Sporting Bengal United face a basement battle against fellow strugglers Hullbridge Sports this weekend, writes Jacob Ranson.

East London Advertiser: Ilford and Sporting Bengal United in action at Cricklefield Stadium (Pic: Tim Edwards)Ilford and Sporting Bengal United in action at Cricklefield Stadium (Pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

The Mile End-based club are set to travel to Lower Road Stadium on Saturday (3pm) as they look to continue their bid to avoid relegation from the Essex Senior League.

And manager Imrul Gazi is confident if he can put his strongest side out they can get something off Hullbridge.

“It’s the same old problem for every manager in this league and making sure you have the best squad possible available to you,” he said.

“If I have a similar squad to the one that I had on Saturday against Ilford then I’m confident we’ll give them a game and look to take something away with us.”

Gazi praised Hullbridge for what they’ve achieved in recent weeks and believes they both have similar targets this season.

“They’re building something and there target is similar to ours, get away from relegation as soon as possible and I’m expecting that one to be a real tough game.

“Our aim at the beginning of the season when we heard four teams were getting relegated was to avoid that.”

The club are hoping to confirm the signing of a new striker who will go straight into the line-up for the clash, but they will be without their leading goal scorer Oscar Mendes who has moved to Kosovo to play professionally.

“I’ve just signed a striker, he should help out, although he has not been playing for a while but he’s a striker by trade,” added Gazi.

“He’ll be available but he’s not someone anyone would know in the Essex Senior League.

“He’s played in the Bostik leagues, a young lad, lots of potential and it will be his first game in the Essex Senior League, so we’ll see how he gets on.

“We’ve lost Oscar, our top scorer, who has moved to Kosovo.

“He has got a professional contract out there, so he’s gone and that’s been our problem, our striking. So unless Eaia Embalo is available we’re really struggling as we have to play players in the centre-forward position who don’t normally play there.

“That’s where our new signing should hopefully help out.”

Bengal also make the trip to Sawbridgeworth Town for their Errington League Challenge Cup semi-final on Tuesday evening as they bid to progress into the final of the competition.

*Tower Hamlets saw their home match against Great Wakering postponed at Mile End Stadium, but moved up to seventh on goal difference following Ilford’s loss.

They do not have a game this weekend, but are due host Takeley on Monday (March 26) ni the first of three successive home fixtures.