Henley victors in the clash of the Hawks

The second-round cup tie of the U12 Co-Ed Plate was the battle of the Hawks at Jubilee Park. AFC Henley Hawks hosted Binfield Hawks and it was Henley that started strongest with a chance for George Acock in the first minute. The first few minutes went Henley’s way - with Jessica Reed, Leo Schlaefli, Jenson Lea, Jamie Halliwell and George Acock all influential in the drive forward. The pressure paid dividends and at the 8 minute mark, Leo Schlaefli made a pass through to Jamie Halliwell to drive home the first goal of the day.

More corners and chances for Henley followed with Jamie Halliwell going wide at 12 minutes. The visitors rallied in the second quarter with some dangerous counters that were swiftly dealt with by Louis Catlin at centre back. Lucas Wilson came on at 15 minutes and within seconds made his presence known with a great interception, run down the left wing and a pass in to George Acock who slotted home number 2 for Henley.

Binfield secured a free kick on the edge of the Henley box and managed to score from an impressive direct free kick making the score 2-1. Buoyed by the goal, the visitors were confident, and Louis Catlin continued to make some solid clearances to keep Henley’s advantage, supported by Daniel Flowers at right back making some key interventions and forward play. Henley took back command before half time as Lucas Wilson worked tirelessly on the left, connecting well with Jenson Lea and Leo Schlaefli to create more chances - but none reached the back of the net.

Both teams came out strongly in the second half - it’s a knockout competition - so everything to play for. Henley had the edge with Michael Dowling taking on the centre back from Louis Catlin and working well with Leo Schlaefli and Lucas Wilson. Within the first few minutes Lucas Wilson had a chance to widen the gap, but Binfield defended well to quash the chance. A flurry of corners expertly taken by Jenson Lea and a shot from distance from Leo Schlaefli all nearly added to the total, but the third goal was proving elusive - and most definitely not from lack of effort. Harry Graham came on as striker and he and Lucas Wilson created a chance for Conor Quinn who went just wide.

Despite the Henley onslaught it was Binfield that took the next goal at the 38-minute mark making in even at 2-2. Henley were not phased and just got on with the job; Jessica Reed made a great shot on goal that the Binfield keeper did well to block - and it rebounded into the box - Jenson Lea saw his chance and put the ball away before the keeper had time to regain composure.

Max Messias gave his usual solid performance in goal for Henley - making a great fingertip save at the 42-minute mark pushing it just wide. Henley continued to attack and pushed the scoreline to 4-2 after Lucas was again influential in passing a ball through to Jenson Lea who found Harry Graham who drove it into the back of the net.

The final quarter was edgy with some excellent passing between Harry Graham and Conor Quinn, with Harry Graham taking some great corners and George Acock going just wide at 48 minutes. Max Messias made another strong save at 53 minutes but was foiled when the opposition was awarded a free kick and managed to capitalise with another great shot on goal that made the score 4-3. Henley were not content to just defend their position and continued to strive for the next goal. After several more chances, Jamie Halliwell sealed the deal with a fantastic run down the left and brilliant finish to the top right that left the keeper helpless with only seconds to go. The match ended 5-3 and it was the Henley Hawks that progressed through to the last sixteen. Man of the match award was shared between Lucas Wilson - who was on fire and creating chances the entire time he was on the pitch and Louis Catlin - who commanded the defence, closing down the Binfield visitors and making key clearances ensuring the scoreline kept in Henley’s favour.