With both sides looking to reset after underwhelming starts to their league campaigns, the cup offered a welcome distraction—and a chance to regroup. Mile End Stadium played host to what turned out to be a tightly contested affair.
The first half was evenly matched, with neither team managing to take full control. Sporting Bengal United started brightly, coming close within the opening two minutes as their first attack saw the ball drift just wide of the post. However, as the half wore on, Athletic Newham gradually grew into the game and finished the half as the stronger side.
Chances were at a premium, and both goalkeepers had a relatively quiet 45 minutes. The standout moment came when Sporting Bengal United keeper, Poku, was called into action to deny Remarle Lawrence with a solid save—arguably the best chance of the half.
Despite the effort and intensity from both sides, the score remained goalless at the break.
Sporting Bengal United came out of the blocks flying after the break, and it was in the opening 10 minutes of the second half where they did all the damage.
The breakthrough came from a well-worked passage of play that saw Jasan Pauline deliver a pinpoint cross into the box. Harrison Georgiou timed his run perfectly, getting in front of his marker to guide a composed finish into the bottom corner—giving Sporting Bengal a deserved 1-0 lead.
Barely two minutes later, the pressure proved too much for the Athletic Newham backline. Struggling to regroup after conceding, they failed to clear their lines properly, and in the chaos, the ball struck the hand of a Newham player inside the box. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, awarding Sporting Bengal a penalty and a golden opportunity to double their lead.
Noah Adejokun stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, calmly sending the keeper the wrong way to grab his second of the game and put Sporting Bengal firmly in control at 2-0.
Athletic Newham began to show more urgency after going 2-0 down, finally waking up and pushing forward in search of a way back into the game. However, it was always going to be an uphill battle against a disciplined and well-organised Sporting Bengal United back line.
Despite their late surge, clear-cut chances were few and far between. But with just four minutes of normal time remaining, Newham were handed a lifeline. A high boot inside the Sporting Bengal penalty area caught an Athletic Newham player in the head, and the referee once again pointed to the spot.
Hamdan Ashimi stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, pulling one back for Newham and setting up a tense final few minutes.
However, it proved too little too late. Sporting Bengal United managed the closing stages well and held on to secure a 2-1 victory—booking their place in the second round of the London Senior Cup.