Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi has praised up Redbridge ahead of their clash this weekend.

East London Advertiser: Action from Sporting Bengal United against Leyton Athletic (Pic: Tim Edwards)Action from Sporting Bengal United against Leyton Athletic (Pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

The Mile End Stadium club will make the short trip to the Oakside Stadium on Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways in the Essex Senior League.

Gazi’s side currently sit seventh in the table but after going 12 games unbeaten have failed to win in their last three fixtures including a 1-1 draw with Leyton Athletic last weeekend.

And the boss believes despite new players Bengal’s victory late last season to deny the Motormen promotion still adds spice to the occasions.

“They’re a really good team; I’ve got a lot of time for them and their manager Ricky Eaton,” Gazi said.

“It’s a bit of a local derby for us and obviously after what happened last season they’re always up for the game.

“Although we had a really good result against them at the start of the season at home, these results mean nothing as their squad will be different, so I’m expecting a really tough game.”

The last time the two sides met Bengal run out 5-1 winners at the Mile End Stadium in October but Gazi expects a closer clash this time round.

“I’m short on Saturday; I will be missing a few key players in key positions, so that will make it an uphill task for us.

“But we have to always go into every game looking to take something from it and I expect it to be a good game.”

He did admit their opponents have had a mixed start to the campaign but is confident they can turn it round and says most managers have to deal with a lot of different issues at this level.

“They’re a club that are highly regarded in non-league football and I guess the only is up for them in terms of performances.

“I’m sure they’ll be the first to say they’ve had a mixed start to the season but like everyone else you always want to improve.

“In this league it’s never easy, managing players, especially at this time of the year with the weather changing, illness and players going away.

“I’m no different and I’m sure Ricky at Redbridge is having the same problems, so it’s just a case of being able to put out the best possible eleven you can.”

Bengal will also then host Stanway Rovers on Wednesday evening.