Mens 4s fight for a draw

With the resident goalkeeper Bobby Boydell filling in for the higher teams, there was a welcome return for Simon Chamberlain in goal as Henley 4s looked to continue their rampant winning run.

Going into the game Henley had a strong side and their dominance showed in the opening minutes as Sonning were already on the back foot. A few early chances create by the width and height of the wingers James Rechner and Archie Clark were not converted. Great build up play led the ball onto Ewan Watkins at the top of the D but his reverse effort when inches over the crossbar. By now Sonning were beginning to get a feel for the game and Henley’s defence tried to stay strong. A fast counter attack from Sonning forced Simon Chamberlain out of his goal. A fizzed ball into the D was converted coolly and Henley were one down.

As the half time whistle blew a somewhat degraded Henley side went into the second half with a rebellious spirit. Halfway into the second half Ewan Watkins collected the ball inside the D and he managed to squeeze the ball through the ex-Henley goalkeeper’s legs. Henley’s spirits were revived and the midfield of Nick Shuttleworth and Simon Ward were making many chances. By this point both teams were going for it. Attack after attack led to nothing until as strong clearance gave the ball to Archie Clark on the counter. He picked out Ewan Watkins finely and Ewan Watkins provided a great ball to the onrushing Neill Emmett whose diving effort was not strong enough to beat the Sonning Goalkeeper.

Going into the last few minutes Sonning had one last attack. The ball was bounced into the D but a strong effort from one of Sonning’s striker’s hit the post and was cleared away by the Henley defence. At the final whistle Henley had secured a solid point but really they should have got all three.