Henley Hockey Ladies Lose Narrowly To In Form Oxford Team

‘Henley Ladies traveled to Oxford on Saturday to face one of the league’s in form teams. After a shaky couple of performances Henley knew it was important to put in a good performance. The game got off to a good start for Henley and for the first fifteen minutes they were camped in Oxford’s half, winning three short corners and forcing the Oxford goalie into a number of crucial saves.

As with the pattern of previous weekend however, Henley then conceded from a breakaway attack, finding themselves too high up the pitch and not dealing with a strong Oxford attack. Despite this though they did not let their heads drop and continued to press to make the breakthrough. Twenty five minutes in they nearly got what they deserved when a well worked move from Lou England found Jenny Buckham in the D. A first time shot glanced against the defender’s foot forcing the ball onto the goal. Only a short corner was awarded and from this Henley failed to score.

Some excellent work from Es Walker almost saw Henley back on level terms but some last ditch defending form Oxford allowed them to clear the ball and then head straight down the other end of the pitch. A hopeful ball into the D form Oxford was being dealt with by defender Mel Joyce when Smith in goal came out to try and block the attack. For the fifth game this season Henley found themselves giving away a flick when Smith put her hands on the Oxford Defender. The well converted stroke left it as 2-0 at half time.

The second half started poorly for Henley and within ten minutes Oxford had gone 3-0 up with a well taken goal, but Henley refused to give in and kept battling away. Ten minutes form the end some excellent work from Lou England saw Hayley Rodgers slot the ball home to cut the deficit. Five minutes later an excellent run form Cleo Lyn got the finish it deserved and Henley were right back in it. However they couldn’t quite get the final breakthrough they needed and the game finished 3-2.

Henley have the opportunity to cement their position in the top half of the table in their last league game at Home to Marlow. A win would set them up nicely for their cup semi final the next day at home to North Notts. A 2pm start and spectators very welcome!