A Tale Of Two Halves As Clapton Shock Hawks

It was certainly a game that the Harlow fans and supporters will want to forget and never revisit. A game that started so positively for the reds, but soon turned on its head as Clapton grew into the game, and in the end they deservedly emerge victorious.

The starting lineup had been slightly altered after our 3-2 win against Tower Hamlets, with Junior Dadson named on the bench, to make way for Jacob Cleaver, a forward that has signed for the club on a dual registration from Enfield FC.

Clapton FC, not to be mistaken for Clapton Community who also play in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South, are a side that had a rocky start, but were definitely on the up. Sitting 20th place in the league, they had won their last two games and their win against us marked their third win in a row.

It was a familiar style of play that Harlow begun with: fast football, one-touch passing – we certainly had a solid plan of action, evidenced by our control and grasp on the game. The first of the chances fell for Ishaq, who’s effort was denied well by the Clapton FC goalkeeper. However, just seconds later, Ruben Santos delivered a corner into the box and it was touched in by a player in blue. Just eight minutes in, we had a deserved lead.

There were no concerns whatsoever up to this point, as we were continuing to play high-intensity football against a hungry side, that are desperate to avoid the drop at the end of the season. Another 12 minutes had passed before Harlow found themselves with a free-kick opportunity in a great position down the left hand side. Unlike the Royal Mail typically this year, Tom Jelliman did deliver and James Folkes flew through the sky and fired it past a helpless keeper, doubling the advantage.

For a few minutes, we did continue to put pressure on Clapton, with their goalkeeper making a good save to prevent a third goal going in, but after around 35 minutes, the dominance seemed to fade away and Clapton took control of proceedings. Beforehand, Clapton had failed to register a shot on target, but in the space of 10 minutes, they had registered four attempts on goal, the fourth of which finding the back of the net, after a corner went into the box and was headed onto the bar. The rebound went in and Clapton had one back.

Despite the shift in momentum, Harlow were not too phased by this, having a plethora of chances just before half-time, but there was work to be done for the Hawks going into the second half. Clapton would’ve been satisfied with the opening 45 minutes.

Harlow struggled to get going in the second half, Clapton certainly had the better of the chances and Harlow’s fight simply didn’t result in anything positive for the team. Glenn Roberts was forced to make two big saves before we even had a shot; one that was always going over the bar, but was a worthwhile attempt. Glenn then had to tip it over the bar again, in a moment that had all the fans holding their breath, as Clapton continued to pile on the pressure. Eventually, the goal came for Clapton and it was all square, with the momentum being with the home side.

A defining moment did come for the Hawks. A chance to win the game and finish off Clapton FC for good. The ball landed perfectly for Junior Dadson on the volley, who connected beautifully and with an effort that rooted the keeper to the spot, he was so close to finding the net. Unfortunately though, the effort flew just wide and it was yet another implication that it hadn’t been our day.

It was typical that after what could’ve been a sensational winner, the result completely flipped on it’s head. Clapton did get their goal and it looked as though the only way back for the Hawks was down the A406 and M11. In the midst of us giving everything to get a draw, Clapton hit us on the break and scored yet another, making their mark permanent and taking all three points without any doubt.

Disappointment will have been felt by all travelling fans, all of the players and staff and all supporters who couldn’t make it, but we must pick ourselves up and go again on Saturday, when we will face Brimsdown away from home.