Written By : Tony Stone on 31/08/2025

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Coplestonians FC 4-0 Henley Athletic FC

 

It was a surprise to see only 67 in attendance, to watch Henley’s visit to early league leaders and title favourites Coplestonians. With 7 unavailable through a mix of injuries and holidays, it was a rather different looking Henley side taking to the field, entailing a change of formation and some lads playing out of position. The game saw a starting debut for Harvey Talbot and a debut off the bench for Lamine Keita.

 

The wind made the opening of the game a challenge, but in fairness both sides managed the conditions well, the experienced Cops side certainly having the lion’s share of the chances. Their dominance was rewarded after 30 minutes, Driver breaking down the right and sending in a fierce cross, turned in at the back post by Mallardo for 1-0, there were appeals for offside for the initial ball, Referee Gooch consulting the club assistant, but the goal was awarded. Henley looked to find a way back into the game, Shore sending a shot just wide, and Dende causing problems down the wing, but again Spurling was called into action to make a good stop after 40 minutes. But he could do nothing to prevent Cops extending their lead after 44 minutes, a fine cross from Todd was met with a bullet header from Read to make it 2-0 at HT.

 

Henley had more of the ball at the start of the 2nd period Taylor and especially Wharton-Richardson causing problems, but it was Cops who were creating the chances and without the intervention of Spurling and some profligate finishing, would have extended their lead further. On 57 minutes, Wharton-Richardson battled his way through the Cops defence only to see his low drive well saved by Burrup low down to his left. However within a minute Cops made it 3-0, it’ll be interesting to see the video of this one, as from my live, watching angle when Godbold went through, he looked to be clearly offside, before setting up Driver to finish, the quick pass forward appearing to catch the official out.

 

Cops did have a goal ruled out for offside after 83 minutes, but made it 4-0 in the 91st minute with the best move of the match, some good passing down the left releasing Ferniz, he raced to the byline and drove in a cross which was bravely met by Connick to finish from 6 yards, a fine team goal.

 

So, a thoroughly well deserved victory for the hosts, offside decisions merely academic and not effecting the destination of the points in any way. It’s clear that Cops have built a team packed with both experience and quality, this should be the season that they finally keep the results coming and get some long-awaited glory.

 

As for Henley, we knew this game would be tough, even with a full side, but with defence and midfield decimated, it was even tougher. But credit to all that pulled the shirt on, they kept going and fought hard for every ball, an attitude epitomised by our MOTM Wharton-Richardson.

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat