Written By : Tony Stone on 22/11/2022

Categories: Match Report

A crowd of 66 gathered to enjoy this 2nd v 1st clash and were treated to a feast of passing football from the visitors as Henley swept Haughley aside with an outstanding team performance.

The visitors opened the scoring in only the 3rd minute, Bell with a precise ball, which picked out Bull’s run, he cut inside, past two defenders and drove the ball into the bottom corner for 0-1. On 20 minutes Field was released by a Van Oene ball, but the home keeper did well to spread himself and save. But on 27 minutes Henley increased their lead, Watling carrying the ball from his own half, exchanging passes in a one-two with Van Oene and slotting the ball under the keeper for 0-2.

Haughley probably still thought they could get something from the game, but any hope they did have was swiftly extinguished by 3 minutes of outstanding play leading up to the break. On 43 minutes, Henley worked hard to win the ball back, a combination of quick one touch passing between Tejano, Cowan and Van Oene, saw the ball at the feet of Field 9 yards out, he made no mistake, picking his spot for 0-3. Less than a minute later, Henley pressure once again won possession, Bull’s cross headed home by Field for 0-4. Shell shocked Haughley, were reeling when, in the next minute Tejano and Field slickly passing their way through to feed Van Oene, who stroked the ball in for 0-5 at HT.

Haughley came out much improved in the 2nd half, applying some early pressure, which was well marshalled by the excellent Henley defence. Ablitt came close on 60 minutes, racing through on goal with two attendant markers, his effort when narrowly wide. On 65 minutes Ablitt turned provider, found out wide by Field, he sent in a perfect cross which was headed in at the back post by Watling for 0-6. The 70 minute saw a consolation goal for Haughley, but what a goal it was, a blistering 25 yard strike into the top corner by Breadman made it 1-6.

A rare cameo off the bench from manager Bevis, saw him roll back the years, his pass picking out Ablitt, who simply rifled in a stunning left foot strike for 1-7 after 80 minutes. Bevis turned creator again on 84 minutes, a defence splitting pass freeing Watling, who completed his hat-trick with a low shot for 1-8 at FT.

A simply terrific all round team performance from Henley, with every player making their case for the MOTM vote, but the Ultra’s vote went to hat-trick hero Watling.