An impressive Clapham Alexandra perfomance gave the club a much-needed 3-1 victory against Sandmere on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon.
Clapham started the game with just 11 fit players, with player/manager Tom Riley naming a new-look Alex side. Centre back Will Sanders was moved into central midfield, with Stroudy moved to right wing in a 4-4-2 formation.
The first ten minutes of the game were evenly matched, with both sides struggling to get the ball under control and string anything together as result of the treacherous conditions. However, Alex stated to take control, with Alcott and Sanders looking dominant in central midfield and the whole defence looking assured in possession and distributing the ball well.
Both wingers were linking up with their full backs to good effect, with the forward pairing of Miller and Griffiths not leaving the Sandmere defence with much time on the ball. This harrying soon paid off when a mix up between the oppposition defence saw the Sandmere keeper rush out to claim the ball, slipping as he sliced his clearance. The ball landed at Stroud's feet some 40 yards from goal and without taking a touch the Clapham wingman calmly struck the ball into the open net.
The Alex continued to dominate, and after carving out a couple of half chances, the ball broke in Sandmere's box, with Alcott receiving the ball on his chest and finding the opposition defender going straight through him in an attempt to gain possession. The referee instantly gave the penalty, much to the dismay of the home side. Alcott calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to give Alex a 2-0 lead.
The second half began much as the first did, with Alex comfortable in possession and playing some nice little triangles but Sandmere looking dangerous on the counter attack. After 15 minutes a nice move down the left from Sandmere saw their winger one-on-one with Gandi, tucking the ball away to get a goal back.
Hearts were in mouths as Sandmere created a couple of long distance opportunities, with Clapham looking in danger of throwing away their lead despite running the game for long periods. However, a great move down the right involving Akash, Woody and Alcott saw Woody look up and curl a ball into the corridor of uncertainty from the left wing.
The ball found its way past both opposition centre backs, with the keeper getting the faintest of touches, only for Clapham winger Stroudy to ghost in at the far post and finish with aplomb from the tightest of angles.
With that, the game was pretty much over as a contest, and the sides played out the remaining 15 minutes without incident.
A great result for the Alex, who looked dominant throughout. With three points on the board in the Cup, as well as being joint top in the league, an air of confidence is running through the club with the supporters whispering about a realistic chance of silverware this season.
