ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE Clapton 2 Bowers & Pitsea 1 A SECOND-HALF brace from Zari Barazasi saw Clapton start the New Year in ideal fashion, with victory over Bowers & Pitsea. Barazasi struck in quick succession, bagging his double in the 60th and 65th minute,

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE

Clapton 2 Bowers & Pitsea 1

A SECOND-HALF brace from Zari Barazasi saw Clapton start the New Year in ideal fashion, with victory over Bowers & Pitsea.

Barazasi struck in quick succession, bagging his double in the 60th and 65th minute, to put the Tons 2-0 ahead.

They looked to be cruising towards the three points, only for Pitsea to pull one back in the closing stages through Michael Dekyzer.

Thankfully for the home side, they held on for the triumph, which was a welcome one too, as Clapton had gone six league matches without a win, a run spanning back to October 31.

Although the victory didn't improve their league position of third from bottom, Wilfred Thomas' side are now only two points away from London APSA.

Weather permitting, Clapton are back in action this weekend when they travel to league leaders Burnham Ramblers.

The taple-toppers have endured a wobble in form recently, losing three out of four matches, but got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 success at Tiptree United on Saturday.

The Tons will be out for some semblance of revenge against Ramblers after a 5-0 humbling at the Old Spotted Dog in September.

LONDON APSA were without a game this weekend as their home match with mid-table Eton Manor was called off, as was Bethnal Green United's trip to second-placed Stansted.