Henley Women’s 3s began their season with an away trip to Wycombe to face their 3s side in the opening game of a new league following promotion last season. There was plenty of excitement mixed with a few nerves as the team waited to see what challenges the higher division would bring.

Wycombe started brightly and showed confidence from the outset, taking the lead after just ten minutes with a well-worked team goal. However, Henley responded superbly and refused to let their heads drop. Some excellent midfield play from centre midfielder Charlotte Irving sparked the first attacking play of the match, finding Player of the Match Emily Matthews on the wing. Emily drove forward before releasing a perfectly timed pass to centre forward Jo Corbett, who calmly and cleverly beat the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1 before half-time.

Following an inspiring team talk from coach Brandon during the break, Henley dug deep in the second half. New goalkeeper Jasmine Hillyard produced a series of important saves, while the back four stood firm to frustrate Wycombe’s attacking threats. Henley also looked dangerous going forward, with Lizzie Briscoe coming agonisingly close with a superb strike. New players Katie Lovatt, Eva Hughes, Jasmine Hillyard and Sophia Byatt-Blumenthal all contributed strongly as Henley earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw and an encouraging start to what promises to be a great season.