Written By : Tony Stone on 01/03/2026

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Haughley Utd FC 2-3 Henley Athletic FC

 

Henley stormed back from 2-0 down to win 2-3 at Haughley Utd in a close and competitive match. A much needed win, with the demise of Wickham Market seeing us lose 6 points during the week.

 

Henley had the better of the early chances, Hayden breaking through twice, but sending his first effort wide and his second high. But it was Haughley who took the lead after 19 minutes, when awarded a rather soft penalty for what was seen as a foul by Knights at the back post. McPhillips despatching the spot kick well to make it 1-0. On 24 minutes Haughley doubled their lead, with a fine curling left foot finish from Wright, making it 2-0.

 

However, Henley were well in the game and pulled one back on 32 minutes, Graham thumping home a header from a Dozzell freekick for 1-2. Hayden came close with a fiercely struck freekick on 34 minutes, pulling a fine save out of home keeper Fairweather. Tejano also came close, his dipping shot going just over the bar. But Henley weren’t to be denied for long and equalised in the 43rd minute. Francis picked out Dende wide left, who brought the ball down with a simply exquisite first touch and turn, he beat his man and swung in a pinpoint cross which was superbly finished with a glancing header from Graham for 2-2 at the break.

 

On 57 minutes Henley took the lead, the Haughley right back, under pressure from Ablitt, underhit a back pass, gleefully pounced on by Hayden, who was first to the ball and rolled it into the empty net past the despairing Fairweather.

 

Haughley tried hard to get back into the game, Lee making a full length diving save, from a freekick to preserve the scoreline. At the other end, Ablitt send a curling effort narrowly wide, whilst Hayden saw two attempts blocked. Haughley had chances to get back in it, but sent everything high or wide. In the closing minutes Taylor and Cates had efforts blocked for Henley. The game finishing 2-3.

 

The Ultra’s MOTM went to Dende, who terrorised the Haughley defence at every opportunity, another good performance from Lee between the sticks, whilst Knights and Francis continue to impress, with Hayden knocking the rust of with 2 in 2.

 

 

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat