Gazi wants Bengal players to leave everything on the pitch against Clapton
A Sporting Bengal United player and Hoddesdon Town player compete for the ball (pic: Tim Edwards). - Credit: Archant
Two east London clubs will go head-to-head at the Mile End Stadium this evening
A Sporting Bengal United player and Hoddesdon Town player compete for the ball (pic: Tim Edwards). - Credit: Archant
Sporting Bengal United will host Clapton tonight (Friday) and boss Imrul Gazi has called on his side to give their all ahead of a slight break from competitive action.
The Mile End Stadium club will entertain Jonny Fowell’s team in a 7.45pm kick-off with a large crowd expected for the evening Essex Senior League clash.
It will be Bengal’s third match in the space of a week after drawing 1-1 at home to Hoddesdon Town on Saturday and smashing local rivals Redbridge 5-1 on Wednesday.
But after facing Tons, Bengal’s squad will have a deserved eight-day break and the message from the manager is clear.
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Gazi said: “The players know we don’t play again until October 27 after our game with Clapton, so it will be a nice break.
“I think we need a bit of time off to rest up because October has been a really busy month and it has taken its toll.
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“We all know the carrot which is on offer. We will probably do a light session next week, so I will be asking the players to leave everything on the pitch against Clapton before we get our break.”
Sporting Bengal had won three games in a row ahead of the clash with Hoddesdon last weekend, but saw that run come to an end on Non-League Day.
An improved crowd of 52 were in attendance and saw a decent match at the Mile End Stadium with the points shared.
Courtney Clay put Hoddesdon ahead on the stroke of half time with a shot from the halfway line, but Bengal fought back after the restart and clinched a 1-1 draw thanks to a Steve Carvell goal.
Gazi had to change his starting XI again with injuries building up and yet refused to make excuses.
He added: “Every manager in the Essex Senior League has the same issues with consistency, so I will not moan.
“The biggest thing is we have not been able to name the same defence for consecutive matches and my goalkeeper situation is the same.
“I have used five goalkeepers already I think, but we are still doing well so I’m really happy.”
Tower Hamlets will play host to West Essex on Saturday looking to maintain their strong form in Mile End.
AJ Ashanike’s team have won their last two games on home soil and will play all of their next four matches there – starting with this weekend’s West Essex fixture.
Hamlets visited Ilford on Wednesday and suffered a 2-0 reverse after losing 2-1 away to Stanway Rovers on Saturday.
