"Lyons-made" ace screamer (from Russell) not enough to see Sils succeed

First of all, please forgive the fact that the worst pun of the season appears to have been saved for a game in which M4 played their best hockey of the season. The match headline was in fact "inspired" by one of Keith Willetts' comments during the post-match warm down in the clubhouse. So now that this is off my conscience, let's get onto to a review of the game.
Sils can rightly consider themselves very unlucky to have finished second in this hard-fought, physical battle against Worcester. In almost every aspect of the game - notably possession, penalty and long corner count, shots on goal, workrate, average player age - M4 scored better than their opponents. However, one lapse of concentration and a fortuitous goalmouth scramble proved to be enough for Worcester to be able to keep their unbeaten season going.
The pre-match teamtalk took place around Shaun's kitbag, and the sight of Mrs Bates' brand new hairdryer (can't think what happened to the old one) sat on top of a towel, was all the motivation M4 needed to ensure that they started the game brightly. Sils created more of the early chances but it was Worcester who took the lead after 15 minutes with arguably their first attack of the game. Sils were undeterred by this, and continued to push forwards, with Russell, Lyons & Rice in particular combining well on a number of occasions, but despite this M4 were unable to force an equaliser.
It was clear that Worcester were rattled by the home team, as Sils kept and used possession well when they had the ball, and closed the opposition down effectively when they didn't. Whilst M4 competed and contested every ball, Worcester focused their attentions on contesting and disputing every umpiring decision. This pattern continued for the rest of the game, and whilst the home side's approach was inspiring and entertaining, the away side's was (let's say) disappointing.
The second half saw Sils play with even greater levels of commitment, purpose and flair throughout the team. M4 pressured their opponents right from the whistle and were unfortunate not to equalise immediately after a sharp effort from Lyons that Harrison almost deflected past the keeper. After a flurry of penalty corners, Sils deservedly levelled the score when John Harrison passed to Matt Lyons. Matt shrugged off an opponent before feeding the ball inside the D to Simon Russell, who dummied a defender before sweeping the ball high and powerfully into the Worcester net.
As Sils pushed on in search of a winning goal, they maintained an excellent workrate and combined this with some purposeful passing, whether from the back with Bettridge, Bates, Lane & Dwyer, or through the midfield four to Rice & Willetts. Although M4 won eight penalty corners during the second 35 - including one corner from which JH shaved the outside of the post - Sils were unable to double their goal count. And so it was, much against the run of play, that Worcester scored the final and decisive goal with just under ten minutes of the game remaining. A final penalty corner in the dying minutes of the game gave Sils a chance to equalise, but on this occasion it was not to be.
Our unbeaten home run may have come to an end, but as Worcester drove down the M5 knowing that they had been outplayed for much of the game, M4 reflected on the many positives to come out of the match, and the need to improve the "goals to shots" ratio from penalty corners. An impromptu practice session was convened straight after the game, despite the bar being open. A great example of the team's enthusiasm and desire to win. Now, let's get ready for Olton.

Two points to finish on :
1/ Thanks as always to Quentin & Richard for giving up their time to umpire, but particularly yesterday. If you saw the game you'll know exactly what' I mean.
2/ I've always wondered why there aren't that many trees in Worcester. However, having witnessed some of the tackling yesterday I think I know why now.