After a comfortable win in the Crowe Insurance Division Three League over Maldon on Saturday, Sunday saw Witham prepare to do battle against a Division One team in the Hockey Association Cup.

Henley-on-Thames had a good cup run last season and with a slightly under full strength side Witham knew they would have their work cut out.

The visitors were expecting an easier start, but Witham kept up a furious pace as soon as the whistle was blown.

On 20 minutes, a ball played through by Grainger to Taylor saw the first crucial goal netted.

After a Henley player was sent off for dissent, Witham should have seized on the opportunity, but instead a muddle in the goal area allowed Henley to equalise.

Witham set about regaining the lead, and played some fine hockey.

Henley were a good match, and after a second goal by Taylor the game was still far from over at half-time.

Henley came out for the second half, and commenced a bombardment of the Witham defence.

Henley produced a fantastic goal midway through the half, the ball being flickedover goalkeeper Kev Harvey.

Harvey made some memorable saves, and thanks to his razor sharp reflexes and quick witted reactions, the scoresheet stayed constant.

Towards the end, Witham scored another fine goal. Parker beat the goalkeeper on the ground and slid the ball through to Adamson for a well executed goal.

Another last minute attack by Henley saw the Witham defence crowding around the goal, forcing the goalkeeper to 'pat down' the ball to clear it.

Deemed to be a 'pushdown' by the umpire, the result was a penalty flick in the closing moments of the game. A goal would have meant extra time.

The Henley player produced a text book flick towards the top corner of the net, which Harvey leapt across to save, and tipped the ball over the bar.

Witham took the game and are now in the last 16 teams going through to the next round.

Witham are now the highest placed Club in the entire league to remain undefeated and, with these results and their recent Cup success, there is victory on their nostrils.

They seek to do the double this season, which marks the 75th anniversary of the club.

Witham Hockey Club has regained its former glory both on and off the field, and is again a thriving concern.

All past and present members are invited to the Dinner and Dance celebrations at Witham Public Hall on Friday, March 24.

Telephone Brian Rushen on 01376 515001 or Pete Ferris on 01376 513848 for more details.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.