Buckham-Hedges completes scoring as Yateley are hit for six

HENLEY LADIES 1sts went down to a 4-1 home South Central Women’s Premier Division 1 defeat against a WITNEY LADIES side that were relegated from the National League last season.

Henley held their own in the early stages as the opening quarter was evenly matched. The game turned when Witney scored from a controversially awarded short corner. Henley responded with a short corner of their own but the effort was ruled out by the match official.

In the second quarter, Henley carved open the Witney defence, leading to a powerful shot on goal which was saved, but the rebound fell to Charlotte Hetherington who set up Lucy Wiseman to slot home the equaliser.

The third quarter was end-to-end but despite Henley’s continued effort and sharp play, it was Witney who went ahead once again. Witney capitalised on lapses in concentration by Henley in the final quarter and added two more goals.

HENLEY LADIES 2nds ran out 1-0 winners in their Division 2 North clash at NEWBURY AND THATCHAM LADIES 1sts.

Henley took control of the game early on and their efforts were soon rewarded when Ellia Gurney picked up the ball and drove forward to finding striker Chloe Lyons in the D to fire home.

Henley maintained their dominance, piling pressure on the Newbury defence before the game was paused following a serious injury to a Henley players.

Following the restart, chances came thick and fast, with continued attacking play keeping Newbury pinned back in their own half.

Henley goalkeeper Georgie Grocock made a string of vital saves to preserve the narrow lead while at the other end, Hayley Munt came close to doubling the score, denied only by a fingertip save from the Newbury keeper in the dying moments.

HENLEY LADIES 3rds dominated possession in a tightly contested goalless home Division 2 Thames draw with MARLOW LADIES 6ths.

Despite Henley’s control and attacking pressure, Marlow’s goalkeeper denied multiple goal-scoring opportunities.

Henley earned a series of short corners, with Rosie Wilkinson consistently pushing out to Martha Peach, Jo Corbett and Charlotte Irving. Each player produced good attempts, but Marlow’s defence held firm. Nina Lloyd unleashed several strikes in the D, yet the breakthrough remained elusive.

Henley’s wing play was a highlight as the Marlow defence was stretched. Steph Rowe-Elliott impressed on her debut, bringing composure and experience to the midfield while defensively, Henley were solid throughout with Martha Peach’s all-round performance earning her the player-of-the-match award.

Though Henley couldn’t find goals today, their teamwork, energy and attacking intent were clear. Marlow’s resilience and goalkeeping heroics ensured the points were shared in this entertaining encounter

HENLEY LADIES 4ths eased to a comfortable 6-0 Division 4 Thames win against YATELEY LADIES 4ths at Shiplake College.

Henley started brightly and won an early penalty flick. The visiting keeper initially saved Tilly Alderton’s effort, but Alderton was quickest to react and set up Emily Matthews to open the scoring.

Henley remained dominant, winning numerous short corners and eventually Charlotte Moore found herself on the back post to put the hosts 2-0 up after 22 minutes.

Yateley went on the attack and produced a one-on-one attempt with goalkeeper Sophia Price who saved well.

Good passing between Bea Watts and captain Ali Jean-Jean saw Watts accelerate round the right-hand side and into the D to take a shot which she scored from after the keeper had saved the initial shot.

Yateley attacked again but soon after Jenny Buckham-Hedges drove into the shooting circle and found Kathryn Alderton who made it 4-0 at half-time.

In the second half Yateley stretched play and put the Henley defensive line under some pressure before winger Nicola Nott chased down a ball to set up Alderton to score her second of the match.

Kat Green made light work of recovering any balls making their way into the Henley D, and a strong run up the wing by Matthews, transferred to Cunliffe, found Buckham-Hedges to wrap up the scoring.