Possible Clues:

• Holding back as it then turned out
• Tentative, unsure
• Doubtful that the stain will come out
• Likely to lose, then? It's a possibility
• Not sure he has it, living in a hill (8)
• Disinclined
• Plucky thing almost within reach? I'm wavering
• Taking part in matches, I tantalizingly lost, so it�s said
• Like one who's lost tie and hasn't dressed
• Halting