Achilles 3 - 0 Henley Athletic 9/9/17
Achilles came out on top in this heavyweight meeting of last year’s league winners and runners up. A fiercely contested first half remained goalless although both teams created good scoring opportunities. Liam Hillyard was a constant threat to the Henley defence and Sean Chaplin, in the Achilles goal, pulled off a remarkable double save to deny a Henley opener.
The first goal came from the penalty spot after Arran Shepherd had tripped Lee Grimwood. Gilbert Davis saved Hillyard’s penalty but Gavin Van Oene, following up, headed in the rebound from an acute angle. Henley applied pressure on the Achilles goal, forcing several corners and free kicks, and Chaplin saved point blank at the far post from Thomas Jackson to keep Achilles in the lead.
Further goals in quick succession from Lee Grimwood and Sean Hanley took the heat out of the game and Achilles were able to see out the match to the final whistle.
