Henley remain top after dynamic encounter

For the Southern Premier League 2 neutral, the visit of London Edwardians to Jubilee Park was enough to stimulate the saliva glands before a ball had even been hit. This top of the table encounter certainly lived up to expectations and was nothing short of a tasty encounter.

An untypically sunny, warm November’s day saw London Edwardians start the more dynamic of the two sides, keeping possession and moving off the ball well in the first 10 minutes. However, Henley soon put the feelers away and began to make their mark on the game with good work from in-form forward Chris Green and Ross Hibberd winning multiple short corners which brought about a string of fine saves from the visiting goal keeper. London Edwardians were lively on the counter attack but the defensive trio of David Ralph, Tony Gaze and Ed Hughes-Burne kept the visitors contained. With both sides evenly matched and as the half time whistle drew near, the home side were awarded another short corner which was neatly dispatched by Rhys Joyce from close range after a precise flick from Captain Ed Foster.

The second half brought about much of the same with both sides pushing forward and creating chances in front of goal. Mid-way through the second half, the temperature was soon ramped up with two yellow cards being shown in quick succession leaving both sides with 10 men. London Edwardians pushed for an equaliser but a series of top-class saves from Henley goal keeper Roy Cox kept Henley’s lead intact. Henley kept their shape well in the final 5 minutes to hold on to the clean sheet and another victory to maintain their lead at the top of the table.