Ladies 1s halt Marlow's winning streak

Henley started the first half with the majority of possession thanks to some skilled, fast passes between the defence and midfield from Kath Draycott and Chloe Nelson leaving Marlow to try and chase Henley down. This lead to plenty of opportunity for Henley in the attacking 25 with Henley winning their first short corner within 10 minutes of play. Henley were unlucky not to net the first shot with a narrow miss off the far post following a fast pass in from Kat Green. Marlow took a quick turn over and were hungry to get some attacking play with some quick players in the midfield challenging Henley’s defence. However, they were unable to make use of their opportunities in attack and it was not long before Henley’s defence were back in possession and calmly passing the ball through Marlow’s press for Henley to press an attack again. With some strong skills from Ellie Roseff and Jem Barham in the midfield Henley were once again back challenging Marlow’s defence with Charlotte Cockerton winning Henley another short corner with a strong run along the baseline into the D. Henley made the most of this opportunity and through superb team work were able to play the ball between Marlow’s defence allowing Louisa England a chance for a shot which the keeper just managed to save giving Kiera Halloran a chance to net the ball off the keepers pads to finish the half 1-0 to Henley.

Marlow came out hard in the second half determined to maintain their win streak with some quick attacking breaks. This was no match for Henley’s Green who calmly picked the ball off Marlow’s forwards and played it out to safety. Marlow continued to challenge Henley’s defence but were unable to convert due to goalie Hannah Lavis saving everything that was thrown at her. Henley were back on the attack with more quick composed passing allowing Georgie Metcalfe and Sophie Hoskins a chance to use their skill and speed in the forward line to probe Marlow’s defence. Unfortunately Henley were unable to add to their lead despite winning several more short corners. Marlow, becoming desperate to even the score, made strong attacks against Henley’s defence but again were unable to convert with Henley not allowing them a chance on the ball. Marlow did not give up and won a penalty corner with only a few minutes till the end of the game. Henley’s keeper Lavis managed to save the first shot but Marlow’s forwards were positioned to catch any rebound and were given a second chance for a goal but this was no match for Henley’s Rachel Herbert who was able to stop the ball on the goal line and clear it denying Marlow the chance to even the score. Henley finished the game 1-0 beating top of the league and being the first team in the league to beat Marlow, proving they are the team to watch in this league. Man of the match was Ellie Roseff.