Boss challeneges side ahead of crunch match with Stansted

BETHNAL GREEN must win all 10 remaining matches if they are to stand any chance of winning the Essex Senior League this season, starting with favourites Stansted this Saturday, according to boss Justin Gardner.

The Airportmen are currently second two points above the Greens but have a game in hand, while leaders Enfield 1893 are seven clear of the East End club.

The top two each dropped points this week, but Bethnal Green failed to take advantage, losing 2-1 to mid-table Basildon.

“We have to win every game for the rest of the season, it is as simple as that,” Gardner said.

“We have to win Saturday and if we do that we rattle them and who knows what could happen. Of course we can do it, we are a good side and I have a fully fit squad to choose from. It will be a different side than what I put out against Basildon.”

Garnder is also hoping for a different result. Leon Ryan had given United an early lead, volleying in from a Joel Gallimore corner, but strikes from Jamie Clarke and a late Ross Adams header meant it was the Essex side who left Mile End Stadium with the points.

“The worst part is everyone wanted the game off, but I was desperate for it to be on because I didn’t want us to take on Stansted without playing for two weeks,” the boss said.

“A few of us went over early and worked on the pitch to make sure the game could go ahead. I wish I hadn’t bothered now.

“There was nothing wrong with our performance and they were an okay side, but the conditions suited their direct style of play.”

And Gardner is no doubt why his side did not collect all three points.

“We had plenty of chances but again we were not ruthless enough in front of goal,” he said.

“It’s been a problem all season. So many managers come up to me after games and say we are the best team they have played, but we don’t take our chances.

“I don’t know if it’s because we play at such a quick tempo, because a lot of teams would give their right arm for the strikers I have. However, I would be far more worried if we weren’t creating the chances.”