Henley Mens 5s v Eastcote Eagles (7s)

Henley Mens 5th XI played their ninth league match of the season against Eastcote Eagles on Saturday 24th November 2018 away at the Alec Reed Academy, Northolt

Henley fell out of luck in the opening minute of the match, conceding an early goal to Eastcote. Following this early disappointment, Henley made a series of fast paced advances in to Eastcote’s half. Ben Williams making the pass to midfielder Piers Edgell who took the ball down the left wing, and making a reverse sweep, sent the ball flying in to the middle of the D, perfectly placed between the posts but landing up under the foot of striker Jamie Furness rather than on the end of his stick. Another great opportunity saw Jamie Furness take the ball to the right and towards to baseline, passing backwards to an unmarked Ben Williams who took the shot, but sadly sent the ball just wide of the post. Meanwhile the Henley defensive line up remained solid; Eastcote pressed forward with a quick break. Responding quickly, Henley keeper, Tom Grocock, advanced on the winger and blocking his attempted cross, deflected the ball out for a corner. Further up the field midfield, James Lane created a further opportunity on goal but sadly, his shot went wide. Another great opportunity was created by Toby Phillips who dribbled across into the D and crossed the ball to Jamie Furness who pushed the ball just inches wide of the post.

With the score only 1-0 at half time and so many near opportunities created in the first half, Henley were confident that their luck must surely change during the second half.
Henley were eventually awarded some short corners but the combination of an experienced Eastcote goalie and a solid defence denied Henley their goal. Defender Nick Shuttleworth made a couple of very silky runs up into Eastcote’s half, making some great passes into the D but alas Henley didn’t quite manage to collect them and send them goal-bound. Henley continued to thwart Eastcote’s advances, but a quick Eastcote break in the final quarter of the match saw Henley’s defence outnumbered. Stepping up towards the advancing Eastcote player, Henley’ goal keeper was able to deflect the first shot out towards the baseline, but an Eastcote winger was perfectly placed and able to nudge the ball in to Henley’s goal. Henley’s chance of securing a draw were looking sadly diminished and it was only with the awarding of a penalty corner in the closing minutes of the game, that offered Henley the opportunity to put a goal on the score sheet. Unfortunately, the slow ball out never quite made it out of the D and despite a cracking shot from Nick Shuttleworth sending the ball screaming towards the backboard, the goal was rightly disallowed. Final score Henley 5s (0 – 2) Eastcote Eagles. Congratulations to Henry Davis who was voted man of match.