Henley 3s 4-5 Reading University

Henley 3rd team fought back from 4-1 down to an unlucky 5-4 loss to a very skillful Reading University side. Henley were optimistic before the match with a very strong side and when the team saw that the Reading University side were without a keeper their hopes rose even more.
But Reading's loss of keeper played very well into their hands, as they were able to grab an early short corner, which resulted in a looping shot that deceived the Henley defence and goalkeeper. Henley bounced back shortly after, with Rupert Wiseman breaking away before squaring it to Tim Barrass who had two chances at an open net and the second he converted calmly. With the extra man the University side were able to overpower their opposition with their higher levels of fitness. They were able to grab three more goals before the break: two powerful shots from the top of the D and an unlucky deflection, which deceived Henley keeper Bobby Boydell. Going into the break at 4-1 down Henley heads were held understandably low.
After half time, Henley changed their game plan significantly. Changing from 3-2-3-2 to 4-4-2 would hopefully deal with the extra man problem, which had haunted Henley on their Halloween match. Shortly after the restart, Henley were able to grab a comeback goal. Tim Barrass broke away down the right and after beating the defence passed it to new boy Will Cresswell who coolly converted. Straight after, the Henley attack produced a move of similar stature. This time Rupert Wiseman broke away before Will Cresswell was able to grab his second goal of the game. At 4-3 up the Reading side knew that they had to extend their lead. They were awarded a short corner, which was flicked into the top left just past the stick of the Henley goalkeeper. This goal was not the end of Henley's spirits. From a hit outside the opposition '25' Rowan Austin played a ball in behind the defence to the onrushing Ewan Watkins who squared to Tim Herbert for Henley's 4th and the 9th goal of the game.