AFC Henley Hotspurs 2 vs 9 Binfield Lions

<p class="MsoNormal">Following the transition from 7-a-side to 9-a-side we welcomed 3 new faces to the squad in making their debut in our inaugural competitive match in the new 9-a-side league; Harry W, Zac and Ryan J were making their 1st starts for the team. <p class="MsoNormal">It took no time for the Lions to settle into the match as several chances were squandered in the 1st 5 minutes but they didn&rsquo;t have to wait long for the opening goal of the match as JP sent over a superb corner for TJ to thump an unstoppable header past the keeper and into the goal &ndash; 0-1.&nbsp; The next wasn&rsquo;t far behind as Ryan J was in the right place at the right time to finish neatly after some dangerous crosses from both wingers, 0-2.&nbsp; As the game progressed it seemed as the Lions would create a host of chances and surely make life difficult for their hosts but the Henley keeper was in inspired form and kept the score to a very flattering 0-2 after the 1st quarter. <p class="MsoNormal">The hosts then found some pace and confidence and took the game to the Lions, Jack, Ryan and Joe were seemingly in control until a deflected effort from long range looped over Joe and into the goal, 1-2.&nbsp; The lads looked to reply immediately as JP raced through for a 1v1 with the keeper but again a great save was made but the ball fell to Ollie C who calmly slotted home to increase the lead.&nbsp; Chances were coming thick and fast but for some top keeping and wayward finishing the score-line wasn&rsquo;t added to although Henley added another after a decent team move to bring the scores closer together at the end of the 2nd quarter and half-time, 2-4. <p class="MsoNormal">During the break we asked for more passes and better shape and the boys responded brilliantly as some of the football played from the back through midfield to the wide players and through to the forwards was outstanding and a real joy to watch, if they keep that up then we will have a very enjoyable and probably successful season.&nbsp; <p class="MsoNormal">Ollie doubled his tally shortly after the break and Harvey, Harry S, JP, TJ, Rory and OH could have all scored but for good saves, bad luck and the post coming to Henley&rsquo;s rescue, 2-5.&nbsp; During another attack Jack was sent forward to try and get in on the attacking play and it almost had an immediate effect as he sent a rasping drive against the bar in Hurst or Lampard (dependant on your age) v Germany style but Harry S was on hand to make sure and get a deserved goal, 2-6.&nbsp; Harry W was now pushed forward and couldn&rsquo;t believe his luck when after some neat interplay between Rory &amp; Harvey the ball fell to him with the keeper rushing out &ndash; a neat drive from Harry ensured he made it 3 from 3 for our debutants, 2-7.&nbsp; OH got in on the act next after seemingly pulling the strings from &lsquo;in the hole&rsquo; he had made at least 5 top quality defence splitting passes but he saved some of his best football for his goal when after exchanging passes with JP &amp; Harry S he carried the ball to the edge of the box and smacked home a drive in to the bottom corner, 2-8.&nbsp; Towards the end of the match Ollie C was rewarded for his hard work by tapping in at the back post to claim his hat-trick, 2-9.&nbsp; <p class="MsoNormal">A superb team performance but in truth harder tests will come, although we said the team was the MOM I feel that on reflection it should go to Ollie C as it should for anyone scoring 3 goals in a match &ndash; well done to him and the team. <p class="MsoNormal">Next week we face our local rivals Ascot Dynamos (formerly Aces) away at Charters School.