M4s First Win Remains Elusive.

Our final pre-season friendly saw us away at Old Halesonians. Despite the early start and minus John Harrison and Yogi, we still travelled with fourteen players. Old Hales are placed much higher in the league hierarchy than us so we knew it was going to be tough. They also had some young players and it was evident during the warm up that they were quick and reasonably skilful. However after our much improved performance last week there was feeling of optimism running through the team.

The welcome return of The Master was much appreciated and he wasted no time in knocking us into shape. Right from the start Shaun began organising our positional play and strategy to great effect. We soon adjusted into a better structure and shape which immediately made it easier for us and harder for them. We began playing really well and produced some fine hockey. This was just as well because they were clearly a good side intent on attack.

With confidence building Sils began stringing passes together and soon had Hales on the back foot. First goal followed an excellent sequence of play, nine consecutive passes by Sils without a single touch by the opposition. The finishing passes came when Keith Willetts received the ball with his back to goal amid shouts of ‘pass it out to the right wing’. He dropped a shoulder as if to do this and then turned inside to pass it straight to Simon Russel who had cut inside to the top of the D. Russell slipped the ball neatly to Andy Rush who scored with alacrity (must ask him for her phone number).

Old Hales also put together some sequences of good play and the back line played well to keep them out. Excellent keeping from Steve Aylin and robust determined defending by Shaun seemed to have the situation under control. Our defence looked really solid but somehow Old Hales managed to find a way through. They levelled the score with a well taken goal.

Sils took the lead again with the goal coming after a sequence of six consecutive passes with the crucial final pass to Rush coming from Russel. With the keeper closing in rapidly Rush calmly picked his spot and drag-flicked the ball with precision into the net through the tiniest of gaps. This was an excellent goal and Sils were playing really good hockey.

Hales were by no means out of it and continued counter attack at every opportunity. Their pressure led to a clumsy stop on the line by one of our defenders. It was clearly a foul and surely a penalty stroke - the umpire awarded a penalty corner. Old Hales were clearly disappointed with the decision but they accepted it in a sporting manner. This was a great relief for Sils and a stroke of luck. (excuse the pun).

Up to this point Sils had played some excellent hockey with the exception of the last five minutes or so when we lost our shape and began making unforced mistakes. The break came just in time with the scores level at two goals each.

With Harrison elevated to the third team some adjustments were necessary for attacking short corners. Rush elected to inject and did so with pace and accuracy. Russell received unerringly and either shot or passed it on to the right. The routine looked very promising and we were unlucky not to score. Willetts had to dig one out from behind and with the keeper bearing down went for the aerial. It was agonisingly close, just clearing the bar by several feet.

Rush posed a constant threat and was very unlucky not to score with a great strike across the goal at waist height. Their keeper lunged after it with his stick at full stretch and deflected it wide of the post, an outstanding save.

Matt Lyons picked up a cross and almost scored but a slight hesitation gave the keeper just enough to time to get across and make the save. This was such a pity because it would have been a fitting reward for his hard work and effective involvement throughout the game.

Back in defence Sils were still covering well with solid performances from Mick Lane, Mike Bettridge and Andy Jackman (I still can’t get the hang of his Antipodean-Grunt-Speak. I contacted the Consulate that deals with counselling for the descendants of ‘transported convicts’ but all I got back was a grunt!)

Tracking back and forcing the attackers out wide (as per Shaun’s constant guidance) was particularly effective (as opposed to diving and getting beaten). Tony curbed his instinct to dive in and stuck avidly to the task of tracking back. His excellent work resulted in breaking down a good many of their attacks. Great stuff. Dave Higgins and Simon worked well together in midfield and for the most part managed to force Old Hales to move out wide where they posed much less of a threat. James Harris continued to use his pace to good effect.

Unfortunately Hales managed to break through and score another goal to take the lead. This coincided with a subtle shift in the balance of play, Hales applied more pressure and Sils began making more mistakes. The last ten minutes or so saw Sils getting pinned down in defence and finding it increasingly difficult to feed the ball back into midfield.

During this difficult period Craig pulled off three fantastic interceptions in succession, all were directly in front of goal. Murray also got into the action timing his flying arrival across the front of goal to perfection. The ball was destined for the left hand corner with no defender in sight. The Old Hales forward was already raising his arm when Super-Murray-Man appeared from out of nowhere, crashed into the post and somehow deflected the ball over the back line. His attempts to regain his feet were somewhat less impressive. Nevertheless he exercised great judgement and this will stand him in good stead should he ever get a proper job.

Overall this was a very very good performance from the Mighty 4s and another big improvement over the previous games. It was probably a fair result but we were left with the feeling that we could have won it.

It was also encouraging to hear the positive and constructive post-match conversations about how we can continue to improve. This bodes well for the future and demonstrates how well we stick together as a team.

Post Script.

Oh the meaning of language…

Mick was looking confused as to where to make a pass.
Shaun shouts guidance, “The simple one.”
Relief and Mick instantly picks out Mike Bettridge with a suicidal pass.
Shaun, “What the hell are you doing?”
Mick with indignation, “You said the simple one.”
(requires a bit of thought).

SB to KW. “Save your aerials for the washing machine.”

And finally:-

The new showers at the Sils caused some confusion. The short duration of the water supply had everyone constantly reaching down for power button to turn it back on again. All that is except Tony. He simply leant on the button with his forehead and enjoyed a continuous supply of hot water – happy days.