Frustration for Henley at Jubilee Park

Henley Men’s 1st team entertained Milton Keynes at Jubilee Park, in what proved to be a hugely frustrating afternoon for the home side.

After a rousing team talk from Manager Ian Heggie, Henley started the game at an excellent tempo, with the midfield trio of Joyce, Hetherington and Foster creating some early chances for forwards Green and Gupta. Green shot just wide after 4 minutes and then Gupta forced a smart save from the Milton Keynes keeper. Despite the early pressure, it was Milton Keynes who were first to strike however with a brilliant reverse-stick counter-attack goal after Henley lost possession in an advanced position.

This goal was to be symbolic of the match, as Milton Keynes added two further goals just before half time, despite Henley having the lion’s share of possession and more chances. One positive just before half time was a well-taken goal from Hetherington, who slotted home a well-worked short corner move.

Despite being down 3-1 at half-time, Henley knew they were well in the match. However, much to the frustration of the home fans, the away side once again scored in the opening minutes of the second half to establish a two-goal cushion. Henley then responded well, with Chris Green deflecting in Mortimer’s driven pass, but Milton Keynes once again hit back, with a head-high volley to make it 5-2.

Henley captain Ed Foster then added a third goal for the hosts with 4 minutes left to play, but it was too little too late, as the clinical Milton Keynes side ran away 5-3 winners in a match which Henley arguably deserved more from.