Last-gasp strike deprives visitors of all three points

HENLEY TOWN DEVELOPMENT were deprived all three points by the last kick of the game in their Reserve Division 1 eight-goal thriller at BERKS COUNTY RESERVES last Saturday.

The hosts struck first to take an early lead, but Henley responded well when Aiden Rushton cut inside from the left and curled a classy finish into the far corner to level the score before half-time.

After the break Henley went 2–1 up when Zodey Sabijan was brought down in the area. Cam Roovis converted the resulting penalty to put the visitors in front.

Berks County hit back with two quick goals to swing the game to 3-2 but Henley refused to give up. Roovis turned provider next, whipping in a superb cross that Sabijan tucked away to make it 3-3.

With just minutes to play, Liam Painter delivered a free kick that Robbie Tanner calmly slotted home to give Henley a dramatic 4-3 lead.

But in a late twist, Berks County were awarded a free kick deep into stoppage time, and the ball was bundled home with virtually the last kick of the game for a share of the spoils.

In Division 2, HENLEY EXILES went down to a 2-1 defeat against HARCHESTER HAWKS at Harpsden. In the early exchanges the match was even with both teams wrestling to take an advantage. Exiles scored what they thought was the opening goal, only for the referee to rule the effort out deeming that the ball never crossed the line.

Shortly after, it was the visitors that took the lead when they capitalised on a free header at the far post from a good corner delivery into the box.

Henley continued to plug away and got their rewards just before half-time when Connor Gough played the ball through to Will Sheard who equalised for the home side.

The second half carried on in a similar vein to the first up until the visitors took the lead with the assistant’s flag being up.

Soon after Harchester were awarded a penalty but Exiles’ goalkeeper Aaron Bishop pulled off a good save. Henley tried to grab an equalising goal but were unable to take their chances.

In Division 3, GORING UNITED RESERVES crashed to a heavy 9-1 defeat at MARLOW DEVELOPMENT. Robert Eaglesham scored United’s goal.