Hamlets look to keep pulling away from the bottom, while Bengal look to chase leaders

AJ Ashanike’s side head to Enfield on Saturday before returning home to Mile End Stadium to host Sawbridgeworth Town on Monday.

They go into the weekend on the back of a 4-0 defeat at Barking in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday.

A hat-trick of penalties from defender Joe Bruce and another goal from Darelle Russell sealed the Blues progress into the quarter-finals.

But Hamlets did however win their last league fixture – 5-0 against local rivals Clapton last Friday evening.

Having suffered back-to-back 2-0 home defeats against Enfield and Walthamstow in the Essex Senior League, Ashanike’s men returned to form with a bang at Mile End Stadium in the derby.

The player-manager opened the scoring himself as the home side scored three times in the first half to take firm control.

And Ashanike was joined on the score sheet by striker Luke With, a brace from Wale Odedoyin, and another goal from Montel Williams to complete their nap hand and make it a miserable night for Tons, who suffered a third defeat in four outings and have since fallen to yet another defeat.

Ashanike tweeted after the match: “What a shift from the boys today. We asked for reaction I’m sure we got that tonight.

“Clapton well done for not giving up and playing to the end. You should be proud of that.”

Neighbours Sporting Bengal United will be back at home on Saturday when they take on new-look Leyton Athletic.

Imrul Gazi’s side will be determined to continue picking up points as they chase down the Essex Senior League front-runners.

Bengal were due to face Athletic last night (Wednesday) at the Wadham Lodge Stadium in a match they will have been hoping to win.

They will be hoping the bad weather stays away as they had their clash with St Margaretsbury postponed last weekend due to a waterlogged Mile End pitch.

Sporting Bengal volunteers were also recognised this week for their efforts at the Sporting Foundation’s 22nd annual awards night.