Honours even in east London derby

Honours finished even in a Friday night derby between east London rivals at Mile End Stadium.

The home side went into the encounter on the back of a 4-0 home defeat against Takeley in the FA Cup last weekend, while Tons upset Bostik North side Norwich United with a 2-0 win.

That victory had earned Jon Fowell’s men £1,925 and another home tie against Needham Market in the first qualifying round on September 2, but they were frustrated by Hamlets in front of an impressive crowd of 468.

The visitors had more of the ball in the first half, but Hamlets had better chances as the scoreline remained blank.

And only a superb save from Emmanuel Olajide denied the home side a breakthrough, before Tons applied late pressure as it ended goalless.

Tons captain Jerry Jairette took to Twitter to thank Clapton’s followers, posting: “Wanna say thank you to the supporters, you were amazing and deserved better, we will be better.”

Assistant manager Andre Thomas added: “What a set of supporters. I genuinely meant it, you’re second to none. Thank you for coming out and supporting the team. We’ve missed you.

“Sorry we didn’t score the goals the support deserved. We’ll do it next time for sure.”

Clapton return to the Old Spotted Dog to host Waltham Forest on Tuesday, while Hamlets are back at Mile End as the away team next weekend when they visit co-tenants Sporting Bengal United, who visit Southend Manor on Saturday and host Sawbridgeworth on Wednesday.

Hackney Wick are due to host Basildon on Saturday and visit Great Wakering on Tuesday.

Tower Hamlets: McKnight, Earle, Watson, Ibrahim, Anthony, Ndure, T Odedoyin, Sinclair, With, Lukombo, Wilson, W Odedoyin, Best, Nche, Pond, Tobun, Ikenwe, Ackie.

Clapton: Olajide, Adesina, Awoderu, Bello, Boubo, Budvytis, Cobblah, Cook, Flynn, Haighton, Heskey, Hill, Jairette, Joseph, Kahie, Knight, Lastic, Lyndon, Stephenson.