Shane Baptiste's Woodford Town take on Sporting Bengal United in our first home game of the season on Saturday afternoon, looking to make it three wins from three games at the beginning of the Essex Senior League season.

The two sides last met in a Play-Off Semi-Final tie at the end of the 2023/24 season, with Saturday's visitors progressing on penalties, and they went on to win the final too. However, after a season in the Isthmian League North Division, Bengal find themselves back in the Essex Senior League.

The Woods

Last weekend, an emphatic 4-0 win away at Colney Heath in the Emirates FA Cup saw us progress to the Preliminary Round, and The Woods will be looking to keep up our fine form at the beginning of the season in our first home game of the campaign.

Shane Baptiste will once again be able to call upon Captain Sam Owusu, who missed last weekend's FA Cup tie through suspension, whilst he will also be hoping that the injuries picked up by Miles Mitchell-Nelson and Normand Kebi are not too serious, as the pair were both forced off inside the first 25 minutes a week ago.

Our visitors

Bengal have had a mixed start to the season, playing just one league game so far - which they drew - after their second league tie was abandoned due to a broken goalpost. In the FA Cup, they crashed out after a replay during the week against Erith Town, having played out a goalless draw in the original tie.

Match details

Saturday's clash at Ashton's Stadium (IG8 8AA) will kick off at 15:00 BST.

Kit colours

Woodford will rock their 2025/26 home strip, consisting of yellow shirts with blue trim, blue shorts, and white socks - the shirt can be purchased online here. Meanwhile, our visitors will wear their home strip too, consisting of green shirts, red shorts and green socks.

Ticket information

Tickets will be available at the turnstiles, costing £7 for adults and £3 for concessions, with under-16s entering for free. Fans can also still make the most of our Club Membership opportunity, where FREE ENTRY is available for ALL home games during the season for just £50 - memberships can be bought using this link.