Wiseman’s strike and goalkeeper’s heroics help side get back on track

HENLEY LADIES 1sts returned to winning ways in South Central Women’s Premier Division 1 last Saturday when they defeated MAIDENHEAD LADIES 1sts 1-0 at Jubilee Park.

The match was end to end with Henley’s defence outstanding throughout, breaking down Maidenhead’s advances and playing critical balls to the midfield line, collapsing the opposition’s defensive press.

On the occasions when Maidenhead did find openings, goalkeeper Anjana Sothynathan produced several crucial saves to keep Henley firmly in the match.

Despite many attempts at goal by either side the game remained locked at 0-0 deep into the final quarter.

Henley’s determination and refusal to let the tempo drop eventually paid off. Pippi Heath showed good vision in midfield to thread the ball up the line to Caitlin Barrass, who carried it smartly into the D before firing a cross to Lucy Wiseman. Under pressure, Wiseman stepped on to her back foot and slotted the ball home just seconds before the final whistle to secure a dramatic victory.

The win moved Henley, who were promoted to this division last season, up to third place in the table.

HENLEY LADIES 2nds secured all three points as they defeated visitors MAIDENHEAD LADIES 2nds 3-0 in their Division 2 North clash.

Captain Emma Hedges had to watch the match from sidelines after picking up an injury in the pre-match warm-up.

High pressing, interceptions and quick passing characterised the first few minutes of Henley’s play and one such flowing move saw Lily Baker intercept a sideline pass, drive forward and play a pass for Ellia Gurney to run on to in the D. Gurney then slipped a pass to the left for Chloe Lyons to sweep home.

The relentless pressure continued as Henley carved out more scoring chances but without the finishing touches. The second goal came on 25 minutes, with a quick thinking Maisie Robinson hitting a pass from the sideline and threading it all the way through to Lyons in the D, who finished into the bottom corner on her reverse.

Maidenhead were not done and it took some diligent and tenacious defending from the defensive trio of Robinson, Alyx Clarke and Giorgia Fiorentino to keep a few breakaway attacks at bay.

Sophie Miller and Sophy Rogers were constantly snapping at the heels of the Maidenhead midfield, breaking things down and Izzy Woolfrey and Baker were using their pace and skills on the left and right to advance Henley up the pitch.

Renewed energy came from the bench and the experience of Ellie Roseff in midfield, the driving runs of Olivia Callaway and the speed and skill of Amelie Bayfield on the wing.

A third goal came before half-time, another product of Henley’s high press. With the team trapping Maidenhead in the corner, they played a risky pass across the D, which Hayley Munt latched on to and deftly deflected it towards goal and through the keeper’s legs.

In the second half goalkeeper Georgie Grocock was called upon to make several saves but handled the Maidenhead shots with aplomb.

Henley finished the game strongly, forcing Maidenhead into an goal-line clearance and some last-ditch defending.

The hosts thought they had a fourth goal from a short corner that they simply didn’t give up on and forced home, only for it to be pulled back for the injection not leaving the D. Baker and Gurney shared the player of the match honours.

HENLEY LADIES 3rds remain in second place in Division 2 Thames after running out 3-0 winners at MAIDENHEAD LADIES 4ths.

Henley started strongly, maintaining composure and possession from the outset. After 20 minutes, a run down the left wing by Hannah Sullivan ended in a fine finish, giving Henley the lead and setting the tone for the match.

The second half saw Henley’s dominance grow. Jo Corbett struck early with a shot that left the Maidenhead keeper with no chance to double their advantage.

Henley continued to press, and Fleur Wood sealed the victory with a well-executed run down the left and a clinical strike to make it 3-0.

A clean sheet capped off the performance, thanks to goalkeeper Sophia Price’s assured presence between the posts.