Tons number two discusses last night’s 2-0 win, Jerome Martelli and crazy scenes
Clapton assistant manager Marc Nurse praised the performance of his team after watching them beat Barking in the semi-final’s of the Essex Senior League Cup at Mayesbrook Park.
Abs Jariette volleyed the visitors ahead just before half time and Jerome Martelli wrapped things up for the Tons late on.
The Clapton number two was full of praise for the Old Spotted Dog outfit and discussed the crazy scenes after the second was scored during injury time.
“It was definitely a team performance and it always has been from the start of the season to the very end,” said Nurse.
“The players did everything we asked of them last night and more and it was tremendous. The Clapton Ultras were fantastic again and we had some nice scenes at the end.
“We also had crazy scenes after the second goal and we all lost ourselves for a moment before getting our composure back and walking off dignified.
“It was a good when the second went in because it killed the game. I think it was the 92nd minute and there were some nice scenes afterwards with the supporters.”
Nurse went on to praise the impact of Martelli, who he admitted did some “outrageous stuff” after coming off the substitutes bench.
He also discussed the role of Jariette. The Tons midfielder was sent off for Clapton during their recent 1-0 victory over Haringey Borough in the semi-final’s of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy for deliberate hand ball.
The decision proved to be a wise one, though, as Haringey missed the resulting penalty and failed to break the Old Spotted Dog side down.
“Jerry has definitely got a thing for semi-final’s with a goal yesterday and making a save against Haringey,” joked Nurse.
“Again he was in the right place at the right time and in a packed area. There was a lot of bodies, but he did very well.
“I have been nagging at Jerome recently saying when are you going to score because it has been a little while, but he was good fun on the bench.
“He was buzzing and lively, and that was on the bench, but he was magnificent on the ball when he came on and did some outrageous stuff as well.
“The goal is good for him and hopefully it will keep him grounded and let him concentrate on his football.”
Clapton have a league clash with Takeley tomorrow, but their focus will now be on Saturday’s Gordon Brasted Memorial final - also against Barking.
Nurse admitted it is a different game so anything can happen, but was hopeful his team could triumph again.
He added: “Confidence isn’t sky high because we are realistic. We just need to worry about Saturday now and get our heads focused for that.
“We definitely deserved the win yesterday because we were better than them on the night. Now we can turn our attention to Saturday and hopefully get a repeat.
“But it all depends on what happens on the day so I am not going to turn around and say we will win the final because anything can happen.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here