Written By : Tony Stone on 18/10/2026

Categories: Match Report

Suffolk Senior Cup: Haughley Utd 1-2 Henley Athletic FC

 

A crowd of 53 enjoyed a fiercely competitive match between two footballing sides, a late winner for Henley seeing them progress to another Senior Cup quarter final.

 

Henley had the better of the opening period, but couldn’t find a way through the Haughley defence, even when they did every effort went high or wide. Henley’s best chance came on 28 minutes, a freekick from Velzian was headed down by Tejano to Petrea whose shot thumped off the foot of the post to safety. On 31 minutes a slip at the back saw Haughley clean through on goal, Lee saved the 1st effort superbly but the ball rolled straight to the feet of another striker who looked certain to score, but was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle from Bullard. The ball went straight up the other end where Golding saw his effort saved.

 

Haughley took the lead after 43 minutes, a great strike from just inside the box by Simmons giving Lee no chance and making it 1-0 at the break.

 

Henley came out looking a different side after the restart, clearly the management had words about the intensity and ball retention, both of which showed much needed improvement. Haughley made their job harder on 51 minutes when they were reduced to ten men with a sinbin. Henley piled on the pressure immediately, Patrea heading a H. Francis cross just wide on 53 minutes. On 55 minutes Henley equalised, Bullard playing the ball over the top to Golding, who outpaced his marker and slotted home neatly for 1-1. A goal the ex Haughley man enjoyed after being on the receiving end of some verbals from the home keeper in the 1st half.

 

Haughley came straight back, a long ball finding a Haughley striker on the right, Lee at his best tipping over a vicious drive to maintain the scoreline. Henley continued to push for the winner and were rewarded in the 86th minute, H. Francis whipping in a freekick from wide left and Bullard poking home through the keeper’s legs to make it 1-2 at the final whistle.

 

Despite a poor first half, Henley were good value for their win, H. Francis picking up MOTM for yet another electric performance and Bullard oozing class throughout. Credit to Haughley too, who played quality football for 90 minutes and, as always provided a great welcome in their absolutely excellent refurbished clubhouse.

 

#UppaHens

 

The Hat