Written By : Tony Stone on 08/03/2026

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Bacton Utd FC 1-2 Henley Athletic FC

 

A small crowd of 29 saw Henley make it 3 wins on the bounce and 4 games unbeaten, with a 1-2 victory at Bacton.

 

Bacton had the better of the early stages against a seemingly pedestrian Henley, Spurling having to be alert to prevent a backpass crossing his line after 15 minutes. But it was Henley who took the lead after 17 minutes, Ablitt playing a ball into Dende’s run, he turned and laid it back to Cates at the edge of the area, who picked his spot and slotted home for 0-1.

 

Spurling was once again called into action after 25 minutes, whilst at the other end Hayden flashed an effort just wide immediately after. Bacton equalised on 28 minutes, a recycled corner and a bit of pinball in the box saw Wallace poke home from close range, leaving it 1-1 at the break.

 

Henley looked stronger in the 2nd half, a Hayden freekick on 56 minutes, was well saved by Hardy. Two minutes later Henley’s Francis was sinbinned after rather enthusiastically pointing out a handball missed by the referee. This saw Bacton’s best period of the game as they pinned Henley back, forcing substitutions with Smythe coming on to produce a fine shift at the back. However, Henley held firm, Bacton unable to benefit from the man advantage, the closest they came was with a looping header in the 67th minute, which bounced off the top of the bar.

 

Dozzell and Taylor joined the fray for Henley, Hayden picking out Taylor with a fine pass after 73 minutes, his effort going just wide. Substitutes combined on 75 minutes, a quick throw in from Smythe to Dozzell, who danced past two defenders to the byline, his cut back picked out Tejano, who controlled and spun with his first touch and fired home with his second to make it 1-2.

 

Both sides kept pushing, Hayden again forcing a good stop from Hardy, but it was Henley who saw the game out to collect the three points.

 

Henley MOTM went to Tejano, who, in addition to his winning strike, was dominant in midfield. Bell and Banya also impressed throughout.

 

Bacton are well organised and work hard for each other, led by the evergreen Steed, they never stopped trying, they’ll have another chance next Saturday, when the fixture list has us meeting again at the Community Centre.