Written By : Tony Stone on 12/04/2026

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Henley Athletic FC 2-0 Haughley Utd FC

 

Once the Norwich v Ipswich derby finished, we were graced with a crowd of 71 who saw a competitive match, which saw Henley jump three places up the table with a 2-0 win. With Hayden away on international duty with the England Fire Service team, Manager Brown had to reshuffle.

 

The first half saw Henley largely dominate proceedings, taking the lead after only 14 minutes, Bell slipping away from his marker to loop a header home, from a Dozzell corner for 1-0. Henley doubled their lead after 26 minutes, a raking cross field ball from Francis dropping behind Haughley fullback Velzian. Despite Velzian having a five-yard start, Dende turned on the afterburners to beat him to the ball. Dende controlled, beat his man, then hit the byline, before picking out Graham who headed home from 6 yards to make it 2-0 at the break, his third headed goal against the same opposition this season.

 

Henley still looked good after the break and were denied what looked to be a blatant penalty on 54 minutes as Francis was felled in the box. With a midweek match coming up, Henley rang the changes and used all their subs to give some lads a break. This saw a good spell from Haughley who forced a series of corners but failed to threaten Lee in the Henley goal. Indeed, it wasn’t until the 79th minute when Lee was called into action to make a fine stop to preserve the Henley lead.

 

A decent performance from Henley, especially after another unwanted, enforced free Saturday the previous week. Francis dominated the vote for MOTM, with not only an excellent defensive showing, but getting forward at every opportunity.

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat