Gardner ‘over the moon’ as Bethnal Green record back-to-back victories

Bethnal Green United boss Justin Gardner admitted he was ‘over the moon’ after his side secured two wins on the trot as they beat Burnham Ramblers at the weekend.

A fortnight ago, the Greens made the long journey to Felixstowe for an FA Vase tie and returned 7-0 winners.

On Saturday, Gardner’s men followed up that result with two penalties from Ainsley Gaspar plus a Jake Davey winner ensuring the three points went back to east London.

“I am ecstatic, completely over the moon,” said Gardner. “It is the first time that we have won at Burnham in two seasons, in fact, I think it is the first time that we have beaten them in two seasons, as we lost at home to them last year.

“It is not an easy place to go to, and they are above us in the league, but we put in a strong performance and deserved the three points.”

Gardner’s side conceded twice at the weekend, but the Greens boss revealed that the goals were down to individual errors, and that the visitors should have scored more with the chances that they created.

“It was a faultless display from us, apart from the two goals we let in,” he said. “But they came from two defensive errors from our keeper and then from a defender.

“However, we showed the right attitude to get back into the game and then take the lead.

“The players did what was asked of them and they were playing with smiles on their faces for the first time in a long time.

“When we had the ball we were superb and I think that we should have scored more, but their keeper made some tremendous saves.”

Gardner also praised Greens captain Gaspar for his penalty taking.

“Ainsley scored the two penalties we were awarded, but he just doesn’t miss when he steps up to the spot,” he said. “His record stands at 26 successful penalties from 26 attempts, which is some record.”

On Saturday, Bethnal Green were able to field nine of the players that started in their FA Vase triumph at Felixstowe, and Gardner believes that that consistency will mean an improvement in the team’s performances.

“We haven’t been playing very well this season,” he said. “But the FA Vase game could well be a turning point, and it was the first time that I haven’t had to chop and change the squad for a while.

“There is a good spirit in the team and long may it continue.”

This weekend, the Greens return to FA Vase action as they host Sporting Bengal, who groundshare with Gardner’s men at the Mile End Stadium.

“The league table and the stats show that we are equal,” said Gardner. “To be honest, I don’t know much about them, at all, but it is as local as a local derby can get.

“They haven’t had the best run of results at home, but neither have we, so form will go out of the window.

“The only real advantage we will have is that we will have the home changing rooms so there will be some familiarity with it all.

“My players love playing at home, especially when there is a big crowd, and I am expecting them to start with a bang and attack from the off.”