Sporting Bengal lost to Clapton last week, but will hope to get back on track against Southend Manor

Tower Hamlets make the trip to Bowers & Pitsea this weekend and boss Ade Abayomi praised their Essex Senior League rivals this week.

The Mile End Stadium club will face the FA Vase semi-finalists a week after they bowed out of the prestigious tournament.

The run earned Bowers and the league widespread coverage, just like Hamlets did when their former player Randell Williams signed for Crystal Palace in January.

Abayomi praised Bowers and their manager Rob Small, but hopes his team can cause a surprise at the Len Salmon Stadium on Saturday.

He said: “We have a big game this weekend, they will provide a very tough test, but we are hoping we can do something.

“Bowers have been fantastic in the FA Vase, we were all rooting for them on Saturday against Morpeth.

“It was such a shame to see them fall at the last hurdle, but they should be really proud of what they have achieved.”

Hamlets hosted Bowers on February 15, but despite putting in an encouraging performance, they lost 2-1.

Mane Cheikh-Sadibou scored for the home side that night and Abayomi hopes they can put in a similar display this weekend.

“We want to go there and play the same as we did last time against them when they came to our place,” added Abayomi.

“If we can keep possession well and take our chances then maybe we can get something from the match, but it will be difficult.

“Bowers have a certain way of playing and if we are not fully concentrated they will hurt us, so we have to stay focused.”

Tower Hamlets picked up all three points last weekend at local rivals Newham thanks to King Amieye’s 83rd-minute strike.

It was the only goal of the game at Chadfields and helped make up for last Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Greenhouse Sports.

Issouf Traore scored for Hamlets, but Olawale Ogunoile was shown a red card.

Neighbours Sporting Bengal United, meanwhile, were beaten 6-1 by Clapton in an east London derby at Mile End on Saturday.

Anwar Uddin’s side were 2-0 down at the break when Tons Bradley Joseph collapsed and required medical attention.

He was taken to hospital and although Tunde Adewunmi pulled one back, Bengal conceded four more times afterwards.

Bengal were praised by Clapton assistant Andre Thomas for their help with Joseph and entertain Southend Manor this weekend.