Sporting Bengal United boss Imrul Gazi brings Lewis Lockyer in for Tower Hamlets fixture in Essex Senior League
Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi talks to his coaching team during summer training. Pic: Alam Zaman. - Credit: Archant
Former Bengal goalkeeper has been on trial with Ryman North outfit Romford, but will play at Mile End Stadium this evening
Sporting Bengal United will have Lewis Lockyer back between the sticks for tonight’s Essex Senior League derby with Tower Hamlets.
The two Mile End Stadium clubs do battle in the east end of London hoping to claim bragging rights.
Hamlets, who are the ‘away’ side this evening, have three points from their opening four fixtures.
Meanwhile Bengal have only played once in the league and lost 2-0 at Basildon United on Saturday.
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Although Imrul Gazi’s men have enjoyed FA Cup success, knocking out Ipswich Wanderers and Clapton, they are keen to get off the mark in the division.
He said: “We need to get a positive result against Tower Hamlets just to settle us down in the league and put that first point on the board.
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“I’m just trying to manage the squad at the moment because we will have played three games in a week come Saturday. I’ve made a couple of new signings and brought back our old goalkeeper Lewis Lockyer.
“Lewis was on trial with Romford this summer, but for one reason or another things didn’t work out. I’ve brought him in and he’ll play against Tower Hamlets and then provide good competition for Dwayne Esprit.”
Bengal could be forgiven for having one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup first qualifying round clash at Kings Langley.
It is the first time the east Londoners have reached that stage of the famous competition and it takes priority this week.
It doesn’t mean the Mile End club will be taking rivals Hamlets lightly, though, and it’s also a chance for others to shine and earn a starting spot on Saturday.
Gazi added: “I’m trying to rest some players for the FA Cup match, but I’m conscious of the fact we need a result.
“We have some people unavailable and others will need to sit out as they can’t play three times a week, but I’m confident.
“The strength in depth we have, especially in midfield, is good so it’s an opportunity for others to impress. I believe we can get a result and then hopefully take that into Saturday’s match.”