Sils compete but it's not enough

A disappointing afternoon for the Sils who, due to the availability problems affecting the men's teams, fielded a very different side compared to that originally selected.

M4 started brightly but were unfortunate to fall behind midway through the first half. Sils continued to push forwards and almost equalised from the restart, when Harrison fired a dangerous cross into the D, that Willetts, and then Higgins unable to deflect the ball into the goal.

Half-time brought a chance to rethink and regroup, but with Felix Scott unwell and no substitutes available, the second half was always going to be a tough period. At times Sils showed how well they could play, whether breaking down Bromsgrove's attacks, or using the ball sensibly to create some good chances. However, unlike their opponents, Sils lost possession from dead-ball situations too often allowing Bromsgrove more chances than they deserved.

It was from one of these chances that Bromsgrove doubled their lead, when a diagonal ball from the left was misjudged, and an unmarked opponent managed to put stick to ball just before it crossed the line.

Sils forced several short corners during the second half and although Willetts, Harrison and Higgins tested the keeper, it was Bromsgrove who scored their third with a well-taken flick that gave Yogi no chance. Shortly afterwards Sils pulled a goal back when Harrison fired another cross into the D that Willetts steered sweetly I nto the net.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes an instinctive reaction save from Yogi was needed to keep the score at 3-1, as he deflected a fierce shot straight into the umpire's thigh.

With the bar open there was at least an opportunity to reflect on the match afterwards, with 3 key points discussed (1) we must make use of the full width of the pitch all of the time (2) at free-hits, we must move more to create options for where the ball can be hit (3) a good idea to agree a couple more pre-meditated short corner routines