Henley dealt first home defeat of the season

Following last week’s disappointing defeat to Banbury, Henley were looking to bounce back to form with three points against Southern Premier League’s newcomers, London Edwardians (London Eds).

The conditions were near perfect - an untypically warm Octobers’ midday sun was shining down over the raucous capacity crowd at Jubilee Park, and the undergarment wearing contingent of the Henley players appeared content in ditching their winter fabrics for the factor-fifty sun cream. Even, the match day nutritionist – Edward Hughes-Burnes, appeared to have started showing some consistency in the choice of changing room energy snacks, and interim manager, Ian Heggie, looked as if he had firmly decided on his side-line attire for the season, with another smart-casual ensemble. Everything seemed to be coming up Henley.

As Henley stepped out to the pitch, the crowd were in full voice, anticipating the appearance of their saviour – the greatest of all time (GOAT), Chris Green. Following, an excellent warm-up routine and some final words of tactical wisdom from play-coach, Rhys Joyce, the team were primed. However, it was Henley that started the slower of the two sides, with London Eds applying some early pressure to the Henley defence. After absorbing the attacking play of the London Eds frontline, it was the opposition that broke the deadlock with an early goal.

Un-phased by the early set back, Henley got out of first gear and began to weave some magic with Henley’s sun cream levered Benjamin Hetherington producing skills that were proved far too slippery for London Eds midfielders. Henley were rewarded for their efforts shortly after with the ever reliable GOAT poaching at the far post, netting his third in as many games. The stadium erupted, as their saviour wheeled away to receive his plaudits from the home crowd. However, Henley’s revival was short lived, London Eds continued to build upon their early pressure and capitalised with another goal to make it 2-1. This second set-back seemed to rock the home side, with Henley beginning to chase the game.

Deservedly so, London Eds scored two more making it 4-1 with little left on the clock before half-time. Henley continued to push forward and, against the run of play, were given a penalty corner in the dying seconds. A training ground routine, led to Ed Foster slotting home from close range to continue his fine start to the season. With the half time score at 4-2, could this be the start of the revival?

After some constructive words from the coaching staff, Henley came out rejuvenated looking to take advantage of their positive finish to the half. However, it didn’t seem to be Henley’s day with London Eds dealing the decisive blow making it 5-2 half way through the second half. Things went from bad to worse for Henley with the GOAT limping off with a hamstring injury – silence filled the stadium. The extent of the injury is unknown, but will be assessed early in the week by the clubs medical team. Henley continued to work hard in the centre of midfield with captain Ed Foster attempting to rally the troops to stage the come backs of come backs. However, it wasn’t to be. The final whistle blew, followed by grumbles of disappointment and murmurs of ‘Heggie out’ echoing from sections of the stadium. Henley travel to Old Cranleighans next week, where they will be to looking kick start their season, and improve on this week’s performance.