Former Dagenham & Redbridge captain reveals frustration at having to travel so far during the week

East London Advertiser: Prince William (7) puts Sporting Bengal ahead against Tower Hamlets (pic: Tim Edwards)Prince William (7) puts Sporting Bengal ahead against Tower Hamlets (pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Sporting Bengal United manager Anwar Uddin admits his side do not fear anyone in the Essex Senior League when they have their best team available.

The Mile End Stadium club took bragging rights over local rivals Tower Hamlets last weekend after earning a 3-1 success.

Prince William, Mustafa Kahie and Tune Adewunmi were on target before Anthony Ikenwe got a consolation for Ade Abayomi’s team.

Uddin’s side were meant to visit Bowers & Pitsea on Saturday, but the Essex outfit have reached the FA Vase semi-finals and the fixture has been put back to April 18.

Bengal’s boss was keen to face Rob Small’s team, however, after seeing his side pick up consecutive victories in recent weeks.

Uddin said: “When we have everyone available we don’t fear anybody so I would’ve loved to have a crack at Bowers on Saturday.

“I know they’re beating everyone in sight at the moment and are probably the best side in the league with FC Romania.

“But when we played them before in October, they got a contentious goal to win the game 2-1.

“That was the luck we had been lacking, but I’d fancy us against anyone if we have our strongest team available.”

Uddin’s problem this season has been not having his best side for every match they have played. He admitted it cannot be used as an excuse, but feels Bengal have been unlucky with fixture scheduling.

The Mile End club had to travel to Stansted twice on a week night in February and make the lengthy trip to Hullbridge Sports in the league next Tuesday.

“We have Hullbridge on Tuesday and I’d be surprised if any other team has played as much as we have on a midweek outside of London,” added Uddin.

“This season we have travelled to Stansted twice in the week, FC Romania, Takeley, Southend Manor, Burnham Ramblers and Bowers next month, so the list is endless for us.

“It is not an excuse, but you have to consider the players can’t leave work before 4pm during the week so it makes it extremely difficult.

“We must look so unprofessional at times, turning up at places around quarter to seven, but there is nothing else we can do. It wouldn’t happen on a Saturday.

“I’m confident that if we had everyone available for every game then we’d be able to get more results like we showed at the start of the season in the FA Vase.”