Tower Hamlets joint-manager AJ Ashinike admits it was ‘disappointing’ to suffer a late 2-1 defeat to Redbridge on the opening day of the Essex Senior League season.

Hasan Mustafa’s 33rd-minute goal from Wale Odedoyin’s cross gave the Tower Hamlets the advantage, which looked like being enough as the match entered its closing stages.

The Motormen scored twice in the space of two minutes, with Calvin Poku getting them back on level terms after twice hitting the crossbar before Eljay Worrall’s 90th-minute header secured all three points for the hosts.

“Obviously it was very disappointing,” Ashinike admitted.

“The boys worked hard on Saturday and I think it was lack of fitness why they scored late on.

“I was actually surprised by the performance the boys put in.”

The manager also praised the opposition and admits they should be up the top of the league come the end of the season.

“They’re going to be up there come the end of the season if they keep that squad together,” he said.

“I think they’re going to be the best team in the league.”