Written By : Tony Stone on 10/05/2026

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Henley Athletic FC 4-2 Grundisburgh FC

 

A large crowd of 118 enjoyed an entertaining game in the sun, seeing Henley compete their fine end to the season with a 4-2 victory over our friends at Grundisburgh, also retaining the John Leggatt Memorial Plate, which the two clubs have competed over for many seasons.

 

It was first blood to the visitors after only 3 minutes, Page lobbing Lee from just outside the box for 0-1. Their lead was short-lived however, when after initially being bundled over, Dozzell regained his footing to beat Read at his near post with a low shot for 1-1 after 5 minutes. Henley came close after 25 minutes, Graham getting his head to a fine cross from Dozzell, but Read rose to tip it over his bar to safety. Leaving the score level at 1-1 at HT.

 

On 51 minutes Henley again came close, a deft flick from Bell tipped onto and over his bar by Read. But on 55 minutes it was the visitors who once again took the lead, a dangerous ball across the face of goal from Vincent, unfortunately turned into his own net by the onrushing White for 1-2. But yet again Henley came straight back, when on 57 minutes Tejano was on hand to turn in Dozzell’s corner from close range to equalise at 2-2. Four minutes later Henley came close to adding another, Tejano flashing a shot just past the post.

 

On 75 minutes, the always dynamic Knights was bundled over in the box, White stepping up to smash home the subsequent penalty off the inside of the post for 3-2. The biggest cheer of the day came in the 88th minute, Club Captain “Bushi” Storey, who has missed pretty much the whole season, making a 5 minute cameo appearance up front, before his upcoming knee surgery. He was found unmarked out wide left by Keita, and controlled and sidefooted home a superb finish over Read to make the final score 4-2.

 

A great way to end the season with a win in the sun against our old friends at Grundisburgh, with the bar packed long after the game as the club celebrated a great end to a challenging season. Long term injuries, life threatening illness and suspensions saw us struggling early in the year, but 9 wins out of our last 12 games sees us finish 3rd in the form table and 7th overall. A terrific comeback and a credit to manager Jimmy Brown, who has had more than most to contend with, but has done a brilliant job and to all his squad, who’ve given their all for the club. Thank you all.

 

Yesterday’s MOTM vote went to Emille Dozzell, who has had a marvellous end to the campaign, he also picked up the Young Player of the Season award at the presentation yesterday evening. A special mention to stalwart Robbie Smythe, who not only played yesterday, but whose fundraising games ensured nobody left the Community Centre with any trace of cash about their person. A brilliant effort and a welcome boost to the club’s finances.

 

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read my ramblings this season, time for a break!

 

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat