Written By : Tony Stone on 17/04/2023

Categories: Match Report

Henley cruised to a comfortable 0-5 away win against Cops, in their 4th meeting of the season, despite a slow start to the game the 79 spectators enjoyed some quality football.

Bruce had an early penalty appeal denied, when he was bundled off the ball after only 5 minutes, he also had the ball in the net twice early on, both denied by tight offside calls. Cops came close after 26 minutes, a ferocious volley from Linard, flashing just past the post. Henley finally took the lead after 33 minutes, a precise ball over the top from Van Oene, into the path of Field, who made no mistake for 0-1. On the stroke of halftime it was 0-2, Bruce felled by Allison, seeing a penalty awarded, with Bruce still catching his breath, Van Oene slammed home the spot kick.

After 48 minutes it was 0-3, Field played through by Cowan, despite a suspicion of offside the flag stayed down, Field rounding the keeper and finishing well. Henley continued to apply the pressure, Allison called into action to tip over Van Oene’s deflected Free kick and then diving to his right to push away a thunderous drive from Liam Ablitt. At the other end Dixon was called into action, using his feet to block a well hit volley. It was 0-4 after 61 minutes, with a lovely goal, Van Oene picking out Bruce on the left, he beat his man and rifled in a delightful cross that Field stooped to head home for his hat trick.

There was an unfortunate incident after 70 minutes, Referee Ereira sending off a Cops player, on the advice of his assistant, in what was a clear case of mistaken identity. We will cooperating with our friends at Cops and Mr Ereira, providing them both, with a copy of the video of the incident.

The match lost it’s impetus a little after the delay, but there was still time for one more goal, George Ablitt hitting the byline, to cross for Watling, who made it 0-5 at FT.

The Ultra’s MOTM vote, again went to hat trick hero Field, but as it was last week, there were many deserving performances, across the team. For Cops, once again Allison looked good, but it was Linard whose skill drew the praise of the assembled Ultras.