Barking’s Mayesbrook Park hosts the SCEFL Division One Cup final between Clapton Community and Forest Hill Park on Saturday.

Both teams entered in the second round and had home ties, having had byes in the previous one. Clapton defeated SC Thamesmead four-nil with goals by Julian Austin, Fred Taylor, Cameron Gordon, and Arthur Wright. Forest Hill also kept a clean sheet when beating Tooting Bec two-nil with Ainsley Everett and Zak Ansah on target.

In the quarter finals, Clapton again hosted when beating Halls AFC two-nil courtesy of an own goal, and a Tami Unuefa strike. Although drawn away, the Dons were on familiar territory as they played Lewisham Borough, with whom they share the Alex Yee Ladywell Arena. Ed Mbango and Nathan Palmer scored the goals that knocked out the holders.

Once again, Clapton were at home in the semis and went one up against Meridian VP with Fred Taylor on target. They then conceded for the first time in the tournament however, James Briggs scored their winner. Forest Hill’s defence was also breached for the first time by league champions Faversham Strike Force. Three goals, scored by Ansah, Temi Alaka, Tobi Coker, ensured that the Dons progressed to the final.

Ten points separated the two teams with Forest Hill finishing third before losing the play off decider to Soul Tower Hamlet, while Clapton ended in seventh place. There has been little to choose between them in their head to head meetings as well, with the Dons just edging things. They won two-one at home in September after being behind to a Noah Adejokun goal at the break. 

Deshon Carty levelled just shy of the hour mark and Palmer scored the winner with seven minutes remaining. The return match was on the last day of the season and Alaka put the Dons ahead before Charlie Fagan scored for Clapton.

It will be the last chance for either side to win silverware this season and a big crowd is expected for the all ticket match, kicking off at 2pm.