Ladies 2s continue their winning streak for promotion

Maidenhead had already won their match via a walkover (5-0 win awarded), so this match was important for Henley as they needed to win if they were to maintain their league position of second (and possible promotion).

A strong start by the Henley side was rewarded with an early short corner. Unfortunately, the ball was slipped wide of the goal however the early attack set the pace for the rest of the game. Milton Keynes fought back with a couple of breaks however these were easily dealt with by defenders Becky Karver and Karen Walker who saw the balls out to Sophy Rogers and Sophie Rainbow on the wings for line ball’s to upfronts, Taminah Brown and Katie Butler. These links of play allowed the quick movement of the ball around the pitch, providing many goal scoring opportunities.

Going into the second half the score was still 0-0 and Henley knew they needed to give a little more if they wanted to secure the 3 points. They upped the pace and found that Milton Keynes began to tire, allowing Henley to capitalise on their mistakes. The first goal came from a short corner. The ball was slipped to Rachel Herbert who didn’t have a clear shooting opportunity, therefore span slipped the ball goal wards where Taminah Brown was able to jab the ball home. Their second goal was score a few minutes later following the awarding of another short corner. The ball was injected to Rachel Herbert who slipped the ball to Emma England whose slap shot produced a rare finish!

Having gone two goals ahead, Milton Keynes put the pressure back on Henley when a quick counter attack resulted in a goal and kept the scores close. Thankfully Henley took back control and they managed to secure a third goal - a carbon copy of the second - not one but two goals for England in the same game! Towards the end of the match, Henley gave one final push for another goal. The ball was carried up the right by becky Barry, in her first outing in the second XI. She released the ball to Herbert who put the ball on a foot, however instead of blowing for the foul, the umpire played advantage and Herbert was able to strike the ball past the keeper, settling the final score at 4-1.

This win gives Henley the 3 points they needed to maintain their league position. Next weekend is the final match of the season for Henley Ladies 2’s where they will clash against Maidenhead Ladies 2’s in the final battle for a promotion spot - winner takes all!