2024-25 Sporting Bengal Vs Waltham Abbey
📢 MATCH REPORT:
BENGAL MAKE HISTORY IN THE ISTHMIAN LEAGUE
After back to back promotions from the Thurlow Nunn League and the Essex Senior League, Sporting Bengal had done the unthinkable and were set to play their first ever game at Step 4 in the Isthmian League North Division. Up first against last season’s Southern League Central Division Playoff finalists in Waltham Abbey, it was a tall order for Bengal at Mile End Stadium.
Waltham Abbey started strongly and were twice in on goal early but Tandon and Kachi made last ditch tackles to keep Bengal level. Bengal grew into the game and began to impose themselves. Just after the half hour mark, Knight brought down the ball on the left and found the skipper, Carvell. The playmaker split the defence with a through ball for Makuendi who burst through from midfield. A delicate touch then picked out Joe Gregory who brought it down and fired into the bottom right corner! History! A beautifully worked goal by Bengal which was their first ever goal at this level of football.
Waltham Abbey pushed for an equaliser but Bengal defended brilliantly throughout the pitch and earned a free kick on the edge of the box in the 86th minute. Up stepped the Captain, Carvell, who whipped in teasing cross for centre back, Freddy Tandon, who leaped above his defender and floated a header off the post and in! Unbelievable scenes as Mile End Stadium erupted. You couldn’t write this. The club’s two biggest legends combining to score in the Isthmian League.
However, the celebrations were ended almost instantly when substitute Ogunnowo struck brilliantly with his left from the edge of the box to get one back for Watham Abbey with just injury time left to play.
Despite the pressure, Bengal held their nerve and as the final whistle blew at Mile End Stadium, history was made. Steve Clark’s Sporting Bengal had won their first ever game in the Isthmian League. An incredible achievement for Bengal who had once against upset the odds and won as clear underdogs.
Welcome to Step 4 football at Mile End Stadium!
