Henley lose at Milton Keynes

Henley Men’s 1st XI travelled to Milton Keynes on the back of a disappointing defeat to Old Cranleighans, looking to boost their chances of survival in Southern Premier division, and with a possible 4 teams being relegated from the league, they knew a win would be vital.

Henley had the better of the opening stages, applying good pressure to the Milton Keynes’ defence, but it was the home team who managed to grab the opening goal against the run of play, coming from a neat short corner routine. The remainder of the half continued with Henley creating chances, but it was a familiar tale for the away team, as they were not able to capitalise on some good build up play, and the half finished a close 1-0.

A half time dressing down saw the second half start with the away team pressing hard to try to overturn the deficit, but Milton Keynes were able to withstand the pressure, and hit Henley with 3 quick-fire counter attack goals to leave them with a mountain to climb.

Henley, feeling they now had nothing to lose went all out attack, leading to a late revival which saw them reply with 3 goals. The first courtesy of a Rhys Joyce penalty flick, given after a nice short corner routine struck a defenders body on the line. The second saw a tidy finish from Geoff Joseph after some slick build up play, and the third coming from a short corner drag flick from Ed Foster. After this spirited fightback the away team would have felt like they were in with a chance of snatching something from the game. However it was in trying to chase an equalising goal, that late in the game Henley were once more hit on the break, leading to another goal from a short corner, halting the comeback, and effectively ending the tie, with the score 5-3.

Henley host bottom side Staines on Saturday 19th knowing that they cannot afford anything other than 3 points from all of their remaining games.