Possible Clues:

• A bit off, sadly
• Almost there
• Words to a first runner-up
• Almost tragic -- on Tube, Sol Campbell's going round the wrong way
• ''You almost had it''
• "Just missed!"
• ''Sorry, you just missed''
• Locos racing off around rail system the wrong way, not entirely successful!
• Counterfeit tobacco ruling covering Home Counties almost successful
• "You almost had it"