Written By : Tony Stone on 01/10/2023

Categories: Match Report

Henley demonstrated their bouncebackability, erasing the memory of last week’s disappointment, with a 0-4 away win against an impressive, young Old Newton, in front of a crowd of 83.

Henley started tentatively, trying too hard and not letting their game flow, but still had the better of the early chances, Cole denied by a block and ex Henley custodian Burton saving well, to twice deny Liam Ablitt. Old Newton’s youngsters were putting up a committed display and despite being under pressure, passed the ball well and had plenty of attacking play, but failed to call Spurling into serious action. It wasn’t until the 42nd minute that Henley broke the deadlock, Cole’s cross field ball picking out George Ablitt, his cross finding Tejano who headed home from close range for 0-1 at HT.

Within a minute of the restart it was 0-2, Liam Ablitt weaving his way through three defenders before beating Burton at his near post with a low drive. On 53 minutes it was 0-3, Cowan racing onto the ball out wide and driving into the box, his ball found Watling, who held it up and laid it to Liam Ablitt who picked his spot from 8 yards. Henley changing things around and it looked like Hillyard scored with almost his 1st touch after combining with Bruce, but he was denied, temporarily, by what can only have been the tightest of offside flags. At the other end Spurling was called into action to make a good save from distance and then a reflex stop from a spectacular overhead kick. With only ten minutes left, Newton had a lucky escape, Bruce spotting Burton off his line and hitting a lob from 30 yards which bounced to safety off the crossbar.

To Newton’s credit their youngsters kept pushing forward and only a brave block from Storey and yet another good save from Spurling prevented them finding a consolation. But it was Henley who were to find the net again, Liam Ablitt lifting the ball over the Newton back line, debutant Hillyard, beating Burton to the ball and stroking it home for a final score of 0-4.

Once Henley got over their hangover from last week, this was a vastly improved performance, even though, yet again, injury and illness forced changes. The Ultra’s MOTM vote went to Cowan, his dynamism saw him pip Liam Ablitt, Tejano and Bell to the award, all of whom would have been deserving. Praise too for our hosts, there’s real change afoot at Old Newton, lots of young talent contributing to create the best side we’ve faced over there in years.