13/9/25 Match Report HAFC v Leiston St Margaret’s FC

SIL Premier Division: Henley Athletic FC 2-2 Leiston St Margaret’s FC

73 brave souls endured the unpleasant weather to see a competitive game between these two sides, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The opening portion of the game saw little of note in the way of chances, with both side playing some neat football, probing for opportunities. Shore blazed over after 20 minutes after being neatly played in by Dende, then Tejano flashed an angled effort just past the post after 27 minutes. Leiston were creating too, the dangerous Forrester shooting narrowly wide after 36 minutes, but it finished 1-1 at the break.

Driving rain heralded the start of the second half, but failed to dampen the spirits of the Henley support when Tejano squeezed his low drive into the bottom corner after 49 minutes to make it 1-0. Dozzell was denied after 55 minutes his shot well save at the near post by Clouting. Leiston equalised after 59 minutes, the increasingly slippery conditions seeing a slip, which released Forrester, he rounded Barkes, and despite a brave effort to block from Graham found the net for 1-1.

Thunder and lightning saw the match suspended for 7 minutes on the 69^th minute, both sides taking shelter before Mr Gibbons indicated the restart. Henley responded quickest, Dende latching onto a lifted through ball from Wales and firing home for 2-1. But Henley were undone with an 84^th minute equaliser, Parker heading home from a free kick to make the final score 2-2.

A tight game, with lots of flowing football from both sides, the Saints have made some additions and look a good side. An improved performance from Henley even though we still have many missing, not assisted by the news this week that Club Captain Bushi Storey will be out for the season, at least. We were pleased to see a returning cameo from White who begins his return after injury though. MOTM went to Freddie Dende, who terrorised the Saints defence throughout.

#UppaHens

The Hat