Abayomi’s men know what to expect against rivals Sporting Bengal this time

Tower Hamlets manager Ade Abayomi is desperate for his team to get bragging rights over local rivals Sporting Bengal United in the Essex Senior League on Saturday.

The two Mile End Stadium clubs go head-to-head this weekend and both are keen to pick up a result.

Abayomi’s men are technically the ‘home’ team and want revenge after Bengal won the previous meeting 3-1 in August.

Hamlets are also keen to bounce back after losing 3-1 away at Sawbridgeworth Town last weekend despite going ahead through Mane Cheikh-Sadibou.

“The boys got a shock last time they played Sporting Bengal, but they know what it is all about now,” said Abayomi.

“In the previous match the crowd was going crazy when they won. I have explained to the lads it is a derby game and these fixtures are the ones both clubs look forward to every single year.

“We need to go out and put in a performance which will hopefully be enough to get us the result we want.”

Abayomi’s side aren’t in the best of form leading up to the fixture, but he believes that won’t play a part on the day.

He also praised the working being done by Anwar Uddin and his team at Sporting Bengal, adding: “It is one of the most important games for both clubs.

“They have brought in a new manager this season like we did and try to play good football. Form goes out of the window in this game and it is all about who wants it more on the day.”

Hamlets also have a trip to Barking to prepare for next week, making the journey to Mayesbrook Park on Tuesday night.

Abayomi was full of praise for Blues joint-managers Glen Golby and Steve Willis, who have impressed since taking over earlier in the season.

He added: “The games come thick and fast now, but we are really looking forward to playing Barking next week.

“Having faced all of the teams in the division now, I think Barking and their manager are one of the best and we know it will be a hard game.”