A hard fought draw and a controversial penalty

SIL Premier Division: AFC Kesgrave 1-1 Henley Athletic FC

A crowd of 45 enjoyed a tight, competitive match between two evenly matched sides, albeit one without much goalmouth action and little to trouble the respective keepers. Henley were pleased to be able to welcome back Tejano to the starting line up after suspension and gave a first start to Knights after his strong showing from the bench last week.

Henley came close after 4 minutes, White meeting Shore’s cross on the volley from the edge of the area, but his strike flew just over the bar. In the 22nd minute Spurling had to be alert to tip over a looping header from Thrower, whilst at the other end Cates broke clear on several occasions but some increasingly close offside calls denied him the chances. But as both defences held firm there was little more of note to report in the first half, and it finished goalless.

The second half started at a higher pace, Henley being awarded a penalty in the 48^th minute, when Knights was fouled just as he got his shot away. White stepped up and confidently despatched the spot kick into the bottom corner to make it 0-1. Kesgrave made some changes and started to get back into the game with a series of attacks. Their comeback was greatly assisted with the award of a soft penalty after 63 minutes, which even after watching the video, it’s hard to see the justification for, but we can only assume that Mr Flaherty had a better viewing angle from his position. However, Fisher tucked the penalty away neatly to make it 1-1. Kesgrave did get the ball in the net in the 84^th minute, but it was disallowed for a handball. Taylor looked to have broken clear for Henley late on, but the tightest of offside calls saw him pulled back.

The game finishing a 1-1 draw which was certainly a fair result, neither side deserving to lose, but neither doing enough to win it.

Henley’s MOTM went to Gussy White, who was making his 250^th appearance for the club.

#UppaHens

The Hat