East Londoners produced more cup success last weekend, but lost 5-1 to Sawbridgeworth Town on Wednesday night

Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi is reluctant to judge any team in the Essex Senior League yet.

The east Londoners are in the bottom three having played less than five games in the division so far due to various different reasons.

In contrast, leaders Hullbridge Sports have played 12 times while Takeley are third after getting through nine fixtures.

West Essex make the trip to Mile End on Saturday with 10 points to their name out of a maximum 24, but Bengal’s manager doesn’t really know what to expect from the league’s new boys.

Gazi said: “It is hard to judge anybody at the moment and with West Essex you can’t exactly look at their results from last season.

“They started pretty well, although over the last two or three weeks I think they’ve struggled a bit and have dropped off.

“I keep an eye on the opposition and look at their last three or four games and watch them if I can.

“But with so many matches going on at the moment it has been hard, so we just need to focus on us and keep our house in check.”

Bengal hosted Sawbridgeworth Town at Mile End Stadium on Wednesday night and suffered a 5-1 defeat.

And the league clash was a dress rehearsal for their second qualifying round FA Vase tie against the same opposition on September 24, also to be played in east London.

Gazi’s men produced more cup drama as Shiblu Miah scored from the penalty spot late on to force extra time against Stowmarket Town.

And with the score still locked at 1-1, Ashaan Siddik popped up in the closing stages to net a last-gasp winner and send Bengal through.

But the main focus for Gazi, before facing Sawbridgeworth in the Vase on Saturday week, is the upcoming clash with West Essex and another home match to prepare for.

He added: “Week to week you are going to see personnel changes in the league and if somebody is doing well, they could get taken by a club higher up the pyramid.

“With that in mind it is hard to judge any team and I think it is important just to focus on ourselves.

“If we can prepare right and play our football then hopefully it will be good enough to get a positive result.

“When we have the games coming thick and fast I’d rather be playing at home than travelling.

“It is pleasing we have had a lot of matches at Mile End recently and our pitch is in great condition as well, so anybody coming to us will play on a good surface.”