Barass nets treble as five-star Henley put visitors to sword

HENLEY LADIES 1sts produced a commanding performance to secure all three South Central Women’s Premier Division 1 points last Saturday as they won 5-1 at SOUTHAMPTON LADIES 1sts.

Henley controlled the tempo from the first whistle and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and their early pressure was rewarded after 10 minutes when a well-worked short corner routine saw Georgie Metcalfe’s strike cleverly deflected into the net by Charlotte Hetherington.

The visitors soon doubled their lead after a moment of skill from Kiera Halloran, who glided past her marker before slipping the ball into the D where Hetherington was on hand again, spinning on to her reverse and firing into the netting to make it 2-0.

Henley scored their third goal early in the second half when from another short corner, Caitlin Barrass applied the final touch from a powerful strike at the top of the circle.

Moments later Henley stretched their lead when Amelie Bayfield drove strongly down the right flank, delivering a pass for Barrass to convert her second of the game.

Southampton were not out of the game and enjoyed a brief spell of pressure midway through the half, pulling a goal back to reduce the deficit to 4-1.

Henley quickly regained control with Barrass completing her hat-trick to seal the comprehensive victory.

In Division 2 North, HENLEY LADIES 2nds ran out 2-1 winners at PHOENIX READING LADIES 1sts.

The first 15 minutes saw Henley enjoy most of the possession, stringing together link-up play and showcasing composure across the field. The defensive line stood solid, snuffing out any Phoenix advances before they could develop.

Against the run of play, Phoenix capitalised on a rare breakaway, forcing a short corner which they scored from.

The second half saw wave after wave of Henley attacks with the Phoenix goalkeeper called into repeated action, making several sharp saves to deny the equaliser.

Henley’s pressure finally paid off. A smart sideline play saw the ball worked out wide and driven across the D to Lily Baker who coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net. With momentum now firmly in Henley’s favour, they pushed for the winner. The breakthrough came again via Baker. Intercepting a loose Phoenix pass at the top of the D, she broke forward and laid the ball to Hayley Munt on the left, and received it back inside the attacking D before calmly placing it past the keeper.

HENLEY LADIES 3rds went down to a 4-2 home defeat against Division 2 Thames league leaders MARLOW LADIES 5ths. Despite challenging wind conditions, Henley’s defensive trio of Angela Botha, Fi Dunn and Martha Peach held strong at the back, making it difficult for Marlow to break through early on.

Their resilience kept the scoreline tight, with Marlow only managing to sneak in a goal just before half-time.

In the second half, Henley battled into the wind as Marlow ramped up their attack with a well-organised flurry of runs, netting three quick goals to extend their lead.

Henley didn’t back down and a clever interception from Charlotte Irving set up Hannah Sullivan-Parish on the wing, who struck with a reverse-stick shot to find the back of the net.

Moments later, a defensive mix-up from Marlow allowed Rosie Wilkinson to slip past the keeper and score Henley’s second.

HENLEY LADIES 4ths eased to a comfortable 4-0 Division 4 Thames win at NEWBURY AND THATCHAM LADIES 5ths.

The visitors started brightly with sharp midfield interplay creating early scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came when Charlotte Clarke moved into position to cross the ball from the right flank, but hesitation from the defenders and keeper allowed the ball to drift through the D, eventually creeping over the line.

In the second half Autumn Renshaw rang rings round the Newbury defensive back line to score Henley’s second goal after just three minutes.

Henley continued to dominate but on the occasions the opposition managed to push the ball into Henley’s half, the defence, led by Caitlin Swinburn, held firm.

Henley continued to win short corners and from one a decisive injection from Clarke, Ali Jean-Jean found the back of the net.

With five minutes to go Tara Chesters drove down the right side and delivered a pass to Renshaw who slotted home.