FA Vase: Clapton 0 Barking 1

A spirited second half display wasn’t enough for Clapton and their outstanding fans as Barking sent them out of the FA Vase at the Old Spotted Dog.

The only goal came just before half time and although Tons were playing against 10 men for the final exchanges they couldn’t force an equaliser.

Clapton kicked off with their fans in great voice, but the Barking faithful were celebrating, prematurely, when they thought they had gone ahead but Dumebi GB-Dumaka’s snap shot had gone wide.

Tons were forced into an early substitution when Borja Camacho had to be replaced by Jamie Briggs but Barking were starting to take control of the tie.

Twice James Barlow went close for the Blues, but he couldn’t beat the dominant Pepe Diagne, who was nullifying Barking’s aerial threat by claiming every cross.

Clapton captain Ben Lowes was fantastic in midfield but went into the book for a late tackle on Barlow, and the visitors went close soon after.

GB-Dumaka’s eyes lit up as the ball came towards him but the head of Billy Wise brilliantly blocked his goalbound volley.

It was short respite for Tons though as two minutes before the break Barking took the lead as Lamar Reynolds raced clear for the Blues and slotted past Diagne before celebrating in front of Ultras.

The hosts came out fighting for the second period, and roared on by their rapturous supporters, came close to an equaliser.

A long kick by Diagne beat the Barking defence, Rafael Duyille cut inside but Barking’s Hungarian keeper Damos Horvath tipped his powerful effort around the post.

Tom Jeffes nearly brought Tons level, but after realising Barking’s keeper was off his line, he would have been disappointed to not find the net with his lob.

Jeffes continued causing problems and turned his marker left and right before firing at goal, but his effort was well saved by Horvath.

The match was becoming stretched now and Wise poked over the bar for Clapton before GB-Dumaka failed to find the net when through on goal.

Players from both teams clashed as the tie went into the final 15 minutes and the coming together saw Jeffes booked and Barking’s Adewale Oshilaja receive an unjust caution.

Two minutes later and that booking would come back to haunt Oshilaja as his rash tackle on Tons substitute Nick Read meant the Barking full back was given his marching orders.

Clapton continued pressing but couldn’t find the break through and when Barking goalie Horvath punched a free kick clear, it was all over for Tons and they exited the FA Vase.

They will hope to bounce back next Saturday in their Essex Senior League match at Southend Manor.

Clapton: Diagne, Naylor (Anatune 85), Moore, Lowes, Greenwood, Tacey, Wise, Parker (Read 75), Jeffes, Camacho (Briggs 18), Duyille.