Joint-boss reflects on Monday’s win and disappointment of losing to the same opposition in the FA Vase on Saturday

Ade Abayomi praised his Tower Hamlets players after they recorded a fine 3-1 win away to Enfield in the Essex Senior League last night.

The Mile End Stadium club took the lead in the sixth minute when Lamar Earle fired in from inside the area.

Enfield equalised on the stroke of half time through James O’Brien, but it didn’t deter the visitors’ efforts after the break.

Luke With scored twice to give Hamlets the points and help them get revenge after losing 2-1 to the E’s last weekend in the FA Vase.

“Saturday was very disappointing for us. We were in the game, but after four red cards it was impossible to come back,” said Abayomi.

“We still managed to keep it to 2-1, so we were disappointed because we knew we had a chance of going through and we proved that at their place.

“We came to Barrows Farm and dominated the game because we had more chances than they did and it was a well deserved win in the end.”

Abayomi admitted Enfield’s equaliser failed to knock the spirits of the away side heading into the second half.

He did concede the victory was extra important after Saturday’s disappointment at Mile End.

“The boys knew they were playing well when Enfield equaliser and we just needed to increase the tempo, which we did and they couldn’t live with it, so I’m really pleased with the performance,” said Abayomi.

“We needed this result because psychologically when you lose a game like Saturday where you feel you should be in the next round, it is hard, but it’s back to the drawing board now and we’ve won in the league and hopefully we can move on.”

Hamlets will be hit by several suspensions this weekend though for their match away to Southend Manor.

Jerome Anthony, Luke With, James Pelling and Antonio Monteiro all saw red against the E’s and will now miss the next few games.

“All four are out on Saturday, but that is why we have a big squad and if we have to bring in some of the young lads we will do,” said Abayomi.

“It was vital we won on Monday for the confidence of everyone because of the manner of how we lost in the FA Vase.

“We were in the game throughout and then silly red cards came and it happens. We won’t blame the referee because we are responsible for our own actions.

“If you get four red cards, you have not got a chance and that killed the game, but I have to give credit to the players that stayed on the pitch.

“Even with seven men we still managed to go close and that’s why I was so disappointed because I know if we had the four players on the pitch we could have gone through.

“But I wish Enfield the best of luck in the next round. We got the three points on Monday and hopefully it gives the boys a boost to know they are a good team.”