Stow 3-0 Clapton

Stow took another positive step with a 3-0 win over Clapton at Wadham Lodge. A thoroughly deserved hattrick from Callum Ibe confirmed a top three finish for Stow.

But it could have been a different story, had Clapton’s early effort on goal not been kept out by the woodwork. This woke Stow up though, and from then on it was one-way traffic.

Charlie Cole was the first to go close, heading just wide, and then Samir Bihmoutine’s deflected free kick was just about kept out by the Clapton keeper. Moments later some heroic defending from the Tons somehow kept out three goal-bound efforts – the sheer number of bodies on the line meant Stow couldn’t quite bundle it over.

But Stow were rewarded with half an hour played, when Ibe scored the first of his three. Tommy Spillane’s cross to the back post was perfectly cushioned across goal by Connor Scully, and Ibe made no mistake with a header from five yards out.

The second half started as the first had ended, and Scully – who gave the Clapton left-back a torrid time all afternoon – delivered to Cole who headed just wide. It was then Homans’ turn to clip one in to Cole but this time the Stow forward couldn’t quite keep his header the right side of the post.

Scully then switched to the left wing and immediately put a teasing cross into the box only for Ibe to smash the crossbar. Bihmoutine got on the end of the rebound, but couldn’t quite get enough power on the header to beat the keeper.

Ibe made amends on 70 minutes, being in the right place to lash home a shot from Scully which was deflected straight to him. And five minutes later he completed his hattrick from the penalty spot after Tendai Quamina was bundled over in the box after beating his man.

Clapton did still have a chance to get on the score sheet in injury time, but Jack Moore positioned himself well and saved a Tons one-on-one.

Stow now travel to Woodford Town on Friday evening for a tasty local derby.

Image: AZ Images