Tower Hamlets joint-manager AJ Ashanike is looking forward to kick starting their FA Vase campaign against local rivals Hackney Wick.

East London Advertiser: Action from Sporting Bengal's clash with Tower Hamlets (pic Tim Edwards)Action from Sporting Bengal's clash with Tower Hamlets (pic Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Ashinike and his men host their rivals on Friday night, having played Waltham Forest at Mile End Stadium last night (Wednesday) and will be looking to progress to the next round.

“I’m really looking forward to the Vase match,” said Ashanike.

“Hackney Wick have got a new manager and will be looking to prove a point, but when we played them last time they had a decent side. But I’m confident if we do out jobs we should be able to get it done.”

The manager also believes it makes it extra special to have drawn a rival in the competition as everyone steps up their game in derby matches.

“Every local derby you play in, the lads give an extra 20 to 30 per cent, so we have got to be ready,” added Ashnike, who also admits his side haven’t set any targets for the competition other than going as far as they possibly can.

“As long as we can go as far as we possibly can I will be happy,” he said.

“I don’t see why we can’t do well in this competition as we know a lot of the opposition.”

Ashinike revealed there will most likely be changes to the starting line-up ahead of Friday night’s crunch match.

“I’ll need to look at the squad and see how to change things as it’s tough to play Saturday, Wednesday and Friday, unless you make changes,” he said.

Tower Hamlets picked up their first win of the season by beating rivals Sporting Bengal 3-2 on Saturday and Ashinike believes they can still be better.

“We’re delighted to get the first three points of the season, especially as it was in a local derby because that makes it even better,” he said.

“On the day I didn’t think we played 100 per cent and we didn’t play the way I’d expect us to, but we still got the job done and that’s the main thing.”

The boss also spoke about his side’s start to the season and how excited he is with the squad they have built.

“I’m pleased with the start so far, the boys we’ve got on board are really positive and want to do well,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good coaching staff behind us, which really helps. I’m really looking forward to seeing where we are come the end of the season.”