Henley dominate play against top of the table Chiswick to secure 3 points
With the frustration of last week on their minds and playing a team that has held much rivalry in the past, Henley were determined to create an impact right from the start.
From the whistle, forward thinking and fast paced captain Georgie Metcalfe surprised the defence of Chiswick driving the right channel and creating an opening for Charlotte Cockerton to fire the ball home from close range; 1-nil up with 30 seconds on the clock.
Needless to say Chiswick fought hard to level the score sheet however, with the grit between their teeth, Henley were creating opportunities across the park. Fantastic interlocking play by Louisa England and Jemma Barham allowed Henley to push forward to try and increase their lead. However, Chiswick were able to counter attack and exploit exposed areas to claw a goal back against the run of play.
Henley needed to keep their heads and remain vigilant of Chiswicks ability to turn the ball over and utilise their key players to make a difference. That said, the home team regrouped and focused on identifying attacking threats and controlled the game accordingly. Sound substitutions by Head Coach Jen Buckham-Hedges bought on the fresh legs of Meg Moran who was able to break quickly. Georgie Metcalfe, again influential in the final third distributed the ball to Meg who was left open to lift the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.
A solid first half team performance kept the home side ahead. The half time team talk focused on keeping the basics right and controlling the game, which would frustrate the visitors.
The second half was fiercely competitive with both sides desperate to achieve 3 points. However, it was the home side that kept their composure. Kat Green frustrated the left attacking side making decisive tackles and distributing the ball up the pitch. Billy Moore made great inroads upfront to hold up play and create opportunities for Henley to get ahead. It wasn’t until the final couple of minutes where Henley gained a short corner. A trusted disguise pass by Green sent the ball to the far right post leaving England to poach the ball in the back of the net. 3-1 up with 5 minutes to go.
Henley pressed hard, controlled the game and kept the ball in the corner to watch the clock go down. Final whistle went and an elated Henley side beat top of the table Chiswick to secure 3 points - a fantastic team performance!
Man on the Match - Kat Green