Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi is hoping the return of some of their experienced players will stand them in good stead ahead of their tough test at home to FC Romania in the Essex Senior League on Saturday.

East London Advertiser: Sporting Bengal in action against Barkingside (Pic: Tim Edwards)Sporting Bengal in action against Barkingside (Pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

The east Londoners have been plagued with injuries over the last month with up to 12 players missing at one stage.

That has coincided with a poor run of results over the last six games which has seen them stranded on 19 points in the division.

But the return of goalkeeper Dwayne Espirit and captain Freddy Tandon is just the boost his team need ahead of this weekend’s encounter.

“FC Romania on Saturday is not an easy game,” said Gazi.

“I always look forward to games against them though as they are a good footballing side and a brilliant team to watch.

“You learn so much every time you play them. It is a challenge, but we have one or two experienced players coming back, and coupled with being at home, I am expecting a good battle.

“We go into most games in this league as underdogs, but I just think that experience and stability at the back could be the difference.

“We are looking to give a good account of ourselves on Saturday and give it a good go and get a positive result.”

Gazi saw his side slip to a 3-2 defeat at Barkingside last weekend.

Despite coming from behind twice to level through David Vaughan and top goalscorer Oscar Mendes, Michael Ogboin’s 88th minute strike sealed defeat for the home side.

It left the Sporting Bengal boss frustrated after concentration once again cost his team some valuable league points.

“We just seem to switch off and it is individual errors at crucial times in the game,” said Gazi.

“We’ve come back and levelled to make it 2-2 against Barkingside, so from there you take a point.

“It would be something to build on, but their winner is an individual error from one of the more experienced players.

“Players need to take a bit of accountability and those that have come in do need to up their game and show that they are able to play at this level.”

Gazi will hope to see his squad show their quality when FC Romania visit Mile End this weekend.