3 points against local rivals

Henley started the game off with a keen intent but while they had the majority of possession, they failed to create any open chances. The pressure slowly cranked up and midway through the first half Player of the Match Jemma Mackie followed up some excellent stick skill with a pinpoint reverse sweep into the bottom right corner for a well-deserved lead. For all the pressure, Henley didn’t receive their first short corner until 25 minutes into the half but a well worked routine failed to convert for a bit more breathing space.

Half time came without Sonning ever really threatening Hannah Lavis’ goal, and the general feedback was positive from coach Rhys Joyce. The second half saw Henley come flying out of the blocks and good work from Emma Walker down the left wing set up Lou England who was cruelly denied by the frame of the goal. Strong tackles from Charlotte Cockerton and a constant team effort of real pressure straight off the training ground meant Sonning regularly failed to build up any sort of attacks. After a period of sustained possession, England drove into the D and smashed the ball past the stranded Sonning goalkeeper with a sublime finish into the left side netting to strengthen Henley’s hold on the game. Sonning then upped their performance and started to spend more and more time in the Henley half, but without really threatening the Henley D. Lavis ensured she kept her clean sheet intact after a Sonning forward found herself isolated in the Henley half and through on goal, only for Lavis to make a crucial save and ensure the final few minutes were not a nervy period for the Henley Ladies. Overall a very good team performance; the Ladies now look ahead to next week’s fixture against top of the league Marlow.