Clapham United reserves win AFA Cup final

Played in beautiful conditions on a lovely surface at Norsemen FC’s Edmonton Sports & Social Club, the thrilling clash was a great advertisement for women’s football in front of a large, appreciative crowd.

The first team bossed the opening stages but were caught cold in the 25th minute, when they failed to clear Jo Rooney’s corner and reserves skipper Tania Clayton forced the ball home from close range for the opening goal.

Ten minutes later, it was 2-0. Another corner was again not dealt with and, after great work from player of the match, Martha Day, the ball was played across the face of goal for an unmarked Rooney to convert the easiest of tap-ins.

With a two-goal advantage settling nerves, the reserves enjoyed their best spell of the match until the half-time break, with 16-year-old Day making a real nuisance of herself playing as the lone striker.

United’s first team regrouped at the break and came out firing in the second half.

Kat Fidler finished calmly from a one-on-one with reserves keeper Helen Covic to make it 2-1, setting up a tense final half-hour.

But a superb defensive display ensured the reserves held on to secure a famous in and the club’s first piece of silverware.