Tons assistant manager looks ahead to first final this weekend against Barking

Newham Recorder: Honours finished even when Clapton and Barking met at the Old Spotted Dog back in September (pic: Terry Gilbert)Honours finished even when Clapton and Barking met at the Old Spotted Dog back in September (pic: Terry Gilbert) (Image: Archant)

Clapton are preparing for a first cup final since 1989 and assistant manager Marc Nurse believes it shows the club are on the right pathway to achieving even more success next season.

Tons face Barking in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy final at Burnham’s Leslie Field on Saturday and it will be the first big day they have had since competing in the final of the London Senior Cup in 1988/89 when they lost 1-0 to Fisher Athletic.

The Old Spotted Dog outfit defeated Barking 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Essex Senior League Cup at Mayesbrook Park on Tuesday in a dress rehearsal for the weekend.

Clapton will now meet Bowers in the final on May 10 and Nurse is pleased with the progress his side are making.

Newham Recorder: Barking beat Clapton 1-0 when the sides met at Mayesbrook Park in January (pic: Terry Gilbert)Barking beat Clapton 1-0 when the sides met at Mayesbrook Park in January (pic: Terry Gilbert) (Image: Archant)

“I don’t know how many years it has been since we won something,” said Nurse.

“We’re going in the right direction and we are where we want to be. I’m not 100 per cent happy with this season, but happy we have a final to look forward to.

“For most of the players it will be the first time they have appeared in the final of this competition.

“This is all experience to add to next season where we want to be challenging for the league, but we will see what happens.”

Newham Recorder: The Clapton fans celebrate after Stansted game (pic: Keely Moore)The Clapton fans celebrate after Stansted game (pic: Keely Moore) (Image: Archant)

Nurse believes manager Michael Walther deserves praise for what he has achieved in his first season in charge of the Tons.

He also hailed the impact of Clapton’s supporters for inspiring their side on many occasions this year and hopes they can do it again to help them end a 26-year wait for silverware. They beat Witham in the final of the Essex Senior Trophy in March 1989.

“I think it should be said that Michael has done an excellent job in his first season in charge and first in this league,” added Nurse.

“We can be happy with what we have achieved as a club and as a team this season, but it is down to everyone involved.

“Clapton’s Ultras have been fantastic and it has been down to them, and a few other little details, as to why we have achieved what we have this season.

“The supporters have got a couple of coaches lined up for the final. I am not sure how many will go, but with their support who know what could happen?”

Tons have one more league game to play when they make the trip to Takeley tonight and three points would see them finish seventh in the league.

But Nurse admitted: “It is a bit annoying to have Takeley. We just have to work around it and I don’t think we can finish below eighth regardless of what happens on Thursday.

“It is just a game we need to play and it will be players coming into the team who are trying to stake a claim for next season. We are going in the right direction and who knows what can happen on Saturday.”

Clapton’s future looks bright and they could give their fans a cup to celebrate this weekend.