Gallagher to the rescue as Sils struggle

This was a vital game for Sils against local rivals Solihull Blossomfields as a win would put some daylight between them and the relegation battle going on below between a number of teams that had been sucked into it. Sils had a strong squad assembled with a full bench of eager youngsters whilst Blossomfields were a strong experienced squad that had been together for many a season.

Sils started nervously and had soon conceded a short corner which was thankfully met by Ruth Dovey at the top of the D just as the ball arrived and was swept away but Bloss were playing the better hockey and Sils were finding it difficult to create any forward momentum. But a slow start turned into fruition as an attack in force saw the ball come back off the keepers pads and with lightening speed Ali Leeke was the first to react to steer it home for her first goal at the opposition end for many a season for Sils to take the lead and take some of the tension off the game.

50/50 tackles were starting to be won by Sils and as Ruth Dovey once again brought the play forward to the 25 she drilled a cross into the D which Samantha Cooper manged to get her stick on to deflect it past the advancing keeper to increase the lead. Bloss were still pushing to try and make some inroads although the defence were playing well and were on top of any goal threats being mounted being well organised by Jess Jecketts who ensured that threats were snuffed out. On the odd occasion that they did break the defensive barrier Joanne Brett was on hand to smother a goal threat as she slid out to take the ball and forward with her much to the dismay of the opposition.

Sils were pushing forward and creating chances that were now being turned into short corners although they didn’t manage to turn these into the goals they deserved to put the game out of sight.

Sils were still not playing as well as they had been in recent weeks but for once were winning. After the half time discussion coach Jamie Fleet explained the need to keep it tight and to push on where they could but the importance of keeping a clean sheet was the main aim. However, a 2:0 lead is perilously balanced with the next side scoring either having the impetus or closing the game down the defensive unit, being the usual law unto themselves that they are seemingly decided to spice things up through a lack of decisiveness and a lack of communication managed to ship two goals within the opening ten minutes. Jessica Jecketts was once again sent on to resolve the problem and a calmness started to flow across the team with some good attacking plays being orchestrated through the gaps that were now emerging in the Bloss defence as the fast raiding strikers were taking effect on the more sedentary defenders.

As time moved on fine passing moves were being carved through the Bloss midfield and defence with ample opportunity to mount further attacks down either flank. The flying wingers were finding plenty of room but often the final pass just missed out on reaching them at the prime time.

With the time clicking away Sils were awarded yet another short corner and as the ball was played around the D and eventually the shot came in towards the far post Fleur Gallagher had ghosted in under the Bloss radar to be on hand to steer it home for the deservedly winning goal. Whilst there were a few nervous moments Sils were able to run the clock down to take all three points in a game that could have been sewn up by half-time.

Big positives for Sils to take from the game in that they kept battling throughout and the youngsters are coming of age in realising that they can play at this level and are valued members of the squad as well as being potent goal threats.

MoM: Can only go to one person this week after an outstanding game which included a goal, great defending, support play and general encouragement throughout Ali Leeke.

DoD: As usual there were a few candidates for this award but Naomi Ennis once again narrowly claimed it for the application of a rather patchy false tan, tripping an opponent in front of the umpire and then getting flattened by her as she fell over grazing both knees in the process and picking up a green card as a final insult.