Henley lose unbeaten record

Making it through to March unbeaten in a season is no mean feat. Through trial & tribulation, Henley men had to this stage, managed to take 50 of a possible 54 points in a campaign that started back in October.

Collectively everyone was aware that a journey up to second placed Banbury was always going to be a real test as the season draws to a close. So it proved as the home side started the brighter, as Henley (not for the first time this season) were slower out of the blocks than their opponents. However, having ridden their luck in the first 15mins, Henley started to get a foot hold in the match. Flowing play down the right side through Hibberd, Joyce & Gupta carved out a couple of real chances to take the lead. With chances at both ends, the first goal was crucial. It finally came at the very end of the first period with a well worked move by Banbury. One up to the hosts at the halfway point.

The second half started in similar vein – chances at both ends, with both keepers making important saves to keep the score line very even. The key moment to game came on 55 min’s, when another breakaway from the home side was converted past keeper Cox for a 2-0 lead. As Henley chased the game & pushed for a response, they were left lacking at the back & shipped 4 goals in the closing 5 minutes to really tarnish the score line. For the large part of this season, the squad have been resolute & have always been up for the battle. For whatever reason, that was not the case on this particular afternoon & the lack of focus in final minutes proved very costly.

The side will quickly need to rediscover the form that has seen them lead the table for much of this season. With 3 games left, maximum points is the only way to be sure of the championship & to close out on a very good season. This challenge starts with an away trip to London Edwardians on Saturday. With the ides of March upon on us, the team must step up.