Written By : Tony Stone on 15/09/2024

Categories: Match Report

A crowd of 87, were well entertained with a tight contest between two good sides, with only a 90th minute wonder goal, denying Henley a deserved share of the points against the league leaders.

Illness, weddings and injury forced Henley into last hour changes, Smythe stepping into the line up from his coaching role at short notice, and Alex Prime making his first start for the club. James Watling, making his 100th appearance was given the Captain’s armband for the day.

It was an even start to the game, neither side dominating, Dozzell having the best of the opening chances after 10 minutes, but he couldn’t get the ball out from his feet quick enough and his shot was saved. Henley got caught on the break on 18 minutes, with defenders up the field, a good ball picked out Smith, Read did well to get a hand on his shot, but couldn’t keep it out, Newton taking a 0-1 lead. Newton had a chance to increase their lead but blazed over, but on 40 minutes Henley found a route back into the game. A good build up and exchange of passes in midfield released Wharton-Richardson, who picked out a sublime finish from a narrow angle to bring the score level at 1-1 at HT.

Newton once again took the lead in the opening minutes of the 2nd half, with an almost carbon copy of their first goal, this time Wood finishing well across Read to make it 1-2. However, their lead was short lived, as Henley again fought back to equalise. A fine cross by Ballard, with Storey’s run taking the marker away, left Watling free to celebrate his 100th appearance with his 58th goal to bring the scores level at 2-2.

Both sides pushed for the winner, with Henley probably just shading possession, but neither were able to find a way through the well organised defences. That is, until the 90th minute, Newton were awarded, what is probably kindest described as a “soft” free kick on the halfway line. The drilled ball was, quite brilliantly, met full on the volley by Lawrence, giving Read no chance as it rifled into the net for 2-3. Giving Newton their first ever win over Henley in 8 attempts.

A harsh loss, when a draw would’ve been a fair result, but as I’ve often said, on the many, many occasions, when Henley have nicked all three points in the same manner, goals win games, and what a goal it was! Make sure you catch the video highlights, which I hope to have out tomorrow or Tuesday.

Newton are a very good side, they clearly know each other well from all their time together at Thurston, they are strong, committed and organised and have some real talent, they’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, I’m sure. Henley’s new side, continue to blossom, the mere fact that we ran the league leaders so close, is a demonstration of our progress in such a short time, especially with players missing. Young Jordi Asker picked up the MOTM award, strong in defence and striding out with the ball at his feet at every opportunity, a fine showing.