M4 - M5 - S6 - R7 - W8 - G9

Sils started the game at a high tempo and immediately began attacking down the right. This was a promising start until after just 23 seconds the umpire threatened Matt with a yellow card for knocking the ball away. In the event he issued a warning and Matt had a lucky escape. It would have been his first ever card, something that some of us can’t comprehend. It was obvious that we would all need to be careful.

The game resumed and we continued to attack down the right. The opposition found it difficult to cope with John Harrison (nothing unusual there) as he repeatedly worked the ball into the corner before crossing it into the circle. He was assisted with excellent support work from Matthew Lyons.

Short corners followed and a goal looked to be coming but their keeper was stopping everything. It was from a short corner that Andy Rush eventually beat the keeper only to see his shot ‘saved’ on the line. Thankfully the umpire spotted that the ball had been cleared from just behind the line and he had no hesitation in awarding a goal. This was very well spotted by the umpire because it all happened really quickly and in a crowded circle.

With about six minutes gone we scored from another short. Simon Russell collected the ball on the edge of the D and drew the oncoming defender before slipping the ball left to John Harrison. This left the keeper out of position and John struck a firm shot which forced its way between the defenders into the net.

A few minutes later and a lovely pass from John found Keith Willetts in the circle and he swept it just inches wide of the far post. So close.

The game was going really well for Sils until another sticky moment occurred. A planned triple substitution went slightly awry when our three eager subs raced onto the pitch a tad prematurely. The umpire stopped the game and threatened to issue three yellow cards for fielding fourteen players. This would have been a disaster for us but after unreserved apologies were accepted by the umpire we escaped with just a warning. As Murray put it, “The umpire had the grace to admit that he admired their enthusiasm and commitment!” Still we must be more careful in the future.

We continued attacking with good approach work down the left from Tony Dwyer and Branden Munemo and determined play through the centre from Alex Willetts and Simon Russell. The midfield players were providing the forwards with plenty of opportunities to penetrate the circle and create chances but converting them into goals was quite another matter. As usual Murray provided measured secure control coupled with those lovely little link passes that he is so good at.

Another short corner and again Simon slipped the pass left to John but this time he undercut the shot and the ball rebounded off the bar. Soon after that Keith attempted to lob the onrushing keeper but it just crept over the bar by several feet. A pass would have been a better option. We had several more shots, all of which were saved by their keeper, followed by a number of over ambitious attempts from very narrow angles.

Despite all the pressure we had still only scored twice and their excellent keeper was largely responsible for keeping them in the game.

Just before the match Mick said in a whisper, “I overheard them talking and they are really worried about their keeper. He hasn’t played for over a year and this is his first game for them. He is obviously going to be very, very weak.” …mmmm really!

Worcester had some quick and skilful players who, given any time and space, could pose a serious threat. Fortunately Mick Lane and Craig Ffitch worked hard to contain their forwards. Likewise David Higgins also made numerous good tackles combined with good link-up play. Our leader also covered well with hard work and some pace (yes I know what you are both thinking but Mick, Craig, you have always managed perfectly well without needing any pace. Think of it as a compliment.) All three cleared the ball from danger with good composure and constructive passing. Good to watch. Shaun Bates was just imperious in the centre, great positioning, great energy, great tackling, great distribution.

Inevitably they managed to press home some attacks but Yogi stopped everything that came his way. His dream of ‘playing outfield’ needs to be just that, a dream. We need him between the sticks. He made some excellent saves.

Then, against the run of play, their centre forward found himself in space in the D and fired the ball towards the bottom left corner. Murray Creed blocked it but the ball popped up and he used his chest to stop it, obviously it’s better to give away a flick than concede a goal. The umpire correctly awarded the penalty flick. The penalty taker kept his composure and pushed the ball firmly into the bottom left hand corner leaving Yogi no chance of making a save. At this point it is worth noting that if it had not been for the penalty strokes awarded in this game and at Lichfield Yogi would have three clean sheets to his name. Just shows how well he his playing.

Despite stout defending, good build up play, lots of attacking moves and plenty of chances and half chances Sils reached the half way stage leading by only two goals to one. A slender lead – would we regret the missed opportunities?

Sils began the second half in much the same way as the first with a high tempo and an attacking mind set. Worcester, no doubt bolstered by their goal, also began pressing forward. Another goal and they would be back in the game.

Shortly after the restart one of their forwards picked the ball up on the edge of the D and smashed it towards the open bottom left hand corner of the goal. This looked to be the equaliser until Craig stepped across and executed a perfectly timed clearance. This really was an important and excellent save. It brought relief for us and disappointment for them. Psychology matters.

We had a number of shorts with their keeper still making excellent saves from Andy and Simon (hope you’re reading this Mick). Eventually Simon did manage to beat the keeper with an absolute belter of a shot which thumped into the backboard. This was just the goal we needed.

From this point on Sils began playing really good flowing hockey. There was a buzz and expectation about the side. Great tackling at the back and in midfield, lots of quick passing to keep the ball moving coupled with good positional running off the ball. We are often guilty of getting caught in possession by carrying the ball too far and running into trouble. Part of the reason for our success in the second half was due to the fact that we replaced ‘carrying the ball’ with ‘passing the ball’. Passing the ball with pace gets it there quicker than running with it. The old saying, ‘make the ball do the work’.

Down our left Brandon Munemo was coming to the fore. He made three great tackles in succession on the 23 and followed up with excellent passes into the D. He also dribbled into the circle and made good shot on goal from a narrow angle. Really good play Brandon.

Tony, also down the left and showing no signs of any hamstring trouble, tracked back intelligently (no Mike, the previous word is not a mistake) to channel their forwards away from the centre ground.

Alex Willetts latched on to one of these passes and after deftly wrong footing the defender he flicked it neatly past the keeper for goal number four. By now Sils were playing much higher up the pitch and with a great deal of confidence.

Shaun was spending more time in the attacking half and Keith Willetts was working hard to find space in readiness for the direct pass which was sure to come. Eventually it did. Shaun smashed the ball straight into the D and Willetts, using the pace of the ball, deflected it past the keeper into the net.

Our final goal was a joy to watch. Alex and Andy literally weaved their way through the Worcester defence with some wonderful interplay which was topped-off with a fine goal from Andy.

Managing the substitutions with fourteen players isn’t easy and can unsettle the balance of the side. On Saturday it worked very well indeed and had a positive impact on our performance. This was due to the pre-match preparation by Dave and the hands-on management during the game by Murray. Well done.

Man of the match: Andy Rush

Murray, Dave, Mick and Craig have been delving into the statistics so it’s worth pausing to reflect on the season so far.

With 20 points and a goal difference of plus 25 we are just 2 points behind the leaders Bromsgrove and 3 points ahead of third place Edgbaston. Amazing! In the nine league games we have scored a whopping 38 goals and conceded just 13. What does this tell us? The defence are keeping the opposition out, the midfield are breaking down their attacks and setting up ours and the forwards are finding the net. This shows that despite our very mixed ability we can play together as a team, get through the difficult patches and win games. We lost just one!

I know we are all aware that it hasn’t been easy but each one of us has found a little bit extra from somewhere. I’m sure the second half of the season will be difficult but keep the faith, we can do it. Carrot and celery for Christmas!

Post Script

On Saturday Matt Lyons played his last game before setting of for a new life in Stone. Over the years he has developed into a fine hockey player and become a great asset to the team. The handshakes after the final whistle rendered any words completely unnecessary. Some of the one-liners for Matt were brilliant especially Dave’s ‘Lyons made a screamer’ (best using an Italian accent), also a ‘Chop off the old block’.

I’m glad he didn’t get the yellow card because it means I don’t have to make something out of Matt, Yellow, Finish.

It will be the first time in thirty odd years that some of us less youthful players will not be sharing the pitch with a ‘Lyons’. It feels like the end of an era – it’s been a great journey – such pride in playing with the Lyons, thanks guys.

Finally…

It has been a most enjoyable first half of the season and a fantastic effort from everyone in the squad. Second half – can’t wait!