All Essex Tie Goes The Distance - Bowers And Pitsea vs. Clapton

Welcome to The Len Salmon Stadium

The weekend just gone was the very first qualifying round of The FA Cup which I always look forward to. However, this year I was in Prague for a stag do and missed the first set of games and I therefore made an extra effort to catch one of the replays. I opted for the all Essex Senior League tie between Bowers and Pitsea and Clapton. The first game at The Old Spotted Dog ground had ended one one. The home side were yet to lose this season (albeit after only three games) while Clapton had obtained of each outcome so far. I had been to Clapton's fantastically named ground a few seasons ago for a London Senior Cup tie against Fisher. Things have changed in terms of atmosphere since my visit. The club are now supported by a very enthusiastic and vocal ultras section.

Kick off just before the supernova struck

Clapton have a chance after only a couple of minutes but the forward bends his effort well wide. Clapton are well on top in the opening exchanges. A weak back header by the Bowers defender plays Clapton in again and again the effort is lashed well wide. Clapton come close again with a whipped cross which is unfortunately spooned straight up in to the air by the forward. Bowers have there first meaningful attack when the ball is flicked in and the Clapton keeper is alert to claim the ball. Clapton do eventually take one of their early chances. The forward is played in and he places the ball across the keeper and in to the far corner of the net. The Clapton goalie is then caught out by a bouncing long range effort which fortunately he is able to push wide. Clapton are then able to battle through in to a good position. This time the Bowers defenders are able to make a vital block. The Clapton keeper is again caught out, this time from a corner and he is grateful for his defenders who scramble the ball away. The last chance of the half sees a Bowers shot from the edge of the area deflected just wide by a Clapton defender.   

First half action in front of the stand

The Clapton keeper almost gifts the hosts an equaliser at the start of the second half but the chance is blasted over. Clapton's first chance of the half is a long range effort which goes just wide. Bowers are having more of the ball in the opening stages and desperate defending blocks two efforts in a minute. The visitors have a lucky escape as the defender slices a clearance over his own bar. Bowers are getting closer and it takes another great block to prevent the equaliser. Bowers then have their best chance of the half as a cross finds the forward alone in the six yard box who somehow puts the ball wide. The pressure finally pays off when Bowers win a penalty for handball which is lashed home. This sparks the visitors in to action who come close with a couple of long range shots. With five minutes to go, Bowers win a free kick on the edge of the area. The effort breaks through the wall and lands at the feet of the forward who smashes the ball home. Bowers think they have won it but there is more drama to come. Clapton pile forward from the kick off and the resulting attack finds a Clapton player at the back post who slams the ball home much to delight of the ultras behind the goal. There is barely time for the restart and the game goes to extra time.

Bowers attack the Clapton Ultras end

In the opening minutes of the first period of extra time, Bowers win another penalty. The keeper is able the penalty itself but is helpless as the rebound is smashed home. Having been stung by aiming for last buses and trains in the past I elect to leave to ensure an easy journey home. I miss another Clapton goal which takes the game to penalties where the home side finally prevail.

Clapton attack in the first half

The closest station to The Len Salmon Stadium is Pitsea which is a steady half hour walk away. Trains to Pitsea depart from Fenchurch Street on a regular basis and the quick trains take forty minutes. There is very little around Pitsea Station and I did not see a single pub while I was there. It may be best having a drink in London or getting off a stop early and seeing what is on offer in Basildon. The clubhouse was worth the walk and had a good bar and appeared to be a focal point for the community.

First half wing play in front of the dugouts