2024-25 Sporting Bengal Vs Basildon Utd
📢 MATCH REPORT:
Sporting Bengal 1-4 Basildon
Isthmian League North Division
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Mile End Stadium
The most in-form team and the only team with a 100% record, Basildon Utd visited Mile End Stadium for the first game under the lights this season.
The first half ended goalless and despite controlling possession, Bengal couldn’t capitalise on a good half. On the other side, Basildon could’ve taken the lead but Sidi Haidara pulled off two magnificent saves to keep it level at half time.
Despite there being no goals in the first half, the fans enjoyed a great spectacle and were even more thrilled with the samosas and pakoras at the break.
Into the second half, Krans hit an early volley after Joe flicked on a header but the keeper made a great save. Mustafa couldn’t quite finish the rebound! Moments later, Basildon punished Bengal on the counter and Karl Kayembe tucked it away to give Basildon the lead.
With 20 minutes to go, Joseph Diomande made his long awaited return after injury and instantly made an impact when his tenacity and perseverance allowed him to beat the full back and cut back at the last second across the box for Kevin Krans who fired into the net for the equaliser! 1-1.
Bengal were on top and had momentum but in their next attack, a long Basildon throw fell to substitute Nidal Berri who volleyed into the net to give Basildon the lead again.
Bengal pushed hard for another equaliser and came close on multiple occasions with Joe coming close twice and Kay hitting the crossbar! As Bengal sent more and more forward, Basildon picked them off with two late goals. The third goal coming from a long keeper punt and Ruben Bartlett-Antwi rounded the keeper and then Berri got his second of the game on the counter to wrap it up, 4-1 Basildon.
The scoreline was very harsh on Bengal who were largely the better team but Basildon showed why they are top of the league and punished Bengal in the second half with a clinical performance.
#SportingBengal #IsthmianLeague
