Spencers Wood welcomed table topping Henley Hammers in what turned out to be a highly entertaining encounter. Alex started in goal with Lewis and Cameron at the back, Joe, Tom and Daniel in midfield and Harry M up front.

Spencers Wood got off to the best possible start. Barely a minute had been played when Harry M got the ball outside the area to the left of the goal. He hit a great shot that was on target but was blocked by a defender. The ball came out invitingly to Tom who was outside the area towards the middle of the goal and hit a superb first time shot into the net. The goalkeeper had no chance as he was still recovering his position after trying to save Harry’s original shot.

Spencers Wood were clearly lifted by the early goal and played some good football in the early minutes. However, Henley are not top of the table for nothing and started to get more and more into the game and gradually get on top. Spencers Wood were still looking dangerous on the break but Henley were starting to get the lion’s share of possession and territory. So it was no real surprise when Henley equalised midway through the first half. It was a well worked goal that was well finished from close range but Spencers Wood will be disappointed as they had several chances to clear the danger before the goal was scored.

The rest of the first half followed a similar pattern with Henley having slightly more of the play but Spencers Wood looking threatening on the break. Jack had two great chances to restore Spencers Wood’s advantage when twice he was clean through with only the goalkeeper to beat. The first time, his shot was well wide. The second time, he seemed to have done everything right when his shot beat the goalkeeper and was heading towards the net when a defender seemed to come from nowhere and clear the ball off the line.

Just before the break Henley took the lead with a well worked goal. Some slick passing saw the ball played into the area where it was well finished leaving Alex with no chance.

Tom took over from Alex in goal for the second half. The pattern of play continued although the goal threat from Spencers Wood diminished as the game wore on. Henley deservedly got their third goal midway through the half. The build up was similar to their other goals with good passing finding a man in space in the area who finished well.

Spencers Wood continued to battle and created a few half chances but a combination of hesitancy and some good defending denied them a clear cut chance in the second half. Both teams continued to play their football and there was plenty of good passing to admire. In the end, the final score was probably an accurate reflection of the play and Spencers Wood can be proud of playing their full part in a hugely entertaining match.

The parents’ award went to Alex, for his sound goalkeeping in the first half and his solid defending and powerful running in the second. The best effort award went to Lewis, who had plenty to do in defence and put in his usual solid performance. The manager’s award went to Cameron for a highly disciplined performance.