Written By : Tony Stone on 01/02/2026

Categories: Match Report

Suffolk Senior Cup Qtr Final: Kings Park Rangers 1-1 Henley Athletic FC (Henley win 3-4 on pens)

 

A superb, committed performance saw Henley triumph against all odds, to progress to their 5th Senior Cup semi in 10 seasons, defeating favourites KPR on penalties after a gritty 1-1 draw.

 

It was an emotional day at Cornard as both sides came together for an immaculately observed minutes silence to honour Saburi “Ola” Adeniji before the game. Any still unaware of this terrible tragedy and the depths of its impact on the real brotherhood at KPR, please take a look at the Go Fund Me link at the bottom of this article, if you haven’t already, please give what you can.

 

The game started at the expected high tempo, but it was first blood to Henley after only 6 minutes, a good passing move out from the back saw a pinpoint, raking diagonal ball from Shore pick out the run of White, his 1st touch took him inside the defender, his 2nd whipped the ball over the keeper and into the net for 0-1. As you’d expect KPR piled on the pressure, but some strong Henley defending in a physical contest, saw them get more and more frustrated as the half progressed. Their only real chance coming from a 47th minute Cocklin free kick which was well saved by Spurling, leaving it 0-1 at the break.

 

KPR came out late for the restart and were clearly pumped up to find a way back into the game, pinning Henley back for the opening 10 minutes with a series of corners and free kicks. But Henley held firm and broke on 55 minutes, Sylla-Keita finding Dende whose shot was tipped round to safety. KPR continued to press, on 61 minutes a well struck free kick deflected by the solid Henley wall, but they finally found the equaliser after 67 minutes, Godward forcing the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble for 1-1.

 

KPR were pushing for the winner, sending a header wide after 73 minutes, when it looked easier to score. Spurling was the Henley hero after 80th minute, saving at point blank range when everyone else in the ground was expecting a goal. At the other end only a marvellous last-ditch challenge prevented Taylor from grabbing a win for Henley in the 89th minute, whilst KPR were guilt of some profligate finishing again in the 93rd minute, a shot going high and wide from a Cureton cross.

 

The final whistle blew at 1-1 taking it to penalties, Henley going through 3-4 with Smyth, White, Bell and Graham all finding the net to take us through on a historic day for the club.

 

The Ultra’s MOTM vote went to Smyth, who’s leadership drove the team to their best performance of the season, full of determination, fight and commitment, the whole squad gave their all for the club today and should know how proud the club are of them.

 

Despite the tragic circumstances KPR gave both the team and travelling support an amazing welcome and were gracious in defeat, it’s clear to see how close they are as a club and all at Henley wish them well for the rest of the season as they look for promotion. They’re a side packed with quality and strength and will be a credit to the Thurlow Premier.

 

As mentioned above, here’s the link, please give anything you can

 

https://gofund.me/6910d0ac5

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat