Written By : Connor Banks on 07/09/2021

Categories: Club News

A solid team performance saw Henley return to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over a determined Coplestonians, in front of a crowd of 104.

Henley took the lead in the opening minute, a neat passing move culminating in Gavin Van Oene curling in a left foot strike from 25 yards, which deceived Cops keeper Fairweather and nestled in the bottom corner for 1-0. On 14 minutes Fairweather reacted well to tip over a well struck volley from Cowan. Although Henley were enjoying the majority of the possession, Cops still looked dangerous and drew level in the 23rd minute. A clearance from home keeper Lynch ballooned skyward and was headed back across the 18 yard area by Ruel, where Hammond hit a fine half volley into the bottom corner for 1-1.

Just before the break Henley regained the lead, Cops thought they should’ve been awarded what looked like a free kick when Tejano won the ball in the centre circle, and appeared to freeze, whilst Cowan lifted the ball over a static Cops defence into the path of Thrower, he impudently lobbed Fairweather and rounded him to roll the ball into the empty net, making it 2-1 at HT.

10 minutes into the 2nd half Thrower whistled a shot narrowly wide, before Bruce was denied twice, once by a fine save from Fairweather and once again with a brave defensive block. On 75 minutes Henley pressure finally told, Watling racing onto George Ablitt’s pass and out muscling Ferniz and Soanes on his way into the area before finishing from close range for 3-1.  With 5 minutes to go, again Fairweather was the hero tipping George Ablitt’s effort onto the post.

There was still time for some late drama when the home defence were caught dwelling on the ball and Owen was able to finish from close range for 3-2 which made for a tense finish. However Henley held on for the win and 3 points with a good team effort, the Ultra’s MOTM going to club captain Storey who delivered an imperious performance.