Mile End Stadium club have scored plenty of goals this season, but fired a rare blank on Saturday

East London Advertiser: Action from Sporting Bengal's clash with Takeley (pic Tim Edwards)Action from Sporting Bengal's clash with Takeley (pic Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Imrul Gazi conceded Sporting Bengal United’s 2-0 defeat to Takeley in the Essex Senior League on Saturday would have been a painful watch for the neutrals.

The Mile End Stadium club have normally produced entertaining spectacles throughout the season.

But last weekend it wasn’t the case, as Takeley claimed a 2-0 win and Bengal found life difficult.

“Our performance was very flat and I don’t know why. Maybe it was our new kits as we had a photoshoot before the match,” joked Gazi.

“The squad was as good as it could be, but for some reason we were just not at the races against Takeley.

“It was a dull match and they did what they had to do to get the three points and took their chances.

“But for the neutral it must have been horrible because not a lot happened and it is hard to put your finger on why.”

In-form Takeley made it five wins in a row with a 2-0 success at Mile End Stadium last weekend.

East London Advertiser: Sporting Bengal players compete for a header against Takeley (pic Tim Edwards)Sporting Bengal players compete for a header against Takeley (pic Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Bengal failed to find the net for the first time since January 31 – a run of eight games in all competitions.

Gazi paid tribute to the away side for their organisation and revealed some strong words were said at the break.

After such an excellent run of form, it was a surprise to see Bengal not push the fourth-placed side more.

“Takeley were very organised and credit to them for that. We had a game plan, but the boys didn’t follow our instructions,” said Gazi.

“We had a go at them during half time and we got a response as we had more urgency after the break, but it was just a bad day at the office.

“No member of the squad performed really well and it is just one of those things for us and we move on now.”

Losing to a dangerous Takeley side is no disgrace for Bengal, who have improved by a considerable amount this year.

Gazi’s team remain 19th in the table, but an impressive nine points clear of local rivals Tower Hamlets.