Written By : Tony Stone on 28/08/2022

Categories: Match Report

A crowd of 48 assembled to watch this hard fought but unattractive fixture, brightened by a wonder goal from Gavin Van Oene, which saw the visitors leave with all three points.

The 1st half had little to commend it, both sides frustrated as they struggled to maintain control and create anything, on the hard and uneven surface. Indeed, little of note happened until Henley took the lead after 40 minutes, Gavin Van Oene’s diagonal ball, clearing the defender to find Bruce, he controlled instantly, cut inside and precisely picked his spot for 0-1. This sparked the game to life and George Ablitt had an effort tipped round the post on the stroke of HT, leaving the score as 0-1 at the break.

Bildeston had some good early pressure in the 2nd half and forced an equaliser after 58 minutes, a low, driven cross from the left cannoned in off a tangle of Henley legs for an O.G and 1-1. Not long after George Ablitt played Bruce through, he finished but the flag was raised by the club assistant to deny him. On 72 minutes Henley took the lead with a piece of exquisite skill from Gavin Van Oene, an impudent 30 yard, sand wedge, of a chip, dropping out of the sky and under the bar for 1-2.

Again Henley looked to have extended their lead as Liam Ablitt burst clear, but again he was denied by the assistant’s flag. Full credit to Bildeston they didn’t stop trying for an equaliser, Lorimer forcing Dixon into his only real save of the match in the 91st minute, as Henley ran out winners.

Bildeston is never an easy place to go, a tough, organised and well drilled side, led by one of the best strikers in the league in Bart Lorimer. Despite, yet again, a scruffy, well below par showing, a determined Henley were happy to come away with the win. Gavin Van Oene was exceptional in midfield, but the Ultra’s MOTM, was a unanimous vote for young centre half, Logan Bell, who despite being up against one of the league’s top strikers, was outstanding throughout.