Phoenix beat Henley 3-1

It was Phoenix & Ranelagh who began the game more brightly and they breached the Henley defence several times in the first 10 minutes. Selvester, athletic in goal, was forced into a series of early saves but Phoenix took a 1-0 lead. Henley responded well, with Rankin able to distribute the ball to his fellow defenders Heggie, Alliston, Williams (Huw) and Judge. Early Henley attacks used the right flank with debutant Poundall impressing. Henley's equaliser came from a reverse stick shot from Shaw which was saved by the Phoenix goalkeeper into the path of Harding who finished in style. Phoenix then pushed forward again, putting pressure through the midfield, and their dominance was rewarded with the lead, just before the half time whistle.
Henley regrouped and started the second half brightly. McAllister, moving to right back, pushed forwards and combined well with Fundell and Poundall. Phillips and Wood (Archie) both found space on the left and the hard working midfielders Wood (Benny), Johnson (Will) and Shaw were able to distribute out wide. McAllister in particular made good use of his pace to trouble the Phoenix defence. Chances fell for Williams (Eddie), Shaw, Harding, Fundell and Johnson (Jamie) but Henley were unable to make the pressure count. In the end it was Phoenix who found the goal, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Man of the match, midfielder Shaw, had a late reverse stick effort head wide of the post. This was a thoroughly entertaining game in which Henley played some really good quality hockey and created many scoring opportunities.