Opening weekend round-up

A crowd of 86 witnessed the season opener at the Community Centre, a tight, competitive game, with two late goals for the visitors providing a flattering appearance to the scoreline.

A much-changed Henley fielded an array of new starters, Spurling returning in goal, Turner-Wilson and Webster starting, later joined by fellow debutants Double, Taylor and Crisp off the bench.

Both sides started brightly, but it was Henley who had the 1st real chance on 15 minutes, Webster bringing the ball down and crashing a shot off the post. On 20 minutes only a fine save from Watling again denied Webster, as he raced in to fire home a rebound from Wharton-Richardson’s blocked effort. At the other end, Spurling was out sharply to block an effort from Rampley.

But on 39 minutes it was Falcons who took a 0-1 lead, a thunderous 25 yard drive from Chaplin, giving Spurling no chance as it rifled into the top corner.

Henley came close to an equaliser early in the 2nd half, Cole seeing Watling off his line and hitting a cheeky 55 yard strike from inside his own half, which went narrowly wide after 50 minutes. Webster was again denied on 60 minutes, Watling reacting quickly to block from close range.

As Henley pushed forward for the equaliser, gaps were created at the back, Spurling called into action a couple of times. But Falcons finally took advantage with a flowing move down the left on 82 minutes, culminating in a fine finish from Rampley to make it 0-2. Falcons further extended their lead in the 92nd minute, a soft goal to give away, tucked in neatly by Lee, for a final score of 0-3.

Full credit to Falcons, who were worthy of their win, their opener had the kind of quality which deserved to take 3 points. As an established side they worked hard and knew exactly what their teammates would do, in addition to showing some moments of real quality, they’ll be a side to contend with this season.

As for Henley, the evidence of a pre-season dogged with injuries was evident, with a couple missing, and new signings in place, the lads are still getting to know each other. But there were some promising signs, Webster looks sharp up front, and on another day could’ve had a hat trick, Wharton-Richardson caused a nuisance throughout, whilst Turner-Wilson picked up the MOTM award with a committed and impressive debut.

Old Newton’s return to action after lifting the league title last season was delayed as Wickham Market failed to raise a side though the Newts were awarded the three points.

Both promoted sides also won. Goals from Nathan Baker and Joe Moore helped Saxmundham to a 2-1 win at Whitton while AFC Kesgrave also picked up three points on the road against Bacton assisted by strikes from Owen Lennie, Dylan Barrack and Jamie Steel.

Trimley Red Devils were another away outfit to secure maximum points as a brace from Ryan Chidlow and one from Lewis Dyer led them to see off Haughley 3-1.

Coplestonians began strongly as they came from behind to beat Sporting 87. The experienced Olly Hughes put Sporting ahead only for goals from Jordan Godbold, Drew Connick and Baden Holmes to turn the game around and win 3-1.

There was a tight tussle between Grundisburgh and Leiston St Margarets with the Grundisburgh prevailing 3-2. Toby Rinder and Rajiv Forrester were on the scoresheet for St Margarets.

Debenham had the day’s biggest win with a 6-0 scoreline over Tattingstone (see featured game later) while in the other Senior fixture Matt Chaplin netted Stowupland’s opener as they went on to run out 3-0 winners at Henley.

There is a further round of Premier Dision fixtures in mid-week while the SIL Championship (formerly Division One) begins the following weekend.