Written By : Tony Stone on 09/11/2025

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Leiston St Margaret’s FC 0-0 Henley Athletic FC

 

As usual a warm welcome and Anita’s customarily excellent Victoria sponge awaited the Henley Ultras on arrival at the Saints. Looking at the scoreline, you could be forgiven for assuming the cake was the only enjoyment served up for the 47 spectators, but you’d be wrong. A tight, end to end game with plenty of chances, which both sides will feel they should’ve won, provided plenty of entertainment for all.

 

Saints started well, a good move culminating in a long range strike bouncing off the top of the crossbar after 8 minutes. 3 minutes later a good stop down at his near post by Clouting denied Wharton-Richardson, at the other end Spurling did well to handle a deflected shot from distance as both sides probed for an opening. Keita was desperately unlucky on 29 minutes his goalbound effort deflected off the line with Clouting stranded. On 43 minutes another good Henley move saw Keita shoot narrowly wide, less than a minute later Keita again saw a 30 yard effort whistle over, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.

 

Henley debutant Cates, joining the squad from the Ressies saw his shot go just wide after 52 minutes. Controversy reigned in the 65th minute, the assistant referee awarding a soft penalty to Saints as Bell and Forrester ran into the box, shoulder to shoulder, legs tangling. Thankfully justice prevailed as Doyle crashed his spot kick off the crossbar to safety.

 

Webster fired just wide on 76 minutes and Graham saw his header saved 3 minutes later as Henley piled on the pressure, although Saints still threatened, on 82 minutes a mishit shot went across the face of goal and was put wide at the back post. Henley’s best chance came on 85 minutes Wharton-Richardson, sitting down his marker, but could only hit the bar from a narrow angle. Keita saw his attempt blocked in the 94th minute as the game finished 0-0.

 

A good performance from both sides, fully committed and plenty to admire. Cole picked up the Ultra’s vote for MOTM, a dynamic showing at both ends of the pitch, playing out of the position at full back due to a combination of injuries, absence and a car breakdown en-route! Keita also had his best game in a Henley shirt, with Dozzell and Wharton-Richardson also impressing.

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat