Essex Senior League Premier Division London APSA 1 Southend Manor 2 LONDON APSA manager John Higley claims his side s indifferent start to the season is down to a lack of experience . On Saturday Highley s men lost at home to Southend Manor in the Prem

Essex Senior League

Premier Division

London APSA 1

Southend Manor 2

LONDON APSA manager John Higley claims his side's indifferent start to the season is down to a "lack of experience".

On Saturday Highley's men lost at home to Southend Manor in the Premier Division, which was their fourth defeat in six Essex Senior League games.

The Terence Macmillan Stadium boss has been left to rue the naivety of his young squad. "We are a good, good side with so much potential," he said.

"Unfortunately, we do not have enough older, experienced players to help guide the youngster through while they learn about football at this level.

"When we make these genuine, naive mistakes, it can get a little frustrating, but we have got to learn from this and move on to the next game."

Having lost to Burnham Rambers in the League Cup two days earlier, London ASPA's weary legs were punished as early as the second minute against mid-table Manor.

The hosts gave away a needless free kick, which was floated in and dispatched clinically by Dan Stanley.

APSA rallied and tried to find a quick response. Isaac Aubynn whipped a cross into the box for the arriving Ben Dixon who powered a header straight at the goalkeeper.

The home side kept attacking and in the 20th minute, saw another chance go begging. Mohammed Dakri picked out Tim Cole with a free kick who sent the ball agonisingly across the face of goal crying out for a telling touch.

APSA signalled their intent in the second half when Gregory Akpele fizzed a shot just over the bar.

The equaliser finally came courtesy of Aubynn. His long throw caused havoc in the box and the ball was bundled over the line to bring the scores level.

But the reprieve was short lived when Manor retook the lead in the 67th minute. APSA lost the ball in midfield and the visitors broke to devastating effect with Wilf Msiska applying the finishing touch.