Written By : Connor Banks on 17/01/2022

Categories: Match Report

Suffolk FA Senior Cup Quarter Final

Despite a fully committed, battling performance, underdogs Henley went down 2-0 to two late goals at Thurlow Nunn Division 1 leaders Wanderers, whose play over the 90 minutes was fully deserving of their victory.

Wanderers enjoyed good early possession, but it was Henley who had the best opening chance after only 9 minutes. Liam Ablitt was clipped by Kincaid as he raced into the box and the ref pointed at the spot, however Brand did well to save Thrower’s penalty. Wanderers piled on the pressure for the remainder of the half, forcing saves from Lynch and goal line clearances from both Van Oene brothers, Storey and Tejano. Henley still looked dangerous though, a jinking run from George Ablitt ended with his shot going narrowly wide. The last action of the half epitomising Henley’s commitment, Reid putting his body on the line. to bravely block Leggett’s close range drive.

Wanderers pinned Henley back for large portions of the second half, Lynch making save after save to keep the visitors in the game. Despite their repeated heroics the Henley defence was finally breached after 82 minutes by the excellent Lay, a terrific run down the right, he cut inside and fired home from 8 yards to make it 1-0. Even then Henley weren’t finished, on 87 minutes George Ablitt fired in a low cross, but an onrushing Watling couldn’t make enough contact to bundle it home. As it was, Wanderers added a second in stoppage time, Leggett putting the final touch to more fine work from Lay to make the final score 2-0.

On balance of play and chances created Wanderers deserved their victory, they have some excellent players, especially down their right side as their MOTM Coelho and Lay combined to cause problems for Henley throughout. As for Henley, 4 weeks without a game had left us rusty, and it showed. However, to a man, the lads battled for everything and gave their all, for them to be disappointed at conceding two late goals to a side as good as Wanderers, speaks volumes about how far we’ve come as a club. The Henley Ultra’s MOTM vote was a tight one, Storey winning it with by a single vote with a leader’s performance, narrowly pipping Gav Van Oene and Lynch.

All at Henley wish Wanderers good luck in the semi final and in the remainder of their league season.