JAMES Wakeling has called on Hullbridge Sports to keep more clean sheets after shutting out Tower Hamlets.

Hullbridge moved back up to second place in the Essex Senior League standings thanks to a 2-0 home win.

And Wakeling was pleased with the result.

The Sports assistant manager said: “It was a great result, but it could have been more.

“Their goalkeeper made a few good saves and saved a penalty as well.

“But I said to the boys before the game ‘let’s try and keep a clean sheet’ because it was seven games without one and five clean sheets in 22.

“Keeping a clean sheet was the most important thing, along with the result, and they got that.”

Sports broke the deadlock with 37 minutes on the clock as Adebola Sotoyinbo converted Luke Hornsley’s pull back.

The hosts doubled their advantage as Sam Taylor guided the ball home from close range after Nathan Scarborough had been denied by the post.

Jimmy Cox then saw his penalty saved after Scarborough had been brought down, but two goals proved to be enough.

And Wakeling admitted it was encouraging to see Taylor get his name on the scoresheet.

Wakeling added: “It was good for him to keep a clean sheet and get a goal. He will be happy with that.”

Meanwhile, Southend Manor were unable to build on their Essex Senior Cup win over Grays Athletic as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Sawbridgeworth Town.

The defeat has left Manor in 18th place in the Essex Senior League standings.