Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi disappointed to suffer defeat in local derby against Tower Hamlets.

Kayode Tobun’s first half strike was enough to steal the three points in the Mile End derby on the weekend.

Bengal now sit 11th in the Essex Senior League despite picking up no points and Gazi believes it was a good effort considering they were depleted.

They went into the match without key figures included top goal scorer Oscar Mendes, midfielder Steven Carvell and their captain Kamrul Uddin.

“I’m gutted to be honest with you, it was a bit of a nightmare, as I had two or three of my key players out for the match.

“I was missing my captain Kamrul Uddin and Steven Carvell my midfielder who both have been key for us all season and a vital part of us getting results.

“Then I had a few drop outs last minute as well, with people sick or other commitments, so we had six new faces in from the match before against Hackney Wick.

“Oscar Mendes wasn’t there on Saturday as he had some family problems and we really struggled without him.”

Gazi expected a tough task and admits bringing in a handful of inexperienced players was a gamble but one that nearly paid off.

“It was always going to be tough, especially as when I bring players in they tend to be less experienced and we had four debutants on Saturday, but I think it was a really tight game and they done well,” he said.

“I think they only had one attempt on goal and it’s gone in.

“We had some real good chance towards the back end of the second-half and three or four clear chances where we have no hit the target.

“I’m disappointed to have lost the derby, but on the plus, it was good to know even with so many changes we still managed to give a good account of ourselves.

“I’m disappointed not to take anything as I felt we deserved at least a point.”

The boss revealed the points are where it counts and is sure their rivals are delighted.

“They were missing faces as well, so good luck to them and at the end of the day a win is a win and they’ll be chuffed with that,” Gazi said.

“It’s the three points that are most important, they got them and we have to move on now.”