Fully committed Town go down by odd goal in three

Woodley Town welcomed back Ollie Bridges and James Pheby to the starting line up with Deshawn Whittaker earning a well deserved start after some excellent performances for the Reserves. Matt Brooklyn made his debut at centre back and Harry Neate, after a decent showing as a sub last time out, started at right back, replacing the absent Gareth Davies. With skipper Mikey Alleyne unavailable, Ollie took over the captaincy.

Town started brightly with Jordan Goddard setting up Lemar Maycock in the first minute and Matty Bennett producing a dangerous cross two minutes later, resulting in a corner.

Henley came back into the match though and Harry Neate did well to clear for a corner in the 9th minute. A short spell of Henley pressure finally led to a goal in the 16th minute, a left foot cross picking out the diving head of Louis Howell, his header hitting the inside of the far post and rolling over the line.

Woodley battled bravely though and Deshawn Whittaker shot just over the bar before a superb cross field pass from Goddard set up Whittaker to cross perfectly for James Pheby to head home.

The remainder of the first half proved tight with both sides eager to create chances. On 30 minutes, a Karl Sims corner flew across the six yard area but no one could get a decisive touch. As the half drew to a close, Woodley Town looked the better side, with Lemar Maycock breaking and Seun Odosanya holding up the ball well for Whittaker to get away another shot, this time blocked by the Henley defender.

The second half started with Henley firmly on top and Harry Neate was called into defensive action several times by the lively Sims. Against the run of play though Woodley nearly took the lead, Odusanya racing clean through on the keeper but Steven Fairchild bravely dived to make the save.

This proved costly for Woodley as Henley retook the lead in the 63rd minute. Graham Sims blasted a free kick through the defence and the ball scrambled over the line despite Ben Tanner's best efforts.

Thereafter Woodley piled on the pressure with Maycock, Isaiew and Odusanya all having half chances and even substitute Criag Blissett got in the act shooting over the bar after a corner had been cleared to him.

Despite the pressure, Henley held on to win 2-1. Woodley Town can take a lot of positives from this match - an exceptional defensive display from 16 year old Harry Neate was the highlight but there were excellent performances from James Pheby and Ollie Bridges too. Matt Brooklyn stepped up well in his first first team match and Deshawn Whittaker was a handful for Henley at times.

Next up is Penn & Tylers Green on Saturday.