Mile End Stadium club face Waltham Forest and Basildon United having drawn 1-1 with Clapton on Monday night

Tower Hamlets manager Ade Abayomi is relishing the two battles his side have over the next five days in the Essex Senior League.

The Mile End Stadium club host Waltham Forest this weekend, before a tricky trip to high-flying Basildon United on Tuesday.

Both teams have been in the top six of the division for most of the season, but Hamlets go into the encounters unbeaten in four league games.

“I like the big matches because it is a test for the players and it is good to see how they get on,” said Abayomi.

“If we lose it doesn’t bother me too much because that is what’s expected, but it is a chance to see where we are.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how we cope and I believe we should do better in these games this season.

“We started the campaign poorly, but now we are getting into shape again and I’m excited about both matches coming up.”

Abayomi was left disappointed by his Hamlets team on Monday as they wasted a number of chances against local rivals Clapton at Mile End.

They eventually took the lead through Ali Ibrahim’s penalty in the 70th minute, but Tons hit back to earn a share of the spoils.

Hamlets have 15 points to date, ahead of a tough clash on Saturday, and Abayomi said: “Waltham Forest started the season really well.

“I have seen them play and they are a good side who can pass it or use high balls so it will be a difficult battle, but I’m hoping to see my

players cope with the challenge.

“Waltham Forest are up there so it will be good to see how we fare against a team near the top and I’m interested to see how we handle their strengths and how they deal with the things we are good at.”

Abayomi went on to reflect on the draw with Clapton on Monday night and explained how the players felt afterwards.

While it maintained Hamlets encouraging unbeaten run, they were frustrated not to claim another victory.

“It was definitely two points dropped. In the dressing room after the game it felt like a loss because of the chances we missed,” said Abayomi.

“We want to get as many points as possible to move ourselves up the league so it felt like an opportunity wasted.

“When we finally got the opener, we did the same as before and gave the opposition an easy goal. It makes it worst when we miss chances and then gift a goal so it was a very disappointing night.”