Sporting Bengal United 0-0 Walthamstow

Walthamstow’s play-off hopes look firmly over after only picking up a draw against third-bottom Sporting Bengal United.

Walthamstow and Sporting Bengal were familiar opponents in the Essex Senior League, and this game had all the markings of a step five slog.

A strong wind, a bobbly pitch and two out-of-form sides combined for a dire spectacle at Mile End Stadium.

Walthamstow did have the odd chance in the first half; Junior Baker fired wide when well-placed, and Tayo Oyebola had a shot easily saved by the Bengal keeper.

As the game progressed, Sporting Bengal grew in confidence, and Stow had Lamar Joseph-Johnson, making his third debut for the club, to thank for a couple of neat saves down low.

Walthamstow’s only chance of the second half came when the ball fell to Louie Johnson in the box, but his half volley was tame and easily dealt with.

Sporting Bengal should have taken all three points in the 87th minute when former Stow midfielder Brandy Makuendi somehow fired wide with an open goal at his mercy.

After an incredible run of form which culminated in a 5-3 over top side Felixstowe and Walton United, Walthamstow are now four games without a win; a run which includes taking just two points off three of the bottom five.