Harland leads the way with debut goal as Sils win away.

Sils travelled to newly promoted Coventry and North Warwickshire ladies for their opening fixture of the season with a new look team following several retirements. The game started well with Sils having much of the early possession with the new strike force of Phoebe Harland and Molly Sullivan, supported with the experience of Naomi Ennis causing the Coventry defence many problems with their quick movement of the ball and the ability to chase down all loose ends.

Coventry started to find some headway but as they carved their way into the Sils half they were met with resolute defending and a hard working midfield, orchestrated by Ruth Dovey, which quickly seized on any loose balls and played the hard running Sils forwards into space.

As Sils launched yet another attack the ball came loose within the Coventry D and Phoebe Harland making her senior debut smashed the ball home for a deserved lead. Coventry’s heads went down after this and Sils continued to create numerous chances that couldn’t quite be converted, though proving positive with a new side gelling together well.

Coventry started to make some head way in the game and towards half time they created a number of short corners which were admirably dealt with by the defensive unit which stood strong, covered each other and continually encouraged the new wing backs of Sophie Price and Alexandra Deol who found ample opportunity to scamper forward and assist with the attacking play.
The second half started with Sils applying constant pressure to the Coventry defence as they went in search of another goal. After several short corners were hacked away by Coventry the pressure eventually told with the ball being slipped to Ennis who finished in style to make it 2:0.

Coventry had no answer to the pressing applied by Sils and were being hurried into their decision making with loose balls being turned over into new Sils attacks, short corners and chances were created although as with the first half further goals were hard to come by.
As the game ebbed away from Coventry there was a late flurry from them requiring a number of saves having to be made by goalkeeper Joanne Brett assisted by Kate Huntington and Becky Bakewell who stood firm to the test. With minutes left on the clock the ball broke loose and Harland once again was racing towards the opposition D only to be denied by a good save from the Coventry keeper. Not to be outdone Coventry once again managed an all-out attack that broke through the Sils defence and Brett was once again called upon to thwart them.

The whistle blew on a perfect start for Sils a win and a clean sheet on a sunny day in Coventry. The team showed much promise for the rest of the season with a good blend of experience within the spine and youthful endeavour down the flanks with numerous chances having been created throughout the game.

MOM: Phoebe Harland, brilliant debut performance topped off with a goal and gelled well with her attack force causing Coventry problems all day long.

DOD: There is something about right wing back which seems to attract this award. This time it goes to Alexandra Deol, who having read the instructions many times still managed to turn up wearing the wrong shirt. Never mind Ali there is always next week.