Hibberd and Woolfrey at the double for Henley

On Saturday 14th February, unbeaten Henley welcomed Ashford Hockey Club in Middlesex to Jubilee Park.

Having scored 10 goals in their last home match, Henley went into the match in confident mood, yet it was the away side who took a shock early lead after an early short-corner attempt was rifled past Roy Cox in the Henley goal. This lead didn’t last long however, as the home side responded with two well-worked goals of their own, through Richard Woolfrey and Luke Gupta. Ashford however refused to be dominated and struck back almost immediately to level the scores with just 20 minutes played. On the half hour mark, Henley finally took control of the game and some skilful running from Jonny Taylor and Luke Gupta, created a second goal of the day from Woolfrey, who then turned provider for Ross Hibberd to score his first of the day from a narrow angle.

Leading 4-2 as the second half started, Henley didn’t look back and mounted plenty of pressure on the Ashford goal, thanks to the midfield prowess of Rhys Joyce, Mani Kochar, David Ralph and Ed Foster. This pressure was rewarded with a dominant second half display, where three more goals were added by the home side. The first scored by Luke Gupta, who then set up Geoff Joseph at the far post, following a brilliant long-range Tony Gaze pass from centre back. The third goal of the half, Henley’s seventh, coming from Foster, who slotted the ball into the far corner of the Ashford net after an astute reverse stick cross from Hibberd.

All in all another good days’ work for Henley, who retain their 7 point lead at the top of the league, with six matches left to play.