Clapham United enjoyed a red-letter day on Sunday as their first XI won through to a cup final against their reserves side on the same day a women’s football philanthropist handed them £500.
Ted Larkin, who founded Chelsea Ladies in 1973 and has more recently been involved with Fulham Ladies, watched the first half of Clapham’s AFA Cup semi-final against Regents Park Rangers on Clapham Common and obviously liked what he saw, handing over a cheque for £500 to go towards the club’s running costs.
The Wandsworth resident is a huge supporter of women’s football and is concerned the grassroots game may suffer at the expense of the proposed new Super League, which kicks off next year.
On the pitch, Clapham emerged victorious from a tense battle that went to a penalty shootout after finishing 1-1.
Stand-in keeper Kristy Higginson was the hero, saving two spotkicks.
The final will be played at Norsemen FC in Edmonton, north London, on Saturday, April 10 (10.30am).
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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