side were ahead. A great run by Ademiluyi left Clapton’s defence for dead and his cross was prodded home by David Laird, for his sixth goal of the season.

Clapton bounced back from conceding. They had more of the ball and had countless chances to score. However hard they tried though, ‘Side were resilient and brave and held on, with everyone to a man, putting in the workload to ensure Gulfer’s men left the ground victorious. The result see's Gus Gulfer's side remain in 11th place in the league table.

'Side: Jack Francis, Kobie Ambrose, Fionn Glancy, Paul Wright, Patrick Campbell, Marvin Birch, Michael Ademiluyi, Jason Ajoodha, Luke With (Augustus Ruzgas), David Laird (George Ademiluyi), Jason Fontaine.

Subs Not Used: Connor Mitchell, Ryan Bonju, D'Sean Theobald.