Late report on early start...

My abilities as a reporter are clearly in question this evening as I try to remember what happened in our match last Saturday; partly because it is now quite a long time ago and partly because I’ve played and watched several more matches since then (yes, and probably partly because of my age…).

Safe to report however, that it was another spirited performance by a group of players somewhat thrown together in the light of non-availabilities across the club, coupled with the ludicrously early start, against an experienced group from Worcester who are not renowned for their on-pitch charity, and who have clearly played together a lot this season.

Having soaked up a fair bit of early pressure, Andy Rush turned things our way with an early goal - having been ‘harassed’ off the ball when clear through on goal, he picked himself up to easily convert the resultant flick. Worcester complained loudly that it should have only been a penalty corner, but luckily umpire Richard Fell stuck to his guns.

However, perhaps we scored too early, as the flick award seemed to get Worcester going, and we found ourselves behind before the break. I’m afraid I can’t remember the goals, or even how many of them there were, so probably safe to say they weren’t ‘worldies’. A re-organisation of midfield at the interval helped to steady the Sils ship, and the second half was a great improvement. The Whippet put in a great shift down the left – clearly a precursor for his Best-in-Class performance at Crufts the following day - and Sam Huckin and Ian Wilson build up some good moves down the right. All were helped by the industry and skills of Matt Fell, who looks to have done enough in the last two weeks to cement his place in the Mighty 4s central midfield should he wish to keep it.

From 4-1 down we pulled another goal back through a second Rush effort - he is in a rich vein of form at this current moment in time (sounding like Glenn Hoddle there for a minute… sorry) - but only for the visitors to score a fifth. Daniel Bridges popped up in the right place at the right time to add a third Sils goal and at the same time add to his growing reputation as a Fantasy League ‘go to’ pointscorer. Of the other younger players, Charlie Russell is now our best defender, and Mackenzie Hill has developed and improved in each of his three matches, and is definitely one to watch next season.

Summary – an improved second half performance to continue our improved post-Christmas form: M4 have found the higher league challenging but there was certainly no lack of spirit or commitment from all on the pitch vs a good Worcester side.