Mile End Stadium club remaining positive despite sitting bottom due to games in hand they have over rest of the clubs in the division

East London Advertiser: A Sporting Bengal player produces a neat turn against Ilford (pic Tim Edwards)A Sporting Bengal player produces a neat turn against Ilford (pic Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi is hoping his players can give him an early birthday present tonight.

The Mile End Stadium boss turns 42 tomorrow and takes his team to Eton Manor this evening in the Essex Senior League.

A draw would see Bengal move above Haringey & Waltham and off the bottom, but Gazi wants to get a victory.

He said: “I’m 42 on Thursday so I don’t want to shout about that from the rooftops and I doubt the players would know.

“Three points would without doubt be the best birthday present I could hope for and it could kick-start our season.

“If we can win it will see us lift two places and go above Burnham Ramblers so that is what we’re aiming to do.

“What is key for us is to start picking up points regularly from our games in hand whether that is three or just one.”

Although Bengal are at the basement, they have several matches to catch up with because of runs in various cup competitions and therefore they’re table position is a harsh way to judge them.

Gazi is staying positive and knows the way football is, his talented team could spring a surprise at Manor this evening.

If the east Londoners are to pick up a result, they’ll need to keep dangerous duo Ben Bradbury and Josh Sykes.

But struggling Haringey defeated in-form Tower Hamlets on Monday night to show the unpredictability of the division.

“I’m a glass half full type of guy compared to glass half empty and I’ve told the lads to ignore the league table,” said Gazi.

“We have so many games in hand on other teams, although on the flip side that counts for little unless you can pick up points.

“Nobody like to be bottom and with Haringey winning at Tower Hamlets on Monday it makes our match at Eton even more important.

“We have to pick up something from that match. We know it isn’t going to be an easy game, but we’ve got to try and pull off a surprise.”