Dragons hit five in Vase

Match ball sponsored by Wivenhoe Town Independent Supporters

The Dragons welcomed support run Clapton Community to the Blackstone Stadium, it was the club's first ever game in the compeition and they were backed by a large travelling contingent. Clapton play their football one step below the Dragons in the Middlesex Premier Division.

The visitors had the first good chance of the game, breaking through on the Wivenhoe goal but firing into the side netting rather than testing Ben Gallifant. Wivenhoe sent in front with their first chance of the game, Sam Holden's cross was headed home by Dean Merrett at the end of a good passing move. George Hart quickly made it two, played in by a lofted pass, he finished calmly past the visiting keeper.

Clapton were briefly back in the game, when a defected shot was well saved by
Ben Gallifant but he could only push it wide to a Clapton attacker who had a simple task to tuck the ball away. Just before half time, Hart scored his second of the game finishing off another good Wivenhoe a passing move with another sharp finish into the bottom corner.

The second half saw Clapton again create the first good chance. A straight ball bypassed the Wivenhoe defence and created an one on one opportunity against Gallifant, the Dragons keeper got down well to save and maintain the Wivenhoe two goal lead.

Following an extended break due to a clash of heads, Wivenhoe added to their goal tally. Tom Lakin's cross from the right bounced off the cross bar and dropped kindly to Dean Merrett to head into an unmarked goal for his second of the game. The final goal of the game was scored by substitute Peter Maina, the forward was played in behind the Clapton defence and struck a fine shot first time past the Clapton goalie.

A comfortable win for a clinical Wivenhoe side who progress to play Broxbourne Borough in the second qualifying round. It was the Dragons first FA Vase win since 2014-15.