Lyons bags hat-trick to help side maintain push for promotion

HENLEY LADIES 1sts returned from the South Coast with all three points from their South Central Premier Division 2 clash with SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY 1sts last Saturday as they ran out 3-1 winners.

A sluggish start saw Henley put under pressure from the outset, conceding several short corners early on. Henley also faced a new challenge with a talented centre half throwing aerial balls to their forwards, which is unusual in the ladies’ game and a tactic that took a little getting used to.

Robyn Horan, the Henley keeper was able to steady the ship, keeping the Southampton forwards at bay.

Seeing out the early pressure, Henley managed to gradually gain back possession and territory. After some quick thinking by captain Charlotte Hetherington, who took a free hit outside the Southampton D, Rachel Herbert’s strike was saved before Hetherington pounced on the rebound and was able to send the ball past the Southampton keeper.

In the second half Southampton got a goal back following a deflection from a short corner. However, good pressure by forwards Caitlin Barrass, Georgie Metcalfe and Emma Jean-Jean in the opposition’s defence exposed opportunities and short corners were awarded for their efforts. Henley managed to get a goal back thanks to a well worked short corner where again, Hetherington managed to tip the ball past the keeper.

The game saw a lot of Henley pressure but with moments of Southampton attacks too but Mel Joyce and Herbert steadfast in defence were able to keep things calm and collected.

A breakaway run by league debutant Lily Baker caught Southampton on the back foot and, slipping the ball to Metcalfe, was able to fire home to make it 3-1.

In South Central Division 3, HENLEY LADIES 2nds maintained their push for promotion as they ran out 4-0 winners at home to WINDSOR 2nds. Henley started with intensity, pressing high and moving the ball well and they soon broke the deadlock when a well-timed run and calm finish from Hayley Munt put the hosts ahead. The goal was a result of the team’s impressive link-up play, with defence and midfield working seamlessly to bring the ball forward and create the opportunity.

The momentum continued into the second half, and Henley’s quick passing and movement once again paid off. Chloe Lyons found herself in the right place at the right time, capitalising on some good team play to double the lead.

As the game progressed, Lyons added a third with a reverse-stick shot that left the Windsor keeper with no chance.

Defensively, Henley remained solid, with Ellie Bryant in goal making a number of key saves to keep a clean sheet.

Henley’s final goal came from a short corner, executed by Kat Green with a disguised shot that flew past the keeper into the corner of the goal. HENLEY LADIES 3rds secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at WINDSOR LADIES 3rds, a result that , moved them to the top of the South Central Division 2 Thames table.

The game was a true test of Henley’s resilience, with goalkeeper Ela Chamberlain delivering an outstanding performance. Chamberlain’s composure and skill under pressure were key, with Windsor constantly pushing for a breakthrough. Defenders Fiona Dunn, Angela Botha, Sophie Pendlebury, Martha Peach, and Flo Hughes were put under relentless pressure, particularly with Windsor winning multiple back-to-back short corners.

Despite this, Henley’s defensive unit stuck to the game plan, clearing the ball every time and frustrating Windsor’s attack.

In midfield, Charlotte Irving, Jules Tomlinson, Maddie Moore, Chloe James, Delphine Roff and Tilly Costa played crucial roles. Each player showed good movement and distribution, with Irving standing out with her impressive interceptions.

The forward line of Emily Matthews, Nina Lloyd and captain Rosie Wilkinson also worked well, linking up effectively and creating chances.

The match remained 0-0 going into the second half, with Windsor continuing to press for a goal. Henley tightened up their play and the breakthrough came from captain Wilkinson. Intercepting a Windsor pass, she drove the ball up the pitch and found Matthews, who coolly slotted it past the Windsor goalkeeper to make it 1-0 with just under 15 minutes remaining.

Windsor responded strongly, earning more short corners and applying pressure on Henley’s defence, but they were unable to break down the well-organised back line. Henley also had a few more chances to extend their lead, but Windsor’s defenders held firm.