Uddin full of praise after 3-1 triumph over rivals Tower Hamlets

East London Advertiser: Aerial action from the Mile End derby between Tower Hamlets and Sporting Bengal (pic: Tim Edwards)Aerial action from the Mile End derby between Tower Hamlets and Sporting Bengal (pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Sporting Bengal United manager Anwar Uddin was delighted with his team’s second half performance against local rivals Tower Hamlets.

The two Mile End Stadium clubs did battle on Saturday afternoon in the Essex Senior League.

And it was Uddin’s men celebrating come full time after goals from Prince William, Mustafa Kahie and Tunde Adewunmi.

Even though they were winning 1-0 at the break, Bengal were indebted to goalkeeper Lewis Lockyer for a penalty save in the 38th minute.

“I was absolutely delighted with the win and buzzing really, It has been quite tough in recent weeks and we have had a lot of away matches and people unavailable, but matches like Saturday make it all worthwhile,” said Uddin.

“We hadn’t done the double over them before and we were well worth winners again I think, especially after our second half performance.

“First half, after the goal, Tower Hamlets dominated possession, but didn’t create anything. The turning point was definitely the penalty.

“Lewis did brilliant, they deserved the chance because after our goal they dominated, although they never really created any opportunities.

“I always thought it might be a set piece or a penalty that could cost us. If that had gone in it would have changed the whole dynamics of the game.”

Uddin and assistant manager Steve Clark gave a stern half time team talk to ensure Hamlets weren’t allowed back into the game.

And the response delighted both as Bengal stepped up a gear and ran out comfortable 3-1 winners to claim a ninth success of the campaign.

“When we went in at half time, Steve and I didn’t give them a pat on the back like you might think. We gave them some home truths and said we needed to impose ourselves on Tower Hamlets,” added Uddin.

“To the boys credit they did exactly what we asked and could have scored even more after the break. I was actually really disappointed we conceded a goal!

“We came out firing on all cylinders and we needed to, I knew Tower Hamlets would be disappointed after missing a penalty and we had to capitalise.

“If you get in their faces and press them, I was certain we had enough quality players in our team to take advantage and that’s exactly what we did.”

Bengal remain 12th in the table while Hamlets are 17th despite Anthony Ikenwe’s consolation strike in the derby.