Happy away-day for Henley

After a tough few weeks in Southern Premier League, Henley recorded a much-needed and well-deserved win away at Staines Hockey Club. Henley started the game with confidence and a good shape, pushing Staines back in to their own half and holding territory and possession.

The first goal came after 15 minutes. Ed Hughes-Burne moved the ball up the line with precision and pace, finding captain Ed Foster, who then took the ball down the line, beating three of the Staines team. He slipped the ball under his shoulder to Sam Heaver, who finished with a classy shot past the Staines goal keeper.

Despite all the possession Henley went into half time with just the one goal advantage, so knew a strong second half was needed to claim an important 3 points.

After the half time refreshments, Henley came out strongly. Ed Foster winning the ball in Henley’s defensive quarter, then playing a pin-point 70 yard pass down the left to find Geoff Joseph. He then played a tantalising ball into Chris Green, who tucked the ball under the Staines goal keeper to make it 2-0 to Henley.

It was now all Henley, with Joyce, Hibberd, Taylor and Hetherington controlling things in midfield. It was no surprise when the third goal came therefore, as a flowing 3-man move involving Joseph, Foster and Luke Gupta, resulted in Gupta sliding in for a far post deflection, following a pin-point cross from Joseph.

The game finished 3-0 to Henley who thoroughly deserved the win. The Man of the Match award went to Luke Gupta, after a fine display up front, supported ably by everyone in squad, in what was a great team performance.