Clapton Community’s men's side paid the price for a sloppy first half performance at Indian Gymkhana in the Middlesex County Football League Premier. The Tons fought back and nearly snatched a draw in the second period, but were edged out 5-4.

In spite of affording the hosts a raft of early chances, it was Clapton who opened the scoring. Marlinho's swirling free kick decieved the opposition goalkeeper and found its way into the net.

Gymkhana hit back straight away, though, as unfortunate Clapton midfielder Cemal Agdelen deflected a dangerous cross into his own net.

Prolific striker Edward Simon then capitalised on some poor defending to grab two quick goals to take Gymkhana in to the break at 3-1 up.

Simon got another goal straight after the restart to seemingly kill off the contest, but the second half introductions of Aaron Yfeko and Noah Adejokun breathed new life into the Tons.

Adejokun pulled one back, only for Gymkhana's Nauman Quaraishy to score their fifth and halt the visitors' momentum.

Adejokun soon struck again, then Yfeko slammed home from an indirect free kick in the box to make it 5-4 and set up a grandstand finish.

However, the hosts managed to close the game down and seal the three points.

Clapton manager Geoff Ocran said: "If you look at the first half, they should have been out of sight. We just weren't at the races. There were too many spaces and not enough pressure on the ball. We changed it about at half time, the performance was better and we nearly came back."