Henley Ladies 1st XI produced a commanding performance away at Southampton, securing a 5–1 victory built on dominance in possession and clinical finishing.

From the first whistle, Henley controlled the tempo and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. Their early pressure was rewarded around the 10-minute mark when a well-worked short corner routine saw Georgie Metcalfe’s strike cleverly deflected into the net by Charlotte Hetherington.

The visitors soon doubled their lead after a moment of individual brilliance from Kiera Halloran, who glided past her marker before slipping the ball into the D where Hetherington was on hand again - this time spinning onto her reverse and firing into the netting to make it 2–0 at the break.

Henley picked up where they left off in the second half. Their third goal came from another short corner, with Caitlin Barass applying the final touch from a powerful strike at the top of the circle. Moments later, Henley stretched their lead further when Amelie Bayfield drove strongly down the right flank, delivering a precise pass for Barass to convert her second of the game.

Southampton were not out of the game however and they enjoyed a brief spell of pressure midway through the half, pulling one goal back to reduce the deficit to 4–1. However, Henley quickly regained control, and Barass completed her hat-trick to seal a comprehensive 5–1 victory for the visitors.

Special mention to joint players of the match - Ella Shute who stepped up and played some superb attacking hockey and young striker, Caitlin Barrass for her excellent hat trick of goals!