Essex Senior League: Clapton 1 Takeley 0

Clapton moved joint top of the Essex Senior League following a 1-0 win over Takeley at the Old Spotted Dog last night (Tuesday).

Michael Walther’s team went into the contest in great form having not tasted defeat since August 15.

They had won five of their previous six matches in all competition and were therefore confident going into the east London contest.

But the Tons were aware of how dangerous the Hertfordshire outfit could be after they beat Clapton twice last season.

It remained goalless at half time with neither side able to find the breakthrough, but finally the only goal of the game came towards the end of the match.

Walther’s side managed to hold on for a 1-0 victory, which moves them level on points with Bowers & Pitsea at the summit with 19 points from their opening eight league matches.

They have played one game more than the Essex team, but are second in the standings because Pitsea have a better goal difference than the Tons.

Next up for the Old Spotted Dog outfit is an FA Vase clash against Ipswich Wanderers this weekend.

While London Bari and Newham are both in action tonight (Wednesday) with Bari making the trip to Waltham Forest for a league match.

Newham, meanwhile, take on Basildon United at Chadfields in the second round of the Essex Senior Cup.