Henley Men's 5th put a season's worth of collective endeavour to good use on Saturday, and emerged 3-0 victors against Staines.

A strong team - with the capacity to maintain rolling substitutes - gave Henley considerable depth for the penultimate game of the season. This strength in depth gave the midfield of Simon Ward, Charlie Tyler-Chamberlain, league debutant George Austin and Nicolas Segrue a strong run, and their early dominance created most of the early possession. Tireless movement up front from JP Watts, Simon Taylor and Duncan Gray allowed Henley to press their advantages, but the chances proved elusive given hard work form the Staines defence. Henley's creativity allowed the defensive line to move up, and Nick Shuttleworth -- supported by Dan Bradbury and Adam Warner - began to test the Staines midfield. However, it took the injection of fresh energy as returning winger - and acting player manager - John Powell, alongside Jon Williams and Piers Edgell, turned possession into dominance. A injection from the left was collected by Segrue, whose run into the D and powerful strike were deflected by the keeper into his own net. 1-0.

The goal opened out play - and Henley scored again - this time from a cross deflected by Edgell and rebounded into the Staines net from the Staines centre half: 2-0. Staines managed a breakaway deep into the first half, and their attempt on goal was calmly snuffed out by debutant goalkeeper Jax MacKinnon, reflecting the authority he showed all afternoon. His clearance was picked up and the ensuing counter attack led to a Henley penalty corner for Henley. Segrue received the injection and his strike was deflected high into the air by the Staines keeper, and the backspin carried the ball into the net from the bounce. 3-0 and half-time.

The second half cemented Henley's strong showing - intelligent passing, movement and strong end to end play by Austin and Tyler-Chamberlain allowed Henley to ride out the game - not quite converting their chances to extend their lead. The final match of the season is away to local rivals Wallingford, with Henley carrying confidence and skill into the encounter.