Henley back to winning ways

After dropping two points against bottom side Tunbridge Wells in the previous match, Henley were keen to put that right against fourth placed Trojans at Jubilee Park.

After some stirring pre-match words from player-coach Rhys Joyce, Henley started the match very strongly and pressed high up the pitch at a high tempo, causing Trojans problems in defence. Although creating numerous chances to take the lead, Henley had to wait until the 20th minute for their first goal, as Luke Gupta smashed home his 16th goal of the season, following a well-worked move. This was shortly followed by his 17th of the season, after an initial attempt hit the post, with the ball falling kindly back into his path to slot under the Trojans keeper. Henley added a third goal after 30 minutes through captain Ed Foster, who received a cross-field pass from Ross Hibberd, before scoring from the left hand side of the D with a well-placed drag.

Despite being 3-0 down, Trojans looked composed in possession throughout the half, and deservedly pulled a goal back just before half time; Roy Cox in the Henley goal beaten by a deflected reverse-stick shot, which looped into the net.

With the scores 3-1 at half time, Henley knew the next goal would be vital in the match. Unfortunately for the home side, it was Trojans who got this through a short corner attempt which found its way in 10 minutes into the second half. At 3-2 the match was evenly poised, and despite creating plenty of chances Henley were unable to add to their lead, meaning that both players and supporters alike, were both feeling very edgy in the latter stages. However, the determined home side displayed some superb character and withstood a late Trojans’ onslaught to win the match 3-2.

An important three points in the promotion race, as Henley travel to second-placed Banbury in their next match.