CLAPTON boss Wilfred Thomas believes hesitancy at both ends of the pitch led to his side s narrow defeat at East End rivals London APSA on Saturday, writes IAIN LIDDLE. The Tons went down to a 15th minute strike from Isaac Aubynn in an evenly-contested de

CLAPTON boss Wilfred Thomas believes hesitancy at both ends of the pitch led to his side's narrow defeat at East End rivals London APSA on Saturday, writes IAIN LIDDLE.

The Tons went down to a 15th minute strike from Isaac Aubynn in an evenly-contested derby game at the Terence McMillan stadium.

A defensive lapse allowed APSA to score the only goal on a boggy pitch, while Thomas' search for a goalscorer continues after watching Clapton spurn several chances at the other end.

"We deserved at least a draw, if not a win, but I would have taken a draw," said the manager.

"The pitch wasn't all that great, as they played on it on Thursday under heavy rain and it didn't make for a great game of football.

"The goal was down to split-second hesitation and we should have scored at least one at the other end.

"We created a lot of chances, but just keep putting the ball in the keeper's hands at the moment.

"We have a young man up front who hesitates and looks before he attacks, but you can't do that as a striker.

"You can't look to see who is around you, just see the ball and attack it."

Jerry Jarrett and Robert Olienka impressed for the Old Spotted Dog club, who play hosts to APSA in a return fixture this weekend.

"They've got a couple of great individual players and they just look for them all the time," said Thomas.

"In our side, every player gets a touch of the ball. They get the ball up to their strikers who are troublesome and physical, but I'm hoping we can get three points against them.