Written By : Tony Stone on 03/12/2024

Categories: Match Report

After yet another unwanted break, Henley returned to action against a brave and committed Debenham, who defended superbly and snatched a 1-2 victory in the final minutes. Please note, unusually both keepers share the surname Read, Issac Read for Henley and Tyler Read for Debenham.

Henley started on the front foot, Wharton-Richardson having a goal disallowed for what could only have been the very tightest of offside decisions after 5 minutes, Hooley saw his crisp shot well saved by home keeper T Read, the first of many such saves during the afternoon. Henley continued to apply the pressure, restricting Debenham to attacking on the break, Fernandez, Hooley and Wharton-Richardson denied as Debenham defenders put their bodies on the line again and again.

After 34 minutes an incredible 20 seconds saw both Bell’s header and White’s shot blocked and a simply superb save by T Read to deny Hooley yet again. Less than 3 minutes later it was a goal line clearance from Asker, coupled with blocks from Storey and Cooper that kept Debenham out. Leaving the score 0-0 at HT, much to the surprise of all in attendance.

Henley continued to press in the 2nd half, Cole shooting narrowly wide after 68 minutes, Ballard also having a goal disallowed for yet another close call offside. At the other end, I Read did well to get down low to stop a well struck effort from Golding. But on 73 minutes Henley did take the lead, Prime raced forward, his ball finding Ballard who muscled his way past his man on the byline, before firing in a low drive off T Read at his near post to make it 0-1.

Henley’s lead was short lived however, Debenham equalising as Regan’s cross cum shot eluded I Read and nestled in the corner for 1-1. T. Read was once again the hero on 87 minutes, at full stretch to tip Graham’s header onto the bar and to safety. But it was the home side who were to triumph, the bounce of a long ball misjudged, allowed K Webb, to burst into the box and finish well into the bottom corner to give Debenham a 1-2 win in the 90th minute.

Henley MOTM was Tejano, as always peerless in midfield. As for the result, Henley will rue chances not taken, especially in the first half, as well as some of the decision making throughout, on reflection, a draw would’ve probably been a fair result. But, goals win games and all credit to Debenham, they scrapped for every ball for the whole game, their commitment, will and courage earned them the 3 points. In no little part due to their keeper Tyler Read, who made at least 3 brilliant stops and deservedly took their MOTM.