A case of Déjà vu

It was a case of Déjà vu, as a crowd of 64 saw a repeat of last season’s scoreline in this fixture, albeit with two much changed sides, as Henley twice came back to earn a well-deserved point, in a hard fought, competitive game. After a transitional summer, a new look Henley took the field for their first competitive fixture under the new management team, with 10 debutants in the squad of 16, Sporting also fielded a much changed side.

The game started evenly, although it was clear to see that the heat and the hard surface would have an effect on the game. Henley probably had the majority of the early possession, but a communication mix-up at the back handed Sporting the lead after only 11 minutes, Ferrill gratefully accepting the gift to make it 0-1. To their credit Henley heads didn’t drop and despite the constant threat of Sporting on the break, applied most of the pressure. That Sporting threat was evident on 40 minutes, Henley keeper Lee acrobatically tipping over a fierce drive. On 42 minutes, Sporting keeper Whiteman, was relieved to see Wharton-Richardson’s 25 yard shot bounce to safety as it cannoned off the foot of the post.

Henley found the equaliser on 45 minutes, Watling heading home a Dozzell corner to make it 1-1, Watling came close to adding another on the cusp of halftime but was denied by a good stop from Whiteman, leaving the scores level at the break.

Only 2 minutes into the second half, Henley needlessly gave the ball away and Sporting were only too happy to capitalise, Hughes sliding in at the back post to finish well from a low cross for 1-2.

Again Henley were undeterred and pressed hard for the remainder of the game, with Sporting doing all they could to break the play up, using game management well to disturb the flow of Henley’s attacks.

In the 75th minute, Sporting were saved by some brave defending, multiple bodies hurling themselves in the way to twice deny Duzgun. Hooley was really causing Sporting problems now, he had a shot saved at the near post and fizzed in a couple of excellent crosses, that were well defended. Dendes’ pace and tricky was also giving them plenty to think about as the pressure built.

But as has become the norm, Henley never quit, and were rewarded when Captain and MOTM Storey headed home a 95th minute equaliser from a Hooley corner to make it 2-2. A minute later Henley came close to snatching the win, Watling close to heading home at the back post.

In fairness a 2-2 draw was a fair result on the day, both teams played some lovely passing football and showed quality, grit and determination.