Lynch scores last minute winner

The team had travelled to Stowe School with reduced numbers and were depleted further when Kat Green limped off the pitch injured just a few minutes into the game. Undeterred the ladies’ versatility and fitness shone through as team members played out of position and they stepped up the pace against a young opposition.

The flow of the game was very much in Henley’s favour throughout the first half, with Lettie Cary, Kiera Halloran, Charlotte Cockerton and Lara Wilkinson making great leads up front to collect the ball to attack. Yet despite numerous entries into the D and countless short corners, Henley were unable to get on the score sheet. Five minutes from half time and a rare Buckingham counterattack resulted in their only short corner of the match. ‘Keeper Hannah Lavis saved the first shot but a rebound fell to a Buckingham player who took the opportunity to slot the ball home.

Henley regrouped at half time and, recognising they were playing well and were still the stronger team, kept patient and composed. They were rewarded ten minutes later after the ball was once again worked up the pitch from the backline, to find Georgie Metcalfe in the D whose shot decisively found the back of the net.

Rachel Herbert, Chloe Nelson, Ellie Roseff and guest defenders Lara Wilkinson and Emma Walker continued to hold a sold backline. Jem Mackie and Lou Lynch formed an excellent partnership in the centre of the pitch, driving the ball forward and winning yet more short corners. Buckingham defended each one well and their ‘keeper had a phenomenal game as the Henley side seemed unable to take the lead.
Henley were not going to settle for a draw and continued to batter the Buckingham defence. Their determination and belief eventually paid off at the 68th minute when a goal-mouth scramble was ended when Lou Lynch forced the ball over the line, for a deserved three points.
The win leaves the team one point behind the joint league leaders. Next week they host Wycombe at 10.15am.

Men of the Match: Jem Mackie and Chloe Nelson