Ladies 1s back to winning ways

It was definitely a game of two halves. Henley dominated the first five minutes, pushing forward with every move and creating several opportunities. A well worked and well drilled short corner routine found the ball in the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed after the umpire deemed it illegal. This seemed to put the Henley players into a spin and Witney took advantage, taking control of most of the first half scoring two goals in quick succession.

With a composed but motivating team talk Henley regrouped at half time, in the knowing that they were well and truly still in the game.

It wasn't long before their persistence paid off and a great run by Lou England saw her cleverly eliminate the chasing defender before driving into the D and smashing the ball through the keepers legs. This lifted the Henley spirits and gave them more momentum. A succession of short corners put immense pressure on the Witney defence and in desperation their defender on the line had to use her feet to keep the ball out. The resulting penalty flick was dispatched with power and confidence by an in form Meg Moran. At 2-2 it looked like Henley would take the upper hand and go on to win the match. But a rush of ill-discipline saw them reduced to nine players and it looked like the game was slipping through their fingers.

However with seven minutes to go and back up to full complement Henley won another short corner much to Witney’s displeasure. A quick huddle and a decisive call led to the unbelievable as Charlotte Cockerton pounced upon the rebound slotting the ball past the hapless Witney keeper. Cue scenes of great delight and another three points in the bag.