HULLBRIDGE Sports were edged out 3-2 by Clapton Sports as they lost their first league match since October.

The afternoon started with a football against homophobia demonstration, as both club’s showed their support to the nationwide initiative.

Both sides cancelled each other out until shortly before the half-hour mark, when Clapton took the lead following a mix-up in the Sports defence.

Five minutes after conceding, Matt Brinklow was forced off with an injury and, five minutes after that, Clapton went two up.

Jimmy Cox scored his second goal in as many weeks on the stroke of half-time to give Sports a lifeline heading into the second-half, but they were dealt a decisive blow seven minutes before the end.

A swift breakaway saw the lead increased and, although Kieran Offord pulled a goal back, Clapton held on for the win.

Southend Manor failed to recover from a wretched start as they were beaten at home by London Bari.

Bari scored after 30 seconds, although Manor did equalise midway through the half thanks to a good finish from George Crispin.

London Bari scored a second 10 minutes before the break, although Manor did have their chances to level but failed to make their chances count.

The result was wrapped up after the break after more individual mistakes in the Manor backline.

And Southend assistant manager Jack Tebbutt said the team’s performance wasn’t good enough.

"We weren’t good as a group,” he said. “We are disappointed and we need a reaction but we must stick together as a group, roll our sleeves up and go again.”

Basildon United’s match at Greenhouse Sports was postponed.