Sporting Bengal Lose 3-2

A second half comeback from Corinthians proved too much for Sporting Bengal at a floodlit Mile End Stadium on Wednesday evening, as a comfortable first half lead was taken away by two powerful second half headers and a low late strike from a youthful opposition, and a 90^th minute penalty proved only a consolation, as Corinthians ran out 2-3 winners.

Early exchanges in the first half showed a Sporting dominance in midfield, with frequent interchanges and some great link up play between Safron Patel and Stephan Forbes, and an early chance blazing over the bar from Prince Pippin proved to be symbolic of the half, as for all the good work rate, chances were few. One opportunity was converted though by Stephan Forbes 15 minutes into the first half, and Sporting were comfortably in control.

Sporting continued their dominance and had much of the possession for the remainder of the half.  Safron Patel was looking particularly dangerous, and some decent overlaps with right back Dave Taylor forced some enticing crosses into the Corinthians box, that unfortunately did not trouble the opponent’s goalkeeper enough.

At the other end of the pitch, a couple of balls over the top allowed the speedy Corinthians left wing a couple of long range chances after slipping the Sporting defence; they fell wide but this was to prove a warning for the second half turnaround.  By the stroke of half time though, it was Sporting who were playing with great ease, and a chance glazed across the goal mouth from Patel could easily have fallen to the feet of Pippin or Forbes, but neither were able to get ahead of the Corinthians keeper, and he was able to collect.  Unfortunate, and a vital two goal cushion was unable to materialise.

In the second half, Corinthians returned having received an obvious instruction to move further up the pitch, and this proved disastrous for Sporting, as they found it difficult to cope with the fast movement of their attacking players.  It was in controversial circumstances however that Corinthians were able to equalise, as an otherwise well tempered game saw a foul go unpunished by the referee on Patel which allowed a quick break on the right flank.  A powerful cross was quickly delivered into the box, and powerfully headed home.

Corinthians heads were raised, and the now dominant midfielders were supplying chances frequently to their forwards, for which the Sporting midfield were unable to keep control.  Another headed shot managed to beat goalkeeper Hartless and a breakaway chance enabled the Corinthians forward Jamie Taylor to add a third.

A spirited Sporting battled still, forcing a free kick outside the D that blazed just over, and eventually earning a penalty in the 90^th minute for a body check on Prince Pippin which Juned Ali converted.  Consolation was all it was to prove by the final whistle however, and the team will hope that it is their first half form that they take to the return cup game with Herne Bay this Saturday.