Taylor and Joyce on target as table toppers win derby clash

SOUTH Central Open Premier Division 2 leaders HENLEY 1sts delivered a disciplined performance as they ran out 2-0 winners against local rivals MARLOW 2nds at Jubilee Park last Saturday.

The home side controlled large parts of the game and made the most of their set-piece opportunities, with both goals coming from well-worked penalty corners.

Jonny Taylor opened the scoring in the first half, firing home after a crisp routine left the Marlow defence scrambling.

After the break Henley continued to press with confidence and their pressure paid off when Rhys Joyce doubled the lead, again converting from a penalty corner.

Marlow battled hard throughout, but Henley’s organisation, energy and clinical finishing proved the difference.

In Division 2 North, HENLEY 2nds got revenge for their opening day of the season defeat as they ran out 1-0 winners at MARLOW 3rds.

The opening exchanges saw both sides enjoy spells of possession as they settled into the game while Henley’s defence stood firm under early pressure, dealing with several promising Marlow attacks, including a dangerous short corner.

Henley enjoyed a spell of control which earned them a short corner which George Farthing converted to give Henley the lead midway through the first half.

The remainder of the match developed into a physical midfield battle, with both teams showing defensive organisation and discipline.

Henley remained composed and again showed defensive strength with a late short corner save from keeper Alex Woolfrey. Henley saw out the contest to secure the three points.

In Division 1 Thames, HENLEY 4ths picked up a point from a 2-2 draw at MAIDENHEAD 3rds in their final league match before Christmas.

Henley started the brighter of the two sides, with James Baker taking control of the midfield and the right-hand pairing of Phil Biggs and Dom Proudfoot linking up well to open up the hosts. Their combination soon paid off when a flowing move down the right resulted in a cross to the back post, where Tim Barrass calmly finished to give Henley a 1-0 half-time lead.

The second half began in similar fashion with Henley creating several good opportunities but just lacking the final touch. The breakthrough eventually came when a clever pass from Baker found Ewan Watkins at the top of the D. His first effort was parried by the keeper, but he reacted quickest to slot in the rebound and double Henley’s advantage.

At 2-0 up, Henley looked in control as the defensive unit of Rowan Austin, Chris Proudfoot and Neill Emmett worked together with discipline and commitment to keep Maidenhead at bay. Behind them, the Henley goalkeeper Ed Earl made a number of sharp saves.

With no substitutes available against Maidenhead’s four, Henley inevitably came under sustained pressure late in the game. The hosts eventually pulled one back to set up a tense finish.

In the final minute Maidenhead were awarded a penalty corner. From the resulting set piece the hosts fired a drag flick into the top corner to earn a share of the spoils.

In Division 3 Thames, HENLEY 5ths drew 1-1 at NEWBURY AND THATCHAM 6ths in their final fixture of the year.

With player unavailability, Henley were down to 11 players for the match against a youthful Newbury squad containing four substitutes. The game was evenly balanced with both sides having scoring chances but it was Newbury who found the back of the net first with a slick move despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Ed Newbold.

Henley kept creating chances with runs from forwards Noel Williams down the left and Duncan Gray down the right. The midfield were held together by the experience of both Simon Ward and Simon Taylor who were receiving some good passes from the three defenders of Nick Shuttleworth, Piers Edgell and Jon Williams and Clint Botha providing support in a left midfield position.

In a match punctuated with a strong breeze and heavy showers, Henley held their composure and tired legs to set up a move from open play which saw centre forward Jon Grocock score from a difficult angle to score the equaliser.

Despite continued pressure from the visitors and a short corner being awarded in the last few minutes of the game, Henley were unable to convert and had to settle for a point.