Under blustery conditions, Clapham started with electric pace, fielding Andre and Aren on the wings, with Harty leading the line as striker. Dom shifted from centre-back to defensive midfield, while the experienced duo of Trotty and Liam anchored the backline. From the off, Clapham played some of their finest football in recent memory, with crisp passing and a rock-solid shape that frustrated Tenisonians. Early in the first half, Harty won a penalty after being shoved by a defender and coolly converted to put Clapham 1-0 up.

Clapham stayed on the front foot, exploiting Tenisonians with rapid counter-attacks led by their wingers’ blistering pace. Andre shone, beating two defenders and delivering a pinpoint cross for Harty to power a header into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0. Tenisonians responded with quality possession, piling on pressure, and pulled one back with a clever set-piece that trickled over the line. At half-time, Clapham led 2-1, with the team talk urging no complacency and sustained intensity.

The second half saw Clapham sit deeper, absorbing waves of Tenisonians’ pressure while remaining resolute. Louis and Alfie were immense in defence, suffocating the opposition’s attacks. Tenisonians grew frustrated, feeling hard done by refereeing decisions. Substitutions saw Cillian replace Andre, with Harty dropping into attacking midfield. The wind played into Clapham’s hands when a long kick from keeper Sam sailed over Tenisonians’ backline, allowing Aren to race through and slot calmly into the bottom right for a 3-1 lead, easing the mounting pressure.

The final 15-20 minutes were a siege, with Tenisonians throwing everything forward. Clapham’s defence, bolstered by Ashley and Dom’s tireless work in midfield, held firm, while counter-attacks kept the opposition honest. Tenisonians clawed one back to make it 3-2, setting up a nervy finale. With Aren subbed off due to cramp, and James subbed on for his defensive experience, tension peaked in the final minute when Trotty’s foul conceded a penalty. Sam, Clapham’s hero in goal, produced a stunning save to deny Tenisonians and secure the 3-2 victory.

This hard-earned win showcased Clapham’s resilience, defensive grit, and lethal pace on the break. Come on Clapham!

James Branwood