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ONE MORE TO GO

HENLEY FC 0

SLAYER FC 2

F McCormack (1) A Rivers (1) 

The team arrived in good spirits at Henley's ground with its unique open-air changing facilities and a pitch the size of Belgium. Despite some pre-match concerns about the quality of the opposition, the first half saw little threat to Julian's goal which was protected admirably by a resolute defence. After one or two tricky moments early on, Slayer's dominance prevailed and the team enjoyed a succession of attacking opportunities. The conditions were probably more of a hindrance than Henley's rear-guard, with many shots and passes being misdirected off the rock-hard, bumpy surface. Despite this, a number of openings during the half could have led to Slayer taking the lead. Ian had a 30-yard lob go inches wide with the keeper beaten,

Fred saw an effort sail just over the bar and, on the stroke of half-time, Alec sliced a hurried volley wide from 15 yards. Henley attacked down-hill in the second half, which saw them create a few more chances than they had in the first, although many of their through-balls were played too firmly for the slope. Slayer's defence remained impenetrable: Corners were competently dealt with and Julian was always alert to any long-range efforts. With about twenty-five minutes to go, Fred latched onto a defensive clearance and, despite Henley's appeals for offside, brushed aside a defender and powered a low drive into the far bottom corner to put Slayer in front. With players on both sides growing weary in the heat,

Slayer put on the greater pressure. In quick succession, Fred and Ian each had a shot but the keeper twice cleared from just behind the line. The referee was not convinced that the ball had crossed the line on either occasion and the score remained 1-0. That all changed soon after, though, when a good display of attacking strength saw Fred turn his marker and play a square pass to Alec who was unmarked. The ball sat up invitingly and Alec had the simple task of slotting home from 5 yards. Fairly comfortable at 2-0, Slayer looked to have it in the bag. Henley briefly threatened to claw a goal back but Slayer stood firm to take the win and keep yet another clean sheet. The well-earned Man of the Match award went to Ian for his committed and gutsy performance throughout the game.

Team: Julian, Nick S, Fred, Nick T, Mark C, Mark W, Ian, Steve J, Alec, Graham, Andre, Matt