Henley Ladies secure last minute draw

With key players returning to the squad and an exciting new proposition joining them Henley felt confident in their ability to try and get a result.

The match got off to a fast start with Henley taking firm control. A disciplined and patient approach saw them create numerous opportunities and if it wasn't for the quality of the Eastcote goalkeeper they would have had a hat full by half time.

Eventually Henley got the breakthrough they deserved with two minutes left to play. Great work from the defence saw Henley overturn the ball and a smart pass from Kat Green to Hannah Jeremy put the opposition on the back foot. Jeremy in turn played an exquisite through ball for Captain Georgie Metcalfe to sprint onto and as she approached the circle some smart movement from the forward freed up space for the returning Louisa England to slot the ball home from Metcalfe's pass.

Unfortunately though Henley let their concentration slip and from the restart Eastcote went straight up the other end and scored from a mishit shot meaning it was honours even at half time.

The second half saw the same pattern emerging as Henley continued to pressure Eastcote. But the chances weren't going in and even when the opposition's GK was dismissed the home team could not take advantage.

Then against the run of play Eastcote hit a hopeful ball into the circle which came off a Henley stick and went into the goal. As Henley set up to defend a long corner they were astounded that the umpire had awarded a goal, despite Eastcote not touching it in the circle.

The remainder of the game saw Eastcote sit back and try and waste as much time as possible, so it was with great delight that Henley put away a well worked penalty corner with the last touch of the match to earn a well deserved point.

A great debut performance from Meg Moran who joins Henley for the remainder of the season and a man of the match performance from the returning Louisa England.

Written by Jenny Buckham-Hedges