THE Blues Under 23’s head to Henley Athletic on Saturday afternoon in league action, this after defeating Leiston St Margarets on Wednesday night 4-0, writes Craig Cooper.

The team played well throughout, creating lots of chances in the 90 minutes with ‘Saints keeper James Clouting making some fine saves.

However, the game remained level at the interval before Ollie Long’s goal after 36 seconds of the second period put the Blues in front before Long doubled the visitors lead three minutes later from the penalty spot.

Connor Crane then made it three before Long netted his hat-trick with all four goals coming less than 15 minutes after the break.

Henley Athletic, meanwhile, have won both their opening games 5-1 against East Bergholt United and 3-0 against AFC Kesgrave and sit top of the league at this early stage of the season.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The Blues and Henley Athletic haven’t met in the league but they have faced each other twice in the Suffolk Senior Cup.

The first was on Saturday 14th October, 2017, and the sides met in the First Round of the competition.

Clark Bruce put Henley ahead but Armani Schaar’s late leveller saw the tie go to penalties. The Blues won 5-4 on spot kicks.

The next time was on Saturday 8th February, 2024, when a late goal from Elliott Ballard saw Henley win 1-0 in the quarter-finals, in front of a crowd of 71.

AUGUST FIXTURES FOR THE BLUES
Tuesday 18th Aug: Coplestonians (H, 7.30pm kick off)
Saturday 22nd Aug: Kirton Athletic (H, 2.30pm kick off)
Saturday 29th Aug: AFC Kesgrave (A, 2.30pm kick off).

MATCH INFORMATION
Henley Athletic v Blues Under 23’s
Gateway 14 Suffolk & Ipswich League, Premier Division
Saturday 15th August 2026, 2.30pm kick off
Henley Community Centre, Church Meadows, Henley, Ipswich, IP6 0RP

Game 3/32