Woodley lose out to high flying Henley

Woodley went into their mid week game against Henley on the back of some encouraging performances. Despite defeat on the night there are plenty of signs that this team are starting to turn things around.

United started the game in the worst possible way when they fell behind in just the third minute; a left wing cross from Henley's Richard Bennett looped over Ben Hitchins in the Woodley goal.

The early setback didn't deter Woodley who were pressing their opponents at every chance. On eleven minutes the game was all square when hard work from Rupin Limbu paid off; the United winger intercepted a pass from Henley keeper Dimitrios Kyriatzis and rolled the ball home.

At the other end Henley had a series of half chances. Centre back Brad Hoy blocked a powerful shot, the rebound fell to a red shirt who forced Hitchins to save with his feet. The home side continued to look dangerous; Grant Kemp missed from the right side of the box.

As the half progressed both Woodley centre backs were cautioned. Firstly Hoy was shown a yellow on twenty one minutes, then, nine minutes later captain Ollie Bridges wento into the book for a foul on the edge of the box.

Eleven minutes before the break Henley retook the lead when Andrew Nunn headed in a left wing corner at the near post. Woodley were starting to be overwhelmed in midfield, relying on set pieces to get back into the game. A fantastic Limbu delivery from just inside the Henley half was headed behind.

Ninety seconds before the break Woodley were dealt a huge blow when striker Seun Odusanya was shown a straight red card for an apparent elbow.

HT Henley Town 2-1 Woodley United

Woodley started the half with a change. Pete Wareing replaced Tyrone May. This saw George Douglas, who had played just behind Odusanya drop into central midfield with Wareing playing up top.

Minutes after his introduction Wareing had a glorious chance to equalise but just missed to the left after a great run. United were looking fragile when defending corners; full back Matt Brookling had to clear off the line after a corner was headed goal bound.

Despite their numbers disadvantage Woodley were more of a threat in the second half. A Brookling drive from twenty yards narrowly missed to the right. Moments later Wareing headed straight at Kyriatzis after a mazy run and cross from Limbu.

Just past the hour United made another change; Ryan Szram replaced Matt Lambert. Woodley continued to press forward; Kyriatzis produced a decent stop diving to his left to thwart Lupin after he headed goalwards a deep free kick from Conor Creegan.

With the game winding down Hitchins pulled off an acrobatic stop to turn behind a shot from distance. Woodley made their final change with fifteen minutes to go when Mark Ingram replaced left back Luke Titcomb.

Sixty seconds later Henley made sure of the points when Kemp converted a penalty after a trip on Bennet. The final chance of the game fell to Limbu who saw his shot blocked.

FT Henley Town 3-1 Woodley United