"Sporting" Bengal pull out of Kent League fixture - EXCLUSIVE

Tunbridge Wells’ Kent League game against Sporting Bengal United on Saturday has been postponed, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sporting Bengal, based at the Mile End Stadium in east London, are expected to be fined by the Kent League for pulling out of the Culverden Stadium clash due to a religious festival.

Seems very unfair on Tunbridge Wells as their players had to leave their families early on Boxing Day morning to play at local rivals Sevenoaks Town in a game that started at Greatness Park at 11am.

Wells boss Martin Farnie managed to field a side during the Christmas festivities and they collected their second league win of the season to climb above Sporting Bengal in the Kent League table.

Former Chatham Town player Andy Garrett scored the only goal of the game despite having defender Adrian Hatcher sent off inside the first seven minutes of the west Kent derby.

But Sporting Bengal, who lost 4-0 at Croydon today, claim they “cannot field a side” on Saturday.

Kent League officials have told Tunbridge Wells that they can re-arrange the fixture to suit them and Bengal will cover expenses, such as programme printing.