Home Defeat To Bengal

Roddy Lemba bagged his 15th league goal of the season to put 'Side ahead on 20 minutes. The forward was picked out brilliantly by a long-ball from Michael Bottone and held off two defenders before finishing from an awkward angle past Atair Khan in goal for Bengal.

It was a great finish that was down to perseverance from Lemba, who has been a great signing for the club. Shortly after the forward almost scored again but his near-post shot was parried behind by Khan.

'Side were then thankful for their keeper Mikel Breckenridge , who kept out a decent effort from Ashaan Siddik before tipping wide a Charlie Gregory free-kick.

Bengal ended the first-half on top as Siddik saw a powerful strike cleared off the line following a corner, as 'Side's staff and supporters breathed a sigh of relief that they got off to half-time with a first-half lead.

The visitors looked dangerous after the restart, with Steve Carvell - who enjoyed a fine spell with 'Side a few years ago - forcing a good save from Breckenridge.

On 73 minutes Bengal's pressure told when they equalised. A long ball from Siddick resulted in a miscued header from Alex Akanbi. The ball broke to Eaia Embalo who lobbed the ball over Breckenridge to score with a cool finish.

Shortly after 'Side almost took the lead following a scramble inside the area after Khan had spilled the ball following a corner, Bengal took the lead. Freddy Tandon's free-kick from the edge of the area was well-saved by Breckenridge but the ball rebounded to Embalo to score, to put Bengal 2-1 up with ten minutes remaining.

'Side couldn't muster an equaliser with their best effort falling to their dangerman Lemba who headed a half-chance wide.

Michael Walther's Sky Blues remain in 16th place with four games remaining this season.

'Side are next back in action on Saturday at Cricklefields in an 'away' fixture against Ilford. Kick-off for that match is at 3pm.

‘Side: Mikel Breckenridge , George Forrest, Aaron Hunwicks, James Briggs (Lewis Riches), Euan Taylor-Reid, Alex Akanbi, Glody Nsamu, Michael Bottone (David Etcheri), Roddy Lemba, Kofi Billzy, Khadean Campbell

Subs Not Used: Danny Laurent, Garjay Thompson, Kirk McPherson