The visitors started the Round of 16 tie brightly and took an early lead after a defensive mix-up allowed their striker to finish powerfully from ten yards.

Henley responded positively, with Danny Gibbon causing problems down the left wing. After beating his defender during an excellent attacking run, Danny came agonisingly close to equalising when his shot struck the post.

As the first half progressed, Henley began to settle and played with greater confidence. The hosts looked particularly dangerous from set pieces, with Harvey, Max and Freddie all providing excellent deliveries.

The equaliser arrived from a Harvey Craig corner, which Freddie met with a well-directed header to bring Henley level and change the momentum of the match.

Ashridge continued to defend strongly, while their impressive goalkeeper produced an excellent save to tip William Massey’s goal-bound effort narrowly over the crossbar.

Henley’s Player of the Day was William Massey, who delivered an outstanding all-round performance. His precise defending, positive forward runs and accurate cross-field passes repeatedly stretched the Ashridge midfield and helped the Hotshots switch the play effectively.

The decisive goal arrived midway through the second half. William Lamacraft produced a superb piece of skill before sending Sam Bentley through on goal, and the Henley striker finished emphatically to give his team a 2–1 lead.

Ashridge responded with determination and continued searching for an equaliser until the final whistle. Riley O'Brien was called upon to make an important save in the final minute, ensuring Henley preserved their advantage and progressed to the next round.

This was a competitive and entertaining cup tie between two committed teams. Ashridge deserve great credit for their bright start, determined performance and the contribution of their excellent goalkeeper.

Henley showed character to recover from falling behind and can now look forward to an EBFA Cup quarter-final.

Full-time: AFC Henley Hotshots 2–1 Ashridge Park FC

AFC Henley Hotshots squad: Riley O’Brien, Owen Ashton, Samuel Bentley, Harvey Craig, Danny Gibbon, Max Gilligan, William Lamacraft, Bailey Lloyd, William Massey, Freddie Postlethwaite, William Soles and Hugo Tang.