Written By : Connor Banks on 20/09/2021

Categories: Match Report

Even with their talismanic top scorer, Bruce, away for the weekend, Henley had far too much firepower for Achilles, returning from Salmet Close with all 3 points after a 1-6 victory.

Henley dominated throughout and almost scored in the opening minute with George Ablitt failing to get on the end of brother Liam’s cross by mere inches. The chances kept coming but it wasn’t until the 20th minute that Henley took the lead their play deserved, George Ablitt rising at the back post to head home Gav Van Oene’s corner for 0-1. The lead was doubled within a minute, Cowan facing onto a precise through ball from Thrower and lifting over the home keeper for 0-2.

Henley came close again on 39 minutes, a long range shot from Thrower was spilled by the Achilles keeper, Tejano was first to the rebound, but his first-time effort went narrowly over. Tejano wasn’t to be denied for long however, as he rifled home a 30 yarder into the top corner on the stroke of HT for 0-3.

The 2nd half continued in the same manner, Van Oene and Ablitt both coming close in the opening minutes, indeed George Ablitt had the ball in the net after some delicate interplay, but it was ruled out for offside. On 55 minutes Liam Ablitt struck to make it 0-4 after a fine exchange of passes between Van Oene and Thrower. Achilles had a glimmer of hope on 60 minutes, a deflected effort from North looping up and deceiving Lynch for 1-4.

That hope was short-lived though when after 68 minutes Watling raced onto a quick release from Lynch, only to be brought down in the box, he brushed himself off and slotted the resultant spot kick into the bottom corner for 1-5. Henley still hadn’t finished though and added another on 73 minutes, and what a goal it was, excellent first time passing between both Ablitt brothers and White, saw the latter race through to slot home and bring the final score to 1-6.

A fine team display with great performances from all 17 involved, but the Ultra’s MOTM went to George Ablitt, who’s tricks and skills just pipped the commitment and dynamism of Robbie Smythe to the vote. Credit too, to Achilles, who worked their socks off all game and never let their heads drop.