Old Spotted Dog clubs did battle last night and it was Bari celebrating at full time having earned their first success of the campaign

London Bari boss Chris Davis claimed that his team are still ‘learning’ as they earned their first points of the Essex Senior League season with a win against derby rivals Clapton last night.

Bari welcomed Tons to the Old Spotted Dog Stadium for the second time in ten days, after Clapton managed to knock Bari out of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-1 score line in the competitions extra-preliminary round.

However there was to be no repeat this time as Davis saw his side held on to earn a well deserved win after striker Babajide Sonupe scored the only goal of the game after 11 minutes.

“We’re glad to just get the win, we didn’t think we played well enough in the first three games of the season so we’re relieved to get the points on the board,” said Bari’s manager.

“With every match we are learning and yesterday’s was difficult for us, Clapton set out differently to how they did in the cup and that made the game a real test for us.

“They have an experienced squad and we have a team full of talented kids and I believe that the hunger and desire of my players was what helped us to cross the line and get the win.

“I’ve been here for two seasons now and in all my games against them we always seem to be close, but they find a way to either win or draw.

“However, yesterday I felt we were dominant and we should have won by many more goals, but the most important thing to take from the match is the three points.”

Davis also admitted his surprise at Bari’s slow start, after they lost the opening two games of the season as well as getting knocked out of the FA Cup.

He said: “We didn’t think it would take as long as it did to get our first win, the players started their pre-season in June to try and ensure that we we’re ready for a strong campaign.

“I thought that after the first few friendlies they would understand what we require of them, but it took a little longer than expected.

“However after yesterday, I believe we’ve settled down now, the players showed me attitude, desire and application last night and that tells me that they know what I expect from them now.

“We are going to take every game as it comes and I’ve always believed that the confidence is there, but I hope with the first victory of the season that they have the motivation to keep on winning.

“Last night was a win against a very strong Clapton side and I believe that if you can beat one very strong team then you get the belief that you can beat anyone. It’s not going to be easy to push on in the league, but all the players heads have raised after last night’s result.”

Bari host league strugglers Stansted on Saturday (August 20) in the league as they look to continue their ascent higher up the table.