Olatunbosun reflects on cup success

Tower Hamlets recorded their first win of the season as they defeated Southend Manor 4-1 in the Essex Senior League Challenge Cup first round on Saturday.

And manager Ajibola Olatunbosun admitted he was “over the moon” to finally open their account for the new campaign.

Prior to the Mile End Stadium triumph, Tower Hamlets had gone three games without a win in the Essex Senior League and suffered an FA Cup defeat to Felixstowe & Walton.

The winless run was ended at the weekend, though, as goals from Edison Teberen, Cody Cameron and a brace from Tope Okeowo secured the club’s passage into the next round of the cup.

Olatunbosun was pleased with the win and the four goals, saying: “We finally got that first win and I was over the moon to get it.

“We have been struggling for goals so to go out and get four was great. The back four have done well, but the goals have been the problem so I am really pleased.

“Edinson has been working hard all pre-season, but the goals hadn’t been coming. Now he has got that first I think he will go on a run now.”

Cameron scored Tower Hamlets second goal of the game before Okeowo bagged a late second-half double and Olatunbosun praised the duo.

He added: “Cody has been with us since he was 16. He is 21 now and has been in the youth and reserve teams for a few years.

“But he has come in on Saturday and showed he can play at this level now. He has been waiting a long time for a chance, but he did well.

“Tope is one of those players that can play anywhere. He is a manager’s dream.

“He is a massive signing for the club. He was with the reserves a few seasons ago, but gave up due to work, but I gave him a call and he is back. He can’t always play, but when he doesn’t have work he will come over.”

The goal Tower Hamlets conceded might have frustrated Olatunbosun normally, but the manager admitted Manor’s consolation strike through Rhys Fatt was down to his mistake.

“I was at centre back and due to my lack of fitness I played him onside and the lad finished it well,” he added.

Hamlets return to league action on Saturday with a home match against Greenhouse.