Back to winning ways

SIL Premier Division: Henley Athletic FC v Haughley Utd FC

83 gathered to see an understrength Henley battle to defeat a committed Haughley side, coming back from a goal down to win 2-1.

Haughley started well, a shot from the edge of the area clipping the Henley bar after only 7 minutes. Good link up play between Golding and Petrea created a great chance for Francis, but his shot went high and wide. At the other end, home keeper Bloom made a great save from a well struck freekick on 21 minutes. Haughley took the lead after 32 minutes, a long goal kick was missed by Velzian who lost his footing allowing O’Neill a clear run through on goal, he made no mistake shooting low into the corner to give Haughley a 0-1 lead. Henley equalised after 42 minutes, Petrea firmly heading home a Francis corner for 1-1 at the break.

Within a minute of the restart Henley took the lead, Golding bundled to the ground in the box, then firing home the subsequent penalty, Tomlin did well to get a hand to it, but it was struck fiercely and still found the net for 2-1. Henley came close again on 68 minutes Nile Francis’s freekick flashing millimetres over the bar. Haughley keeper Tomlin dived full length on 76 minutes to superbly tip round a drive from range by Jackson, making his first Henley appearance for 7 years. Haughley, to their credit never gave up, and kept pushing for an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be, Henley again coming close in time added on, as Walker fired just wide, leaving the score 2-1 at HT.

A hard-fought victory for Henley, despite not being at their best, they showed grit and togetherness to find a way to win. MOTM went to young keeper Jake Bloom, a couple of fine stops and some excellent sweeping, but most impressive, from the touchline at least, was the level of his vocals, constantly appraising the team of events around them, a rare and appreciated commodity in such a young shot stopper.

#UppaHens

The Hat