3rds score last-second goal in a thrilling draw to rescue a point

Henley 3rd team travelled to Brent Cross to take on West Hampstead 5th team, in a tense and thrilling 2-2 draw which keeps the amber and blues' hopes of promotion alive in an exciting end to the season.

Henley knew that with just three games remaining in the league, West Hampstead represented a potential banana skin in the quest for promotion. In their own battle against relegation, the London side have been rejuvenated and have taken points from other promotion contenders, notably Amersham & Chalfont 2nds and Oxford 4ths.

The game started at a brisk pace, with both teams pressing high and stretching the game across the pitch. The high press restricted opportunities for Henley to pass around the back, but the visitors adjusted their style quickly. A more direct style of play gave ample opportunity to attack up both flanks with defenders Ian Heggie and Mike Woolfrey acting as the launchpad for Henley's attacking moves.

West Hampstead were intent on driving forward powerfully, and although Henley's tight defensive unit soaked up most of the pressure ably, a speculative loose ball across the Henley area somehow ended up in the net, the home side scoring the against the run of play.

Henley did not panic, and continued to play an aggressive style of hockey. Tim Barrass and Tim Herbert looked dangerous up front making intelligent leads, and Harry Wray looked unstoppable as he marauded across the pitch. Matthew Herbert continually challenged the defence. However, in spite of the pressure, Henley were unable to convert in the final third of the pitch, with several chances going begging. Ian Rechner was unlucky not to score as the goalkeeper pulled off an impressive reaction save from a sharp slapped shot.

Continuing after the interval in the same style, Henley finally managed to break through with a well taken goal from Rechner, following good interplay between Heggie, Wray and Matthew Herbert.

But West Hampstead struck back soon after, and with a 2-1 lead opted to play more men behind the game line in a much more defensive style.

Knowing that a draw would keep them in the promotion race, Henley threw men forward, creating many chances and penalty corners which went agonisingly unconverted. With just seven minutes to go, Captain Austin sent the goalkeeper to the substitutes' bench, bringing Rechner back to field 11 outfield players in a final desperate push for the equaliser.

West Hampstead battled hard and thought they had succeeded in snatching a victory. But on the very stroke of the final whistle, Cottam robbed a defender from a 16-yard hit, and drove powerfully into the area to win a penalty corner.

Knowing that this was very last chance, Henley posted 11 attackers for the penalty corner. James Baker's shot was parried, as was Matthew Herbert's effort on the rebound, but the second rebound fell to Rechner who swept powerfully into the goal for the equaliser. While Henley should have won with the pressure created, instead they were highly relieved to have avoided defeat.