Actonians Reserves 5 - 1 Clapton Community

A trip to London’s oldest stadium, The Old Spotted Dog, this afternoon as the ressies visited Clapton Community. This season’s form so far suggests the two sides are quite an even match so a close scoreline was expected. A few players were missing from the Actonians lineup today including Jen, Charlie, Sally and Kayleigh but still a strong squad nonetheless.

Actonians got off to a flyer. Katy being sent through by Kate and finding the back of the net with just 35 seconds on the clock. Then with 8 minutes gone the lead was doubled with Katy slotting home for her second of the game.
In a mostly one-sided first half Actonians attacked and created a couple of half-chances until Jess Wadey saw her long range effort find the target to give Actonians a 3 goal lead on 24 minutes. Actonians continued to press in search of more goals. Annemarie had a shot blocked a few minutes after the third goal, Kate hit her 35th minute shot over the bar and the Clapton keeper made an excellent double save with 38 minutes gone from Katy. Actonians did make it 4-0 in the 41st minute. Annemarie getting her goal with a looping header.
Then on the stroke of half-time Tash cut inside from the left and smashed her shot into the bottom corner giving Actonians a very healthy 5-0 lead to take into the break.

The second half did not begin in the same manner as the first 45 minutes. The play became a bit scrappy but with neither side creating much and the minutes ticking by this suited Actonians more. Actonians did go close again twice in the 71st minute. Tash had a shot from outside the area which shook the crossbar then a matter of seconds later the same player had another effort in the six yard box which the keeper was able to block.
Actonians clean sheet was taken from them in the 74th minute when Clapton converted a penalty. This seemed to spark another gear into the away side. Annemarie attempted to dribble through on goal in the 77th minute before the keeper came out to collect, Calli had a solo effort in the 82nd minute which was saved and Hannah met Katy’s 83rd minute cross but her shot was tipped round the post. Annemarie came close to meeting Chelsea’s 84th minute cross but the scoring was done. Full time and a 5-1 victory for the ressies.

Not the close game that many may have anticipated with the game effectively won in the first half. Clapton kept their heads up, with the backing of their large and loud support, and never gave up but Actonians were way too strong on the day. A result that lifts them to 3rd in the league.

Player of the match is a tough call to make today as all 14 players that were used were really impressive. The back line were solid, the midfield battled hard and the attackers were ruthless. My choice would be Tash. A great goal, close to getting a worldie with her effort that hit the bar and created a lot throughout. An away trip for the ressies next week as they face Milford&Witley in a cup tie.

Report by Neil Hayward.