A large crowd of 134

A large crowd of 134, boosted by the cancellation of our Ressies match, were treated to an exciting game, as the new look Henley’s youngsters faced off against an experienced and talented Tattingstone side.

What a start it was for Henley! Cooper and Cowan combining to win the ball in midfield, before Hooley’s pass picked out Watling, who controlled the ball and finished well to make it 1-0 after only 40 seconds. A stunned Tattingstone were fortunate not to concede another after 5 minutes, Ballard’s freekick, crashing off the foot of the post to safety. Henley continued to have the better chances and after 19 minutes it took a great save from Hender to keep out White’s fierce drive.

After Henley’s great start, an organised and committed Tattingstone clawed their way into the game, dominating more and more of the possession, but failing to really trouble home keeper Read, as the first half drew to a close at 1-0.

On 47 minutes, Henley looked to have increased their lead, Ballard running onto a through ball before finishing, only to see, what can only have been the tightest of offside flags rule it out. After 50 minutes, the same thing happened again, Ballard again breaking free and looping a finish over Hender for 2-0, once again the club assistant’s flag was raised, but Referee Eley overruled and the goal stood. After 73 minutes Tattingstone had a great chance, but the strike went comfortably into the arms of Read.

After 80 minutes Henley made it 3-0, great pressure to win the ball back in midfield, before Ballard’s ball released Cole down the middle, he kept his cool and slotted home a low drive. Less than 3 minutes later Wharton-Richardson had the ball in the net, following in after Hender parried away Cole’s initial strike, but he was offside.

On 85 minutes Tattingstone pulled back, what at the time appeared to be little more than a consolation goal, as Huggins poked home from close range after Read’s initial save for 3-1. But to Tatt’s credit this really gave them a boost and they piled the pressure on, they were rewarded when, again, Huggins managed to force the ball home after a corner to make it 3-2 in the 92^nd minute. Henley were clinging on bravely now, and it took a great save from Read to tip over his opposite number Hender’s bullet header in the 95^th minutes to give Henley the points, as play was finally brought to a close after 96 minutes.

Despite the late scare, which I’m sure Jimmy will be using in training this week to emphasise the importance of game management, this was a good win for the new look Henley. Some well taken goals, coupled with a high work rate, epitomised by MOTM Cowan, who at some point surely covered every blade of grass. Tattingstone, as always, were well drilled, tough and committed and will be there or thereabouts when the season finishes, they never dropped their heads and kept going, right until the, very late, end.