Non-league: Sporting Bengal United rebound to beat Ilford

It was a game of two halves at Cricklefields as the Foxes – beaten 3-1 at home by Halstead Town at the weekend – scored twice in quick succession just before the break to take control in front of a Monday night crowd fo 185.

A great pass from Josh Boxall set up Mohamud Kaudeer to finish well for the opener on 41 minutes and another fine assist by Boxall allowed Joe Lilly to double the home side’s advantage on the stroke of half-time.

But Bengal – who claimed a come-from-behind, injury-time win at Great Wakering in their first fixture of the campaign at the weekend – roared back after the restart.

The visitors halved the deficit within two minutes thanks to Sheri Artmeladze – their two-goal hero at the weekend – before Kaudeer was denied by a great save from Sidi Haidara after a fine run.

And it was all square on 56 minutes when substitute Elliot McGovern found the net after Tim Pitman failed to gather a through ball, before Damiola Olusesi turned the match on its head with a fine left-footed strike to make it 3-2.

Boxall sent a good effort just wide for shellshocked Ilford on the hour, but Bengal struck again through Artmeladze’s second of the night, capping a 16-minute, four-goal blitz.

Both sides will now turn their attentions to FA Cup extra preliminary round ties on Saturday, as Ilford visit Colney Heath and Sporting Bengal host Stansfeld.

League rivals Frenford host Woodford Town on Tuesday, as Athletic Newham visit West Essex, and Newbury Forest begin their Thurlow Nunn League Division One South season with a visit from Clapton Community.

Wednesday night’s action includes Romford hosting Buckhurst Hill and Barking visiting White Ensign in the Essex Senior League, while Tower Hamlets start their Thurlow Nunn League campaign at Basildon Town.

Clapton are due to welcome Brimsdown, as Hackney Wick host Burnham Ramblers, Hutton entertain Barkingside and May & Baker face Cannons Wood.