On another cold and wet Saturday morning the Ladies 2s set out to follow up on last week’s tough win against Slough with another win against Maidenhead.

Captain Emma Hedges, unfortunately injured in the warm up, stepped into the coach role alongside hockey legend Tammy Miller, in the absence of coach Hayley Rogers (having a well earned weekend away). Hedges urged the team to do one of their characteristic fast and furious starts to overwhelm the opposition and the team absolutely responded. High pressing, interceptions and quick passing, characterised the first few minutes, and one such flowing move saw Lily Baker intercept a sideline pass, drive forward and play a perfect pass for Ellia Gurney to run onto in the D. Ellia then slipped a perfect pass to the left for Chloe Lyons to sweep home.

The relentless pressure continued and Henley carved out many an opportunity, but without the finishing touches. The second goal did come though, on 25 minutes, with a quick thinking Maisie Robinson hitting a perfect pass from the sideline and threading it all the way through to Chloe Lyons in the D - who clinically finished into the bottom corner on her reverse.

Maidenhead, however, were not done and it took some diligent and tenacious defending from the defensive trio of Robinson, Alyx Clarke and Giorgia Fiorentino to keep a few breakaway attacks at bay. Sophie Miller and Sophy Rogers were constantly snapping at the heels of the Maidenhead midfield, breaking things down, and Izzy Woolfrey and Lily Baker were using their pace and skills on the left and right to advance Henley up the pitch.

Renewed energy came from the bench and the experience of Ellie Roseff in midfield, the driving runs of Olivia Callaway, and the speed and skill of Amelie Bayfield on the wing - meaning Maidenhead got no let up at all.

A third goal came before half time, another product of Henley’s often impenetrable high press. With the team trapping Maidenhead in the corner, they played a risky pass across the D, and the nouse of Hayley Munt shone through, as she latched onto it, deftly deflected it towards goal and through the keepers legs.

At half time, the coaches urged Henley to keep up the energy and simplicity of play, but like the weather, there was a bit of a dip in pressure and the game became more end to end. Georgie Grocock in goal was called upon to make saves with very little notice, but handled the Maidenhead shots with aplomb. Henley were determined to keep the clean sheet.

A second wave of energy finally came and Henley finished the game strong, forcing Maidenhead into an agonising goal-line clearance and some last ditch defending. The home side thought they had a 4th from a short corner that they simply didn’t give up on and forced home, only for it to be pulled back for the injection not leaving the D.

A good win heading into the last couple of games before Christmas against tough rivals Staines and Oxford Hawks (all three teams now separated by just 2 points, and occupying 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots respectively).

Man of the match was shared by Lily Baker - for her relentless energy, interceptions and constant driving of the team forward, and Ellia Gurney - for using her pace to terrorise the defence.