Henley Humbled at Home

Well, where to begin? what a contrast to the previous two weeks outstanding performances, as a lacklustre, disjointed Henley are well beaten by a hard working, committed and talented young Trimley side.

The Henley line up was a surprise to many of the 84 in attendance, with injuries, holidays and late illnesses depriving us of 6 on the day, although, the 13 lads in the squad all have more than enough quality to do the badge proud. But on the day they struggled to find their rhythm, flow and passing game, failing the create enough decent chances to get us back into the game. Today’s match report is brief, not because we lost, but because so little of note occurred, indeed I’ve had more notes for a 0-0 draw in the past.

It all started so well, Henley taking the lead after only 12 minutes with a goal of exceptional quality. Cowan pinging a terrific ball from inside his own half out to George Ablitt wide right, George took the ball on the run and drilled in a cross, which was met mid air and turned home acrobatically by Watling for 1-0. However Henley failed to take advantage of their lead and on 35 minutes a long ball was misjudged by the defence and Baker was able to drive into the box unchallenged and somehow force the ball through Spurling’s legs for the equaliser.

Just after the break Spurling was again called into action, diving to make a fantastic save to deny Baker his second, but within a minute Trimley took the lead. A quick freekick, finding Harvey unmarked, and he finished with aplomb to make it 1-2. Henley huffed and puffed to try and find a way back, but in truth failed to properly test Punter in the Trimley goal for the remainder of the game. Ablitt, Van Oene, Watling and Cole all having efforts well blocked by some brave defending before the ball could trouble the Trimley custodian. Meanwhile at the other end it was MOTM Spurling who was the busiest, called upon to make another couple of good stops. But he could do little about Trimley’s 3^rd in the 85 minute, Henley caught out on the break with too many forward hunting the equaliser, allowing Driver an unchallenged finish to take the final score to 1-3.

One to forget for Henley, although judging by the faces of the management post match, I think there’ll be a few things mentioned in this week’s training. Although from a supporter’s viewpoint, on reflection, it does make you realise how lucky we are, spoilt with the usual quality on display every week. I’m confident the lads will learn from today and I fully believe they’ll come out punching again next week.

Some words for Trimley though, who deserve all the praise for their efforts today. They played as a team throughout, they were well organised, fully committed to the cause and played with confidence, guile and pace. Very impressive throughout, especially the talented young wide man Baker, who drew admiring comments from the assembled Henley faithful throughout. They’re building something good at Trimley and the progression is clearly evident.