Green’s heroics help down Oxford Hawks

HENLEY 1sts secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory at OXFORD HAWKS 3rds in their South Central Open Premier Division 2 clash last Saturday with Chris Green playing a starring role in the win.

Green opened the scoring early in the first quarter, finishing calmly after a swift team move to give Henley the lead. Oxford Hawks then managed to level the game before the break, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make it 1-1.

In the second quarter, Green struck again, latching on to a rebound to restore Henley’s advantage with his second goal of the game. The away side continued to create a host of chances and could have extended their lead significantly, but a lack of clinical finishing in the final third kept Oxford Hawks in the game.

The hosts took advantage of Henley’s missed opportunities by drawing level once more with a well-executed short corner, making it 2-2 midway through the second half.

With the game finely poised, Henley pushed forward in search of a winner and their persistence paid off when Green turned provider, delivering a pinpoint pass to Geoff Joseph, who coolly slotted home the decisive goal.

HENLEY 2nds made it three wins on the spin as they ran out 3-2 winners in their Division 2 North clash with PHOENIX READING.

Henley started brightly and took an early lead through Tim Herbert whose finish left the Phoenix goalkeeper with no chance. The home side looked confident in possession, moving the ball smartly and pressing high to keep Phoenix pinned back in their own half.

Phoenix found a foothold in the game and managed to draw level midway through the first half with a tidy finish against the run of play. The equaliser sparked both sides into action, but it was Henley who regained control before the break.

Nico Jean-Jean continued his form from penalty corners, scoring twice in quick succession to restore Henley’s advantage and send them into half-time with a 3-1 lead.

The second half saw Phoenix push hard to get back into the match, testing Henley’s defensive resilience. A late goal for the visitors set up a tense final few minutes, but Henley held firm to secure the three points.