Henley leave it late at Horsham

Deprived of Geoff Joseph, Richard Woolfrey, Mani Kochar, Tom Walter and Jody Measures, and wondering where the goals would come from this week without them, Henley continued their unbeaten run with a last gasp win away at fellow promotion challengers Horsham.

On a cold but bright day, Horsham started more positively with a number of forays into the D but the Henley defence stood strong. Henley then threatened with a barrage of penalty corners but were also denied by a strong Horsham defence. It was the home team that took the lead with a quick counter attack and a final shot that was unfortunately deflected in by a Henley player. Horsham maintained this slender lead until the half time break, despite the away side creating chances of their own towards the break.

The start of the second stanza saw Henley on the front foot and pressing more effectively. Quick goals from Luke Gupta and Rhys Joyce - both second phase penalty corners - saw the 'amber and blues' take a lead, then an excellent counter attack involving David Ralph, Luke Gupta and captain Ed Foster saw Chris Green tap into an open goal for a 3-1 Henley lead.

The home team fought back well and built pressure and chances. Roy Cox made a number of good saves but could not stem the tide. Two goals and an unfortunate yellow card for Jonny Taylor saw Horsham draw level and create a number of further chances that would have seen them take the lead. Roy cox continued to get in the way; chances went wide or were saved on the line by Rhys Joyce as Henley fought hard to stay in the game.

In the dying minutes a good (but rare) counter attack, following a strong Robbie Mortimer tackle on the half way line, saw Henley awarded a penalty corner with just 45 seconds left. Rhys Joyce got the final touch after a shot by Foster, which was enough to seal the three points. Whilst a draw would have been a fairer reflection of the game, Henley were elated with the three points and look forward to a rare home game next week and another chance to extend their unbeaten run.