Written By : Tony Stone on 05/01/2025

Categories: Match Report

When AFC’s Kesgrave’s pitch was deemed unplayable at 10 a.m. this fixture looked likely to join the many others called off for a frozen surface. However, Kesgrave’s willingness to play, the tireless work on and off the pitch during the morning by club volunteers and having a Referee happy to attend early to complete a pitch inspection (thank you Mr Biss) saw the match swapped to Henley’s ground.

With so many local games falling foul of the weather, the attendance was boosted to 87, many familiar faces unrecognisable under layers of clothing, who saw both sides battle to cold and heavy pitch, Henley running out 3-1 victors to progress to the next round.

Kesgrave started well, an early effort going wide in the 2ndminute, but it was Henley who took the lead after 7 minutes. A looping ball in from Dozzell, was well controlled and precisely tucked away by Ballard to make it 1-0. However, Kesgrave struck back within 2 minutes, a neat move finished off well with a low strike into the corner from Steele for 1-1. The remainder of the opening half was even, with both defences in the ascendancy and chances few and far between. In the 28th minute a rasping shot from Hooley was well saved at the near post, with Kesgrave having a good ten minutes of pressure before the break.

As has so often been the case this season, Henley looked far sharper after the break, coming close to retaking the lead in the opening minute, Hooley shooting just over the bar. Despite Henley applying the majority of the pressure, Kesgrave still posed a real threat, Read having to tip over a well hit shot from Hammond in the 66th minute. Henley’s pressure finally told in the 74th minute, Cole breaking down the left, saw his initial effort saved, but was sharp enough to intercept the subsequent pass out from defence, before slotting home from a narrow angle for 2-1. On 83 minutes it was 3-1, Shore bursting down the right, his cross was only partially headed clear, to where White was on hand to rifle home to put the result beyond doubt. Two minutes later Cole danced inside but saw his shot hit the foot of the post, Dende also saw an effort bounce to safety off the foot of the same post, leaving the final result at 3-1.

A decent win, in difficult conditions to progress to the next round, Cooper picking up the man of the match award, with Read and Cole also catching the eye. Kesgrave are a good side, should they make it to Senior football, they’ll more than hold up their end, they’re clearly well coached and play good football, all at Henley wish them well for the rest of the season.