Waltham Forest 1-2 Clapton

Waltham Forest’s recent troubles against Clapton continued as they went down 2-1 to a hard-working Tons side.

The warning signs were evident from the start for Forest, as Clapton went close twice in the opening few minutes.

But it was Forest who took an early lead against the run of play. A ball over the top was misjudged by a Clapton defender, allowing Jose Agua to run through and smash the ball past Papa Digne.

Forest’s lead was short-lived though, as Paul Oshin made the most of a cheap free-kick given away by Luke Foster for handball by the half way line. Oshin latched onto a long ball and poked the ball between the legs of Alex Catana.

The away side dominated much of the first half, but Forest enjoyed a good spell in the final ten minutes as Charlie Gregory and Patrick Ruzicka both went close.

Forest continued their bright spell at the start of the second half, and should have done better when a number of opportunities fell the way of Ruzicka, Gregory and Alan Callaghan.

But it was Clapton who took the spoils on the break, Warren Mfula making the most of some poor marking to bundle the ball past Catana.

Newham’s 3-1 defeat to Eton Manor means they’re guaranteed to finish bottom, but Forest will be looking to take at least a point in their final two games against Bowers & Pitsea and FC Romania to avoid any uncertainty about their level in the pyramid next season.