Clacton Achieve Cup Progress - FC Clacton vs. Sporting Bengal United

Match action at The Rush Green Bowl

It was the very first round of the FA Cup this weekend and I made the long journey to the Essex coast for the tie between FC Clacton and Sporting Bengal United. Although Clacton finished bottom of the Premier Division last season, circumstances allowed them to keep their place in the top division. They had began their season with a 1-1 draw away at Kirkley and Pakefield. Sporting Bengal had recorded an impressive away win at Southend Manor on the opening weekend. Sporting were set up to allow people from the Bangladeshi community to play senior football but are open to all nationalities. The game was been covered by BT Sport for a road to Wembley feature.  

The road to Wembley begins

Clacton almost gift Sporting the opening goal when the keeper fails to collect after coming off his line but the visitors fail to take advantage. Clacton then create the first one on one chance of the game and the Sporting centre back makes a fantastic goal saving tackle. The resulting corner isn't cleared properly and Clacton are allowed to get a shot in which is easily save by the keeper. They do however take the lead shortly afterwards when a ball across the six yard box is put in to the net from close range. They have a great chance to go two up shortly afterwards but the centre forward pokes the ball wide. They are made to regret that missed chance when Sporting equalise with a great free kick and miss a great chance to take the lead just before half time.

The Bus shelter which houses the vocal Clacton fans

Sporting have another chance to take the lead but the initial effort is charged down and the second one is put well over the bar. Clacton then have a chance and the Sporting keeper is forced to make a great low save. The Clacton keeper is then called in to action to make a great one on one save following a powerful run by the Sporting midfielder. The game now begins to open and Clacton miss another couple of chances as they begin to get on top of the tie. They retake the lead when the forward gets his head on a ball from the right hand side. The home side make sure of progress a few minutes later when the winger allows the ball to come over his shoulder and he sends a fantastic half volley past the Sporting keeper.

Stand opposite the Bus Shelter

As I stated earlier, the journey from London to Clacton is quite a long one. The train from Liverpool Street takes an hour and a half and trains depart every hour. Clacton sea front is as you would imagine and it worth having a walk along the beach before the game. In between the station and the beach is The Old Lifeboat House which is an over twenty five only pub and has Sky Sports and several ales available. Just round the corner from the station is The Aldersgate Social Club which is now a public house and was very welcoming. The walk to the ground takes around twenty five minutes and takes you through a labyrinth of residential streets. The clubhouse had a good selection of drinks and worth visiting.

The programme was another great effort from a Eastern Counties club - the Wivenhoe and Ely programmes last season were both brilliant. The programme won the league award for best programme and it is easy to see why. There is a lot of reading for the long journey back and even included a quiz which always get bonus points.

Sporting Bengal look for the equaliser in the first half