David Gold addresses Clapton team

The presence of West Ham United co-chairman David Gold couldn’t inspire Clapton to their first Essex Senior League win of the season, but it wasn’t for the want of trying.

Essex Senior League

Clapton 1 Stansted 1

The presence of West Ham United co-chairman David Gold couldn’t inspire Clapton to their first Essex Senior League win of the season, but it wasn’t for the want of trying.

With the Hammers not playing until Monday night, a couple of the Tons supporters took to the social network site Twitter to invite the Hammers co-owner down to the Old Spotted Dog for the game and Gold gladly accepted.

Despite Clapton taking the lead through Fahad Nyanga after 25 minutes they were unable to convert a number of other chances, before James Blackaby’s 55th minute free-kick crept into the back of the net.

The Tons hit both the bar and post going in search of the winner and had one disallowed, but couldn’t find another way through.

“The David Gold appearance all came through two of our fans, who also support West Ham. They contacted him via Twitter and he turned up,” said manager Chris Wood.

“He watched the whole game, stayed afterwards as well and it was great to have him around.

“Apparently he played on the ground as a youngster as well. He was able to offer a lot of advice as well on other matters at the club.”

After hosting tenants London Bari last night in the second leg, second leg tie of the League Cup, Wood’s side travel to Takeley in the league on Saturday.