Written By : Tony Stone on 10/08/2025

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Henley Athletic FC 0-3 Stowupland Falcons FC

 

A crowd of 86 witnessed the season opener at the Community Centre, a tight, competitive game, with two late goals for the visitors providing a flattering appearance to the scoreline.

 

A much-changed Henley fielded an array of new starters, Spurling returning in goal, Turner-Wilson and Webster starting, later joined by fellow debutants Double, Taylor and Crisp off the bench.

 

Both sides started brightly, but it was Henley who had the 1st real chance on 15 minutes, Webster bringing the ball down and crashing a shot off the post. On 20 minutes only a fine save from Watling again denied Webster, as he raced in to fire home a rebound from Wharton-Richardson’s blocked effort. At the other end, Spurling was out sharply to block an effort from Rampley.

 

But on 39 minutes it was Falcons who took a 0-1 lead, a thunderous 25 yard drive from Chaplin, giving Spurling no chance as it rifled into the top corner.

 

Henley came close to an equaliser early in the 2nd half, Cole seeing Watling off his line and hitting a cheeky 55 yard strike from inside his own half, which went narrowly wide after 50 minutes. Webster was again denied on 60 minutes, Watling reacting quickly to block from close range.

 

As Henley pushed forward for the equaliser, gaps were created at the back, Spurling called into action a couple of times. But Falcons finally took advantage with a flowing move down the left on 82 minutes, culminating in a fine finish from Rampley to make it 0-2. Falcons further extended their lead in the 92nd minute, a soft goal to give away, tucked in neatly by Lee, for a final score of 0-3.

 

Full credit to Falcons, who were worthy of their win, their opener had the kind of quality which deserved to take 3 points. As an established side they worked hard and knew exactly what their teammates would do, in addition to showing some moments of real quality, they’ll be a side to contend with this season.

 

As for Henley, the evidence of a pre-season dogged with injuries was evident, with a couple missing, and new signings in place, the lads are still getting to know each other. But there were some promising signs, Webster looks sharp up front, and on another day could’ve had a hat trick, Wharton-Richardson caused a nuisance throughout, whilst Turner-Wilson picked up the MOTM award with a committed and impressive debut.

 

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat