Henley Held Account Against Abingdon

Having not conceded a goal so far this season, Henley started the match with confidence. Henley maintained the majority of possession in the first half, with fluent passing in the midfield between a solid Wood and Captain Price. Abingdon had a dangerous attack, their centre-half feeding aerial balls into the Henley D. However, the Henley defence was solid, with the young Wiseman making his trademark aerial clearances on the right and Herbert’s strong tackles in his debut league match for the 2s. Henley were awarded several short corners but the Abingdon defence saved shots by Wiseman and flicker-Roberts. Shortly before half time, Hughes-Burne took the opportunity to strike for goal from a narrow angle, skilfully scoring in open play and putting Henley one goal in the lead. In the second half, Harmer, Hughes-Burne and Cheeseman (also making his debut for the 2s) continued to work well as a formidable attacking threesome. Henley were again awarded a short corner in their favour and this time a confident Wiseman pushed the ball between the keeper’s legs. Henley were now two goals ahead.

Henley’s play started to deteriorate and Abingdon were awarded a short corner mid way through the second half. In an intelligent short corner routine, Abingdon pushed the ball past centre-back Roberts, and keeper Bowyer couldn’t quite make the save. Abingdon had narrowed Henley’s lead. Henley regained their confidence and continued their dominance in midfield, with strong left-wing attacks from new recruit Cheeseman and Pollard. Roberts and Draycott defended well in the centre and Abingdon showed little threat to the goal in open play. In a frustrating turn to a match dominated by Henley, just before full time Abingdon were awarded another short corner after a cynical Henley tackle just outside the D. Henley were punished as Abingdon equalised and the match ended two goals each. Another strong performance from a still undefeated Henley.