L1s mush improved performance

As the early fog lifted to reveal glorious playing conditions, the amber and blues started strongly and for the first 15 minutes of the game they were camped mostly in Wycombe’s defending half but were unable to get any serious shots on goal. Conversely, Wycombe managed to gain a few attacks on the break; these were cleared up by defenders Rach Herbert, Kat Green and Chloe Nolson before they reached the D. One exception, however, saw a Wycombe player reach the baseline, and a pass across goal mis-stopped by a Henley defender, resulting in an unexpected deflection, skimming past ‘keeper Hannah Lavis’s shoulder, into the net.

Undeterred, Henley responded with the same strength and intensity as before and were soon rewarded with an equaliser after a well-worked attack down the right-hand side saw the ball sent across the D to a waiting Lara Wilkinson on the post to slot it behind the ‘keeper. Soon after the visitors went ahead after a similar attack gave Keira Halloran the opportunity to salmon-flop dive towards the post to deflect the ball over the line.

The second half continued in much the same manner, with Emma Walker and Ellie Roseff forming a solid partnership in the centre-midfield and wide midfielders Charlotte Cockerton and Sophie Hoskins offering good options on the attack and swiftly closing down Wycombe’s options when they were in possession.

Forwards Lou England, Georgie Metcalfe and Lara Wilkinson put great pressure on the Wycombe defence throughout the 70 minutes, forcing many turnovers and keeping their goalkeeper very busy. It wasn’t until well into fourth quarter, however, that Henley were rewarded only their second short corner of the game. A trusted routine saw Kat Green disguise pass to Lou England on the P-spot ready to deflect the ball into the net.

Another short corner soon followed and whilst the initial shot was saved, a goalmouth scramble led to Kiera Halloran getting on the score sheet again after she reversed the ball into goal from close proximity.

Henley have a big weekend ahead as they play league leaders Oxford Hawks on Saturday (10.15am at Jubilee Park), who they trail by two points. On Sunday they play third-placed Harrow (at Jubilee Park) who are two points behind Henley.