Hotspurs show grit despite being edged out by visitors

AFC HENLEY HOTSPURS U15s delivered a valiant performance despite playing with no substitutes for 78 of the 80 minutes, but ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to a strong WOODLEY UNITED TORNADOES U15s team at Jubilee Park last Saturday.

The Hotspurs took the lead after five minutes when captain Jasper Woodward-Sweet was fouled just outside the penalty area. Woodward-Sweet unleashed a sublime free kick into the top left-hand corner of the goal, leaving the Woodley goalkeeper with no chance.

The midfield trio of Woodward-Sweet, Leo Palmer and Rupert Pusey-Arysad controlled the game, providing good passes to the wings where James Noble and Oscar Sheppard consistently threatened the Woodley defence with pace and precision.

Noble’s crosses into the six-yard box and Sheppard’s powerful runs were key to the Hotspurs’ early attacking success.

Woodley equalised when a free kick from the left wing was delivered into the penalty area and headed home by a attacker. The visitors gained momentum, and despite a hard-working defensive display from the Hotspurs, including standout performances from Ollie O’Connor, Max Mollison, Ollie McGrath and Will Salek, Woodley capitalised on set pieces to take the lead. A corner kick, expertly delivered by Woodley, was met by a towering header from their striker to put the visitors 2-1 up. Hotspurs goalkeeper Taylan Britton was kept busy throughout, making several crucial saves, including a one-handed diving stop that prevented another goal. Woodley capitalised on a scrappy goal late in the first half, taking a 3-1 lead into the break after a scramble in the six-yard box.

The Hotspurs came out fighting in the second half, dominating possession and creating chances. Jos Marsh, a late call-up to the team, delivered a cross into the box, but it was well defended by Woodley.

With 20 minutes remaining, the Hotspurs’ persistence paid off when Sheppard’s delivery from a corner resulted in an own goal from a Woodley defender, bringing the score back to 3-2.

As the game neared its end, Henley continued to press for the equaliser. In the dying seconds, a dramatic sequence of events saw two quick fouls in the penalty area, and a penalty was awarded to the Hotspurs. However, captain Woodward-Sweet’s spot kick was saved by the Woodley goalkeeper.