Essex Senior League: Hullbridge Sports 4 Clapton 2

Clapton failed to make it back-to-back wins in the Essex Senior League as they fell to a 4-2 defeat against Hullbridge Sports.

The Tons netted an early opener after a strong start but it counted for nothing as goals from Nathan Scarborough, Luke Hornsley, Jimmy Cox and Rod Hodgson sealed the three points.

The match was delayed from a 7.45pm kick-off to 8.15pm but that didn’t seem to affect either side as they both netted early.

In the 11th minute Clapton broke the deadlock when an incoming free-kick was cleared but fell to Clapton’s striker who struck it in off the post.

Three minutes later the hosts levelled the scored as a cross into the box from Scarborough found Hodgson who made no mistake and fired the ball into the net.

Bridge then took a 2-1 lead in the 23rd minute when Hornsley drilled the ball under the Tons goalkeeper.

The Tons then returned the favour as their striker bagged his second of the match as he shot past George Marsh at the near post in the 37th minute.

In added time Darren Manning’s side were awarded a penalty and Jimmy Cox stepped up to make it 3-2 going into the half-time break.

Hullbridge then put the nail in the coffin after some good chances from Clapton as Hornsley went round two defenders before crossing the ball in for Scarborough to head in after a scramble to seal a 4-2 win.

Clapton will return to action when they travel away to Sporting Bengal United on Friday evening.