Essex Senior League: Bowers & Pitsea 3 Clapton 0

Clapton’s returned from their long journey to face Bowers & Pitsea with no reward in the Essex Senior League last night (Tuesday).

The Tons fell to a 3-0 defeat as they conceded twice in quick succession after the break against the FA Vase semi-finalists.

It had been difficult for the Old Spotted Dog outfit to prepare for the encounter because the venue wasn’t confirmed until a day before the match.

Great Wakering Rovers’ Burroughs Park hosted the league fixture with Bowers Len Salmon Stadium still not playable.

And due to the long midweek trip, Tons manager Michael Walther was without all of his coaching team for the game.

With that in mind, the club called for a fan to be assistant for the night and former UEL student and one of the Clapton Ultras Josh Millar stepped up.

Kick-off was delayed, but once proceedings got underway it remained goalless during the opening exchanges.

Unfortunately the hosts won a spot-kick and James Stevens converted it in the 22nd minute to put them ahead.

It remained 1-0 to Bowers until the break and they doubled their advantage four minutes after the restart when Chris Bryan lobbed Pape Diagne.

The home team made it three five minutes later when Ross Adams found the net from Stevens corner to leave Clapton facing defeat.

But the Tons battled well for the rest of the encounter, although they couldn’t reduce the arrears at Burroughs Park.

Next up for Walther’s team is a home clash with Southend Manor on Saturday where they’ll look to get back to winning ways.