Essex Senior League: Sporting Bengal boss Imrul Gazi calls on team to build on FA Cup success as league season begins at Basildon United
Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi gives instructions from the touchline (pic: Sporting Bengal United). - Credit: Archant
Bengal manager hopes historic cup run leads to a good campaign
Sporting Bengal United boss Imrul Gazi knows the club have to build on their history-breaking run in the FA Cup when they begin their Essex Senior League campaign on Saturday.
Bengal reached the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time last weekend thanks to a 2-0 win over Clapton at Mile End Stadium.
Late goals from Zubair Hussain and David Vaughan proved to be the difference as United progressed past Tons to set up a trip to Kings Langley on September 3.
Ahead of all that, though, Sporting finally begin their league campaign away to last season’s runners-up Basildon United on Saturday, even though four divisional rivals have already played five games.
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But Gazi knows the club must keep their good run going as they bid to make progress this season.
“Every game is a learning curve for us because from the staff to the players, we’re a totally new squad this season,” he said.
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“The fact we’ve reached the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time says a lot about how hard we’ve worked and how well we’ve recruited.
“It’s all come together for us so early in the season, but we know there is still so much for us left to do.
“We’ve made history in the FA Cup by reaching the first qualifying round which is a great achievement and we have to make sure we keep on learning.”
For their cup exploits, Bengal have so far earned £3,425 in prize money, which could rise by another £3,000 if they beat Southern League Premier outfit Kings Langley next month.
But even if they are unable to progress any further, Gazi knows the financial reward the club are set to receive from their cup run will be welcome.
“Like any other club at this level, finances are a bit tight so any bit of money we can get can make a huge difference,” he added.
“The money is important, of course, the players are on a high now, but know we have to play catch-up in the league.
“Basildon have had a mixed start, but they will be up for the match. We’re encouraged by what we’ve seen and we’ll take each game as it comes, constantly improving.”
