Strong second half performance not quite enough for new look 4ths

A new look Sils 4ths saw the average age drop considerably with of a whole bowlful of Rices (Calum, Josh and Nick, plus the not quite so young John) and James Harris and Brandon Munemo also included in a squad of 14, the bench being managed effectively by the Special One, John Lyons. With v-c Dave Higgins sunning himself elsewhere (or in truth, getting rusty in Scotland), and call ups to higher sides meaning Aylin and Rush were also missing, a revised formation was needed and it understandably took time for the team to settle.

An early short corner saw a defensive mix up and Sils go one down, and two further goals followed before the break as Sils failed to get back to defend as the home side broke quickly. Sils in fact created a number of chances and felt hard done by to go in three down at half time. Willetts (for once) was correct in his assertion that if Sils could maintain their shape better then things would improve in the second period, and so it proved.

A more controlled defensive performance (with Nick Rice the stand-out performer) gave the midfield a base on which to build, and more chances started to be created. With Matt Lyons and John Rice covering a lot of ground in central midfield, Sils forced a number of short corners from which shots resulted, and eventually an excellent move down the right saw Tony Dwyer crashing the ball home from 12 yards out (yes, really!). The younger players continuing to grow in confidence and run at the home side it was Sils who looked the better team and a second goal came when Sils varied the short corner routine and Calum Rice struck an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Sadly there was not to be an equaliser, but on this showing there can only be more to come from this group of players (well, maybe some of them!) and a first league win should not be too long coming.

Next up is Worcester (away), which is great because we haven't been there for about 4 weeks and are getting withdrawal symptoms. (And I promise to check with the barmaid which plates we are supposed to serve the pasta on this time....!!)