7 goals and 3 points for Ladies 1s
Having previously struggled against teams lower in the league, Henley Ladies were quick to demonstrate their passion and commitment to achieve three points and put themselves in a good position as they move closer to the Christmas break.
A high press and level of intensity forced mistakes on the opposition and two quick goals within 10 minutes from Kiera Holloran calmed the nerves for the home side. Building momentum, Henley played some very intricate pass and move hockey namely Jemma Barham and Mel Joyce. It wasn’t long before Henley Ladies were awarded with another beautifully timed goal by Sophie Hoskins who buried the ball into the bottom left corner. 15 minutes on the clock and Henley are in a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Not resting on their laurels, Henley had a sense of urgency capitalising on any free hit, 16 or long corner, stretching the game and exposing the Hamstead and Westminster defence. Kat Green and Rachel Herbert played some pinpoint accuracy passes from the back allowing Metcalfe and Hoskins to post forward attack the base line, cut inside and be a real danger in the final third. It wasn’t long before Sophie Hoskins was awarded with a goal as a result of her effort.
However, Henley ladies became a little complacent before half time having pressed high up the pitched exposed the defence and a short corner was presented to the opposition. A well-rehearsed and executed routine gave the away side a goal before the break.
In recent weeks the home side have been slow to react to the second half whistle however, Georgie Metcalfe granted patience with a fifth goal. Two minutes later and the Henley captain was on the ball again and doing what she has done best for much of the season, driving into the D with pace, drawing the defender and firing the ball to the far post where Hoskins poached the ball into the back of the net- Hatrick for Hoskins!
It wasn’t long before Hampstead and Westminster were on the move and enjoying a period of possession. Henley was slow to react to the increased threat and a counterattack set the opposition forward up nicely to have a 1v1 with the keeper. A fantastic sliding save by Hannah Lavis unfortunately fell kindly to the forward who had an open opportunity to convert.
A final opportunity in the 57th minute from a penalty corner gave Metcalfe the opportunity to sweep up in the D and gain a very well deserved 7th goal, three points and a very strong goal difference for the Henley Ladies 1