Hamlets manager looking forward to facing work friend

Tower Hamlets travel to Essex Senior League rivals Takeley in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase on Saturday, but the match has more riding on it for boss Ade Abayomi.

Spearheading the Takeley attack this season has been Charlie Cole, who works alongside Abayomi.

And with Hamlets intent on keeping Cole quiet over the weekend to further their chances of progress in the competition, Abayomi hopes he has something to boast about in the office come Monday morning.

“Charlie is the groundsman where I work, so it will be good to see him, but I’ve already told him we have a plan to deal with him!” joked the Hamlets boss. “We’ve had some good banter ahead of the match, but he’s a good player and is very clever, so if we can keep an eye on him, we can do well.”

Regardless of what happens on Saturday, Hamlets know their next game will also be against Takeley in midweek, be it in the Essex Senior League as scheduled or in a Vase replay if needed.

And Abayomi seems to be relishing the prospect of facing them twice in quick succession, even if they have started the league brightly.

“Takeley are another side who I expect to challenge for the league and they are playing well so far, but I am looking forward to the games,” he added. “The boys know both games will be tough, but they are also excited about the matches to come this week.”

Hamlets pushed Barking hard last weekend, despite being down to 10 men for much of the game, but a late flurry of goals led to a 4-1 defeat.

“We knew if we had 11 men for the whole game it would have been a lot different,” added Abayomi. “Barking were wobbling at times and it was a good display from us, so I’m not disappointed one bit.”

n Sporting Bengal United entertain Stowmarket Town of the Thurlow Nunn Division One in the FA Vase on Saturday and were due to host London Bari last night (Wednesday).

Imrul Gazi’s men lost 2-1 to Tower Hamlets last Wednesday and saw their FA Cup run come to an end last weekend, losing 6-1 at Kings Langley.

Sporting host Sawbridgeworth Town at Mile End on Wednesday.