Written By : Tony Stone on 11/10/2026

Categories: Match Report

SIL Premier Division: Henley Athletic FC 1-1 Debenham LCFC

 

Despite Ipswich being at home, this fixture drew a crowd of 93, who enjoyed a tight, competitive match between two evenly matched sides, which ended in the draw the play probably warranted.

 

The opening 30 minutes saw little goalmouth action with the exception of a shot from H. Francis going comfortably into the arms of Wilding in the Debenham goal after 15 minutes. On 30 minutes a low drive from Walker fizzed over the bar and almost immediately at the other end Wandira sent a cross shot narrowly wide. After 38 minutes Patrea sent a long-range effort just wide of the post, two minutes later Patrea just failed to get on the end of a low cross, but H Francis recovered the ball, his low shot was pushed round the post by Wilding leaving it 0-0 at the break.

 

Henley started the 2nd half sharply, H Francis seeing another effort well saved by Wilding at his near post on 46 minutes. On 52 minutes Henley took the lead, Debenham only half clearing under pressure and Paine elegantly looping a shot home for 1-0 from just outside the box. The 61st minute saw a great move from front to back for Henley, H Francis seeing his shot tipped round the post by Wilding.

 

Debenham equalised after 64 minutes, Bannister forcing the ball home off the underside of the bar after a good break and a fine cross for 1-1. Former Hornet Golding saw his left footed strike go just over the bar in the 77th minute, Henley subs Wadey and Fike also saw chances missed before Bloom had to be at his best to block a fierce close-range strike in the 90th minute. Henley’s final chance came in the 94th minute, again H Francis seeing his effort go just wide, leaving the final score 1-1.

 

This was a really close game that could have gone either way, both sides will be rueing their missed chances and considering it 2 points dropped rather than a point secured. Henley MOTM went to Wardley, who was imperious in defence, for the opposition keeper Wilding had a terrific game.

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat