Ilford’s Paul Clayton is pleased with his form and fitness and hopes to keep scoring for the Foxes when he returns from suspension.

The experienced versatility ace sat out last night’s 2-0 defeat Witham Town in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup.

A red card at Stansted on October 25 means he won’t feature in their new two Essex Senior League games.

While Clayton is usually relied on for his defensive steel, Ilford will miss his goals having netted another brace on Saturday at Sporting Bengal United.

“I think my fitness is coming back a bit because obviously I missed a year out and now my fitness is gradually coming back,” said the former Romford captain.

“We have had quite a few games so hopefully I can carry on scoring a few more when I return.”

Although Clayton wasn’t present at Spa Road, he was told the Foxes impressed against higher league opposition.

The Ryman North club progressed to the next round, however, with Ryan Charles and Tim Monsheju on target.

Clayton added: “I’m suspended now so I wasn’t at Witham. Apparently we caused them a few problems and the boys were saying we did play well. We created a couple of chances and held our own against them.”

Even though Ilford will be without their experienced ace for the foreseeable future, they can’t accuse him of not trying to make up for his red card.

After being given his marching orders in a 2-1 defeat to the Airportmen, Clayton responded with a brace in a victory over West Essex.

The Foxes player scored another double last weekend, which proved crucial as Allan Fenn’s team won 3-2 at Mile End Stadium.

“I think ‘Fenny’ must have been thinking about dropping me for the West Essex game as a bit of punishment because the sending off was silly,” admitted Clayton.

“Beforehand I did say I owed him one and after the first goal he gave me the thumbs up and after the second he said you’re out of debt now. It was pleasing to repay him for sticking with me.”

George Sessions
Ilford Recorder