Undefeated double-header weekend ensures Henley remain in pole position

HENLEY LADIES 1sts went down to a 2-0 home defeat against SOUTHAMPTON LADIES 1sts in their South top-of-the-table Central Premier Division 2 clash last Saturday.

The game started with end-to-end action but little in the way of chances for either side. As the match progressed, Southampton found gaps in the Henley press and caught the home side on the break.

Henley didn’t match up to the physicality of Southampton and were slow to get to the ball and often pushed aside by some of the stronger visiting players. As a result, Southampton managed to stumble their way through and convert a decisive strike to take the lead before half-time.

Henley were again slow out the blocks for the second half and struggled to find players or attack the Southampton defence with conviction.

Charlotte Granger Holcombe and the Jean-Jean sisters worked tirelessly to win the ball back and build attacking threats but the handful of short corners for the home side didn’t come to anything and a narrowly missed chance by Georgie Metcalfe just missing the sliding stick of Charlotte Hetherington at the far post.

Henley were unable to break the deadlock and a quick counter-attack saw a Southampton forward tip the ball passed the Henley keeper to make it 2-0. Charlotte Granger Holcombe was named Henley’s player-of-the-match.

HENLEY LADIES 2nds remain top of South Central Division 3 North following their double header last weekend. On Saturday, Henley defeated second-placed OXFORD HAWKS 4ths 4-2 at Jubilee Park.

From the first whistle, Henley demonstrated the quality and style of play that has made them such a formidable side this season. Their passing was slick, their movement off the ball sharp and they controlled the tempo of the game.

Hawks took a surprise early lead, putting pressure on the home side. Despite this setback, Henley didn’t panic as they stuck to their game plan, continued to press, and with their characteristic composure, worked their way back into the match.

Henley took the lead as the goals came thick and fast with two from Chloe Lyons, and one each for captain Emma Buckham-Hedges and forward Ella Shute.

The following day HENLEY LADIES 2nds were held to a 1-1 draw at home to fifth placed WOOTTON WANDERERS LADIES 1sts.

Henley started the match slowly before having wave after wave of attacks on the Wootton goal which were consistently thwarted by a fine performance from the visiting goalkeeper.

With tired legs but unwavering determination, Henley continued to battle and after a fine run resulted in a penalty flick. Flick Cobalt stepped up to slot the ball home to Henley a 1-0 lead.

In the dying seconds of the game, Wootton won a short corner and, with the clock ticking down, managed to level the scores at 1-1 to secure a share of the spoils.

HENLEY LADIES 3rds went down to a 2-1 South Central Division 2 Thames defeat at SOUTH BERKSHIRE
LADIES 4ths.