Ladies 1s topple top team

Henley started the game very much on the front foot, crafting several opportunities but failed to add that finishing touch to any smart attacking moves. A run of short corners saw Henley keep West Hampstead under the cosh and took a deserved lead when Kat Green’s fierce hit deflected its way into the goal. The run up to half time saw Henley continue to apply pressure, and while limiting the opposition to a small handful of chances, were unable to extend their lead.

West Hampstead started the second half with great intent; winning a short corner in the opening 30 seconds. It wasn’t much longer until the intense pressure broke the stubborn Henley defence and a short corner was converted in to tie the game back up at 1-1. This goal really swung the game wide open and had Henley on the back foot for the next 10 minutes. However, Henley managed to regain their composure and were able to resume dictating the game. Some pinpoint passes from Chloe Nelson down the right-hand side and excellent support play from Jem Mackie enabled the team to link up play nicely, transitioning the ball well from defence through to attack. The forwards had a spell of glorious chances, particularly for captain Georgie Metcalfe, who following a couple of misses was eventually able to hit a sweet strike into the bottom corner to put Henley back in front. While most teams would look to protect a one goal lead against a top of the table side, Henley continued to attack and dominate possession, and were rewarded for this when another short corner fell to Green who coolly dispatched her second of the game. Henley managed the rest of the game well and did not allow West Hampstead any sight of a comeback. This win puts Henley joint top with Oxford Hawks, and the ladies host Southgate on Saturday where they will be looking to continue their good run of form in the pursuit of promotion.