Written By : Tony Stone on 08/02/2026

Categories: Match Report

Morrison Freight Cup: Henley Athletic FC 1-6 Coplestonians FC

 

After last week’s heroics, it was most definitely a case of “After the Lord Mayor’s Show” as Henley were roundly defeated by an excellent Cops side, in front of a crowd of 78.

 

After the awful news of Cops Chairman Wolfe Powell’s passing that morning, all joined together in a well observed minutes silence to pay respect to a huge figure in both local football and education, he’ll be much missed by all of us that had the pleasure of knowing him.

 

Cops opened the scoring with a fine goal after only 3 minutes, Connick deftly heading home Godbold’s pinpoint cross for 0-1. Henley threatened as Dozzell cut in, but Burrup dived full length to save his low strike, from the subsequent corner Burrup again was alert to deny Sylla-Keita from close range. But it was Cops who extended their lead, a blocked clearance falling fortuitously to Linard, his cross well finished by Godbold for 0-2. Cops added another after 30 minutes, Spurling palming away the initial effort but Connick was quickest to react and head home the rebound for 0-3.

 

Henley started the second half brightly with substitutions giving the Cops defence something to think about, pulling a goal back on 48 minutes as two subs combined. Taylor’s freekick forcing its way to through the wall, debutant Knights tucking the ball away to make it 1-3, scoring with his first touch for the club. This energised Henley who were having a decent period, but it was sadly short-lived as Read made it 1-4 with a crisp finish following a corner on 55 minutes. From here on it was pretty much all Cops, although Henley did still keep going. Cops made it 1-5 on 60 minutes through Linard, Godbold squeezing in another for 1-6 from the penalty spot after 64 minutes, despite Spurling getting a hand to it. Henley’s day got worse with a frustrated Sylla-Kieta shown a straight red after 84 minutes for a comment to the referee.

 

Wolfe will have been looking down with pride at a fine Cops performance today, this certainly looks like it will be their season for some silverwear, having come so close, but missing out over the last few years. The most appropriate praise I can give them, is that they resemble the Henley side that won three consecutive titles recently. A good mix of experience and youth, fully committed and, most appropriately both relentless and ruthless, taking advantage of the slightest error, every time.

 

For Henley Dozzell won the MOTM vote with a strong showing, but debutant scorer Knights also impressed in his 2nd half cameo.

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat