LONDON APSA grabbed a late point against rivals Clapton in a thrilling Essex Senior League clash on Saturday.

Clapton 2 London ASPA

LONDON APSA grabbed a late point against rivals Clapton in a thrilling Essex Senior League clash on Saturday.

Isaac Aubynn's first-half goal looked to have given John Higley's men the three points at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, but a dramatic finale to the game resulted in a share of the spoils.

Aubynn headed APSA in front from a Jamie Langton corner in the 15th minute and from that point onwards the visitors looked in total control.

But chance after chance went begging as Aubynn shot wide and Gregory Akpele had an effort cleared off the line.

The action swung up the other end and Steve Brown had to be at his best between the sticks to preserve his side's advantage.

The goalscoring opportunities continued to flow in the second half as Mo Dakri brought the best out of the opposition goalkeeper with a free kick.

The rebound fell to the feet of left back Patrick Mpalampa, but he blasted the ball over the bar from an acute angle.

Mpalampa had another chance moments later when a Dakri free kick deflected into his path, but he could only shoot wide again.

Sandwiched between these two efforts, Akpele had headed over the bar when he should have done better.

APSA were to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when they were caught cold in the 60th minute.

A long throw-in caused havoc in the visiting defence.

Fahim Shah claimed he was pushed by an opposing striker as they challenged for a header, but his protests fell on deaf ears and Clapton pounced to level the scores through Jerry Jairette.

Five minutes later Brown was judged to have fouled a Clapton forward in the penalty area.

The referee pointed to the spot and showed the young goalkeeper a yellow card.

It was left to Jairette to make no mistake from 12 yards and give the Tons the lead.

APSA did not let their heads drop and assistant manager Steve Brown Snr standing in for manager John Higley, made a last throw of the dice, bringing on all three of his substitutes.

Brown's gamble paid off as Akpele latched on to a high throughball from midfield, left a Clapton defender on his backside and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to level the match in the 90th minute.