Basildon United 2 Clapton 1

Clapton were caught cold as they made a losing start to the new season at the Longmans Motors Stadium.

Only 55 seconds had been played when Craig Gillam drove home a shot to put Basildon in front.

And Tons conceded a second just before the hour mark, as Brad Warner slotted home to double the Bees’ advantage.

The visitors were given a lifeline on 70 minutes when Paul Shave bundled Freddie Morris over in the box and he picked himself up to convert the spot-kick.

But Tons could not force an equaliser and returned to east London empty-handed ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Eton Manor at the Old Spotted Dog ground.

Clapton: Diagne, Monville, Plange-Tabil, Haighton, Lancaster, Webb, Jairette, Ocran, Formoso-Cortez, Morris, Cook. Subs: Degraft, Stevens, Barry, O’Connor, Justin.