A decimated Henley tumble to defeat

SIL Premier: East Bergholt Utd 4-0 Henley Athletic FC

As the travelling Henley support arrived to enjoy the, as always, excellent Bergholt hospitality, a glance at the line ups board, left us in no doubt that we had a mountain to climb, with 5 starters calling off sick, Manager Jimmy Brown was left with a squad of 12 and had to name himself on the bench.

Bergholt got off to a flying start on five minutes, a free kick into the box was initially cleared, but Elseidy headed back across goal, where the unfortunate Graham turned it into his own net to make it 1-0. They made it 2-0 after 15 minutes, a recycled ball finding it’s way to Warren, who fired home a crisp finish into the bottom corner. Dende hit the post for Henley with a header as Graham and Webster tried to force the rebound home, all to no avail as an offside flag was raised. Only a great close range save from Spurling on 26 minutes kept the home side from scoring again, again on 42 minutes Bergholt came close with a strike just over the bar, leaving it 2-0 at HT.

On 52 minutes another long-range Bergholt effort rattled off the top of the bar, but this precluded Henley’s best period of the game. Henley gaining more possession launched a series of attacks, coming incredibly close after 63 minutes. White crossing from the left, Bergholt keeper Scrivener blocking Sylla’s initial connection, before getting up to save Taylor’s follow up, Taylor then fired in two shots on the rebound, both blocked on the line by brave Bergholt defending, certainly a defining moment in the game.

Despite a good period of Henley pressure on 76 minutes Bergholt put the game beyond any doubt with a good left footed finish from Elseidy, Carpenter bagged another on 79 minutes to put a slightly flattering look to the scoreline. But there’s no taking anything away from Bergholt, who on the day were the better side all across the field and fully deserving of their victory, no doubt that the best side won.

#UppaHens

The Hat