Essex Senior League London APSA 1 Clapton 0 LONDON APSA boss John Higley praised his players after they battled to a hard-fought victory over relegation rivals Clapton. Isaac Aubynn s first-half strike settled the match, leaving APSA six points clear of t

Essex Senior League

London APSA 1 Clapton 0

LONDON APSA boss John Higley praised his players after they battled to a hard-fought victory over relegation rivals Clapton.

Isaac Aubynn's first-half strike settled the match, leaving APSA six points clear of the Tons, who are second from bottom in the Essex Senior League.

Higley applauded his team for grinding out a crucial win with 15 games to go.

"This was a good three points for us. We've taken points from both Clapton and Mauritius in recent weeks, which was important, as we play them both again in our next two games," said the Terence McMillan Stadium chief.

"The conditions today were not great and that has affected the pitch. However, the lads dug deep and battled out there.

"As I said, it wasn't pretty, but the lads did the job and got the result. I'm encouraged, as we defended well and are still making chances.

"We just need to be more clinical."

The hosts showed their intent as early as the first minute with an attack ended which ended with a Jamie Langton shot flying inches over the bar.

The only goal of the game was scored in the 16th minute after some intelligent work from keeper Steve Brown.

The youngster caught a high Clapton cross then hit a lengthy drop kick into the away team's penalty area, which caught the visitor's defence wrong footed.

Aubynn was first to react, sliding the ball into the back of the net to score what turned out to be the winner.

In a game full of passion and commitment, which is expected in a local derby, APSA squandered more chances.

Junior Mustapha, Gregory Akpele, Lata and Aubynn all missed good opportunities, which kept the game on edge and gave Clapton hope right until the final whistle.

However, the fine form of young keeper Brown ensured APSA dealt with the threat of their visitors and took a valuable three points.

This Saturday APSA play the Tons again, this time at the Spotted Dog ground.

London APSA: Brown, John Langton, Flanders, P Mpalampa, Callaway, Mustapha, Jamie Langton, S Mpalampa, Swash, Aubynn, Akpele.