Mixed fortunes in cup for AFC Henley sides

AFC HENLEY GIRLS U15s came from two goals down to run out 4-2 winners in their home clash with PENN AND TYLERS GREEN GIRLS U15s in their Berkshire County Girls’ League Division 3 clash.

Henley dominated the early exchanges with Izzy Coleman going close following a pinpoint crossfield ball from Romy Draper and Ava Turner almost converted a cross from Isla Smith following a good run down the right.

At the other end, Henley goalkeeper Abigail Palmer cut out two early crosses but Penn and Tylers took the lead when Palmer did well to cut out a through ball and her clearance was returned from 45 yards out to put the visitors ahead.

Penn and Tylers were beginning to assert themselves, striking the bar with a cross and their physical approach paid dividends when their striker outmuscled goalkeeper Palmer to put the loose ball into the net from 10 yards.

Isabella Lloyd hit the crossbar with a curled free kick following a handball before AFC Henley’s pressure eventually bore fruit when a mishit shot from the dangerous Ava Douglas was toe-poked over the line by an alert Draper.

Henley upped their game in the second half and sought to match their opponents’ physical approach. Fullbacks Betty Potter and Amelia Joao stood up well to quick wingers and defenders Hennie Howe and Isla Walsh were always close to their opponents giving them no room to operate.

The midfield was equally combative with some robust, but fair, challenges from Scarlett Chalk and Darcy Porter.

With Henley now winning the physical battle, this created room for creative midfielders such as Kalypso Vogel and Lloyd to showcase their talents and it was a stunning cross-field ball from Lloyd that put Ava Douglas through to round the keeper and equalise. Penn and Tylers had a dangerous five-minute spell midway through the second half which saw Palmer save well at her near post and two mishit shots that could have regained the lead for the visitors with more composure.

Henley quickly regained the initiative with some nice touches from Sofia Rose-Gallagher retaining possession for the hosts and springing several attacks.

Turner used her pace to good effect getting to the ball before defenders and turning long clearances into attacks. This resulted in the third Henley goal when good hold-up play from Turner on the halfway line freed Ava Douglas to run through from the halfway line and, in almost a carbon copy of her first goal, round the keeper to give Henley the lead.

Three was quickly four with Izzy Coleman breaking down the left and curling a right-footed shot just beyond the keeper.

Goalkeeper Palmer commanded her penalty area and relieved pressure when required while at the other end, an excellent run from Freya Weatherston almost resulted in a goal but for a last-ditch challenge from the Penn and Tylers centre back.

AFC HENLEY HURRICANES U15s progressed to the second round of the East Berks League Cup thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 win at TWICKENHAM TIGERS BLUES U15s.

The opening exchanges saw the teams evenly matched before the Tigers broke the deadlock after 10 minutes when their striker latched on to a good through ball from midfield. The Hurricanes continued to create chances despite this setback.

The game changed on 20 minutes when the Hurricanes were awarded a penalty following a handball. The Tigers’ keeper did well to save the original shot but Gabriel Robbins-Cherry made no mistake with the rebound.

The Hurricanes had soon doubled their advantage when Rupert Hepburn was set up by Benji Rillett — following good work on the left from Robbins-Cherry and Nicholas Hernandez St Clair — and fired his shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

The second half started with the Hurricanes continuing to exert pressure on the Tigers, winning the game in midfield and forcing the Tigers to defend. However, the momentum gradually swung round to put the Tigers in charge. A penalty was blasted over the bar and Theo Hendry cleared the ball off the line. The pressure eventually told and the Tigers levelled the score with a good finish.

Soon after a corner allowed man of the match Will Clarke to tap home and put the Hurricanes back in front and into the next round of the competition.

AFC HENLEY HAMMERS U15s crashed out of the cup as they went down to a 12-2 home defeat to a ROTHERFIELD TIGERS U15s side that play in a league above them.

With Rotherfield flying high it was always going to be a hard game and with the Hammers yet to win this season, their defensive frailties were once again laid bare.

A little pride was restored by goal scorers Josh Williams and George Dallas, plus a huge effort by second half goalkeeper Noah Cottam, preventing an even heavier loss.