Greens boss hammers team for conceding ‘diabolical’ goal

Most managers would be ecstatic after seeing their side win 6-1 away from home. Bethnal Green boss Justin Gardner sees things differently though and it was clear what kept him from heaping praise on his side after their win at Sawbridgeworth Town.

“I’m not happy because we conceded a goal,” he moaned about an outfit who have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just six goals in 11 matches.

“It was an embarrassing goal to conceded. We were winning 1-0, our goalkeeper Stephen Wright makes a good save, none of our players followed in and they scored.

“Most goals we have conceded this season have been diabolical and just given away. I Don’t mind if the opposition score a worldy, I’ll be the first one standing up and clapping the effort, but letting in sloppy goals drives me insane.”

Gardner would have been pleased with his side’s own efforts in front of goal. They took a fifth minute lead through a Michael Begg effort from the edge of the area, and although Sawbridgeworth struck back soon after through George Wappett, Kadrir Jama made it two after 27 minutes. The winger superbly chipped the onrushing Sawbridgeworth goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

United made it three six minutes later through Jama once again who once more finished well from the edge of the area, after being set up by Anton Stepehenson.

It was Stepehenson who made it five, after spinning his marker just outside the area, he hammered the ball into the bottom corner.

The powerful striker doubled his tally and made it six goals in his last five matches when he converted a Mark O’Toole cross, before

United concluded their scoring in the 63rd minute when new signing from Ilford Josh Coulson powered home a shot.

“We were clinical so I must give praise for that,” Gardner said.

“We played 50 per cent of what we did when we lost to Southend Manor a few weeks ago, but we win 6-1. We put our chances away.

“It could have been a different game at 1-1 though when Joel Gallimore put in a superb saving tackle when their forward would have had a tap in from yards out.

“Kadir Jama is in the form of his life at the moment and was exceptional on Saturday. I would pay to watch him. I can’t talk highly enough about his first goal.”

Garnder is hopeful that his pacy winger can produce a repeat performance this Saturday when United face Witham Town at Mile End Stadium, a match which is free for Tower Hamlets residence.

Their opponents are a place above them with a point advantage and although United have a game in hand, Garnder knows a win is vital.

“It’s a massive game and we have to take the three points its as simple as that,” the boss said.

“I’ve not seen them, but I understand they are a long ball side. Who beat Takeley 5-1 last week, which is no easy going.

“We have to be tight at the back and if we can do that, we will win.”