Written By : Tony Stone on 20/01/2025

Categories: Match Report

With no fear of an icy call off, it was a happy band of Henley Ultras who made the short trip up the A14 to league leaders Old Newton. They were also buoyed by the news of two new signings, as the club welcomed the experienced keeper Nick Punter, previously at Hadleigh Utd amongst others and the exciting winger Igor Grabowski, who joins us from Stowmarket Town. Rumours of a return from injury for Cowan proved true as well, coming on for the final 15 minutes in his first appearance since October.

A crowd of 83, enjoyed an incredibly tight, completive and attritional contest, with neither side giving an inch and not a single player avoiding a challenge throughout the game, a real scrap of a match, with both defences ultimately coming out on top.

There was little of note to report in the first half, both teams shutting down any sniff of a chance, meaning neither keeper was unduly troubled, both comfortably collecting any ball that came their way. The travelling Ultras, impressed with Punter’s command and composure throughout.

The second half saw a handful of chances, Henley coming close on 56 minutes, Cole bursting down the wing, Ballard heading his cross an inch or so over the bar, at the other end, Punter did well to get a strong hand down to save.

The introduction off the bench of Grabowski, caused Newton all sorts of problems, his driven in cross nearly turned into their own net by a Newton defender. Newton were lucky to survive an 80th minute goalmouth melee after a Cole corner, which saw Cooper’s effort scrambled off the line and Dende’s follow up strike bravely blocked.

Both sides were still pushing hard when the final whistle blew, leaving the final score at 0-0.

As already stated, this was a real battle, with both teams fully committed, Newton probably just shaded the opening half, with Henley, in the ascendancy as the match progressed, having the better of the second period.

An excellent all round team performance, with Cole taking the MOTM award, his pace and trickery causing Newton issues for the full 90 minutes. A fine confident debut for Punter too, seemingly unruffled by anything, he commanded his box. Young Grabowski excited the Ultras, he looks to be an outstanding signing, full of skill and pace.

As usual Old Newton gave us all a terrific welcome, for which we thank them, they’ve put together a very gritty, hard working and skilled side, it’s no surprise to see them where they are in the league.