Essex Senior League: Greenhouse 2 Tower Hamlets 3

Tower Hamlets came from behind to celebrate victory on their return to Essex Senior League action.

The Mile End club had been suspended since their December 13 defeat against leaders Haringey Borough, but were voted back into the competition at a special meeting in midweek.

And a youthful side – with an average age of 18 – showed determination and courage to twice come from behind and earn the three points at Ilford’s Cricklefield Stadium.

Tower Hamlets are set to host Stansted at Mile End on Wednesday.

East London rivals Clapton also came from behind to earn a point against Waltham Forest at the Old Spotted Dog.

Tons went into the match on the back of an exciting, last-gasp 4-3 midweek over Ilford.

But Callum Holder hit the crossbar for the visitors, before firing them in front with a shot from the edge of the box after Tons failed to clear.

The home side went agonisingly close to levelling when they hit the post with a speculative long range effort in the second half.

But Tons drew level 15 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty and Warren Mfula fired home from the spot.

Borough rivals Newham were without a match, but return to action at Bowers on Tuesday.

And London Bari also had a free weekend, ahead of their home meeting with Hullbridge on January 31.

Clapton: Diagne, Stevens (Aggio), Kanjor, Mfula, Bogdan, Ocran, Gomez, Mott, Nyanja, Barnwell, Maretlli. Unuseed subs: Spencer, Maynard, Mbelck.

*Leaders Haringey Borough proved too strong for basement boys Sporting Bengal at Mile End Stadium, running out 4-1 winners.

Sayid Ahmed netted the consolation for the home side, who return to action at Southend Manor next weekend.