Sils unlucky after taking the lead

And so it comes, after 7 months of competition across the far parts of the County we reach the last match against local rivals Hampton. Once a gain a few senior players were missing and the depth of the squad was relied to fill the gaps.

The game started lively enough with both sides having a share of possession and good pressure being applied by Sils against a side sitting comfortably in the table. Isabelle Thomas was continuing to grow into her game showing good strength and pace to assist the attack as well as chasing opponents down when defensive cover was needed. Meanwhile up front Tamara Majevadia was finding space and her speed was causing all sorts of problems in the Hampton defence as they tried to keep up. The attacks were well supported by the midfield and any counter attacks were being contained by the eager defence.

The defence are always eager to show the forwards how to score and on twenty minutes from a short corner as the ball was played back in Kate Huntington was the quickest to react and powered home for a deserved lead. The lead was maintained until five minutes from half time as firstly Hampton unleashed a powerful strike from just inside the D to equalise and then two minutes later took the lead as an interception in midfield saw a quick counter attack in numbers and as the ball was brought back from the bye line an attacker coming in on the blind side of keeper Joanne Brett just managed to get a stick on it to deflect the ball in before it was smashed away. Stunned Sils made it to half time without further troubling the scorers still trying to figure out how they had manged to go behind so quickly.

The half time discussion resulted in a change of tactics to go with four at the back, a decision which would reduce the numbers in midfield. But as the second half started and the half time discussion around keeping it tight was a seemingly distant memory the defence came to the rescue to spice the game up a bit and as Becky Bakewell took possession she nonchalantly knocks it sideways to the top of the D where the waiting forward happily took control, luckily Jo is used to these ‘special’ moments and was on to her quickly to dispel the danger. Charlotte Harmer and Tammy were continuing to utilise their speed and the Hampton defence were starting to open up as they struggled to keep pace with the flying wingers. As substitutions rolled on and off and variations to short corners were tried Jessica Jecketts was eventually persuaded to show what a coach could do and her drag flick from a short corner sailed unluckily wide as Hampton stood and watched, not believing what they had just seen. With Jess having more influence on the game Sils were awarded yet another short corner and from her fast injection the ball was played around the D for Sophie Price to equalise, just in time for the occasion to be filmed for posterity.

Hampton are a physical side and their continuing pushing, leaning and shoving was slowly winding the defence up and unfortunately Ali Leeke caught the wrath of the opposing umpire and picked up a green card for her troubles. With one player off there was some confusion in the defence as it re-shuffled but everyone managed to cope for the two minutes with Ali off. But a short corner to Hampton resulted in the ball not being cleared and as it rebounded back in an attempted clearance from Huntington ended up going in off her stick and leg for Hampton to take the lead once again. To make matters worse a few minutes later a foot stopped the ball on the line and once again Jo was faced with a flick there were high hopes considering the amount conceded, and saved, this year but unfortunately the ball was buried without giving her a chance.

With ten minutes to go the move of the match if not season occurred as the midfield took breath to look up and smash a pinpoint exocet charged pass through the middle of the Hampton defence into space. Charlotte Harmer took off, lit the after burners and with the pace of an Olympic sprinter left everyone in her wake catching the ball up just inside the 25 rounded the keeper as if she was stood still and hammered home with the confidence that bellied her years, speed kills long live speed. It’s taken Sils all season to discover the potential of this killer play that they now hold with the potential of the juniors coming through and the skill and pace that they bring it can only be developed even further; good things come to those that wait as they say. But with the score now at 3:4 there was belief that maybe Sils could get something out of the game and they pushed forward to try and generate something but unfortunately as everyone flew forward a misplaced pass in midfield saw Hampton break away, overload the defence and increase the lead.

So close, but positives to be taken and this was the hardest season as so many experienced players either moved on or retired there was a need for a large group of juniors to stake a claim in the side which they duly did. They have learned what was needed, grown in stature and confidence and have bridged the gap confidently so that others can now be brought in as required.
Finally wishing everyone a great off season, the chance to holiday, eat, drink, and dance the nights away losing any bit of fitness that was there.

MoM: Issy Thomas, ran herself into the ground showing great strength going forward and in defensive capacity and getting better as each game progresses.

DoD: A close run award as usual but what a difference a week makes as following an attempt to put her jumper on in the dressing room and ending up with it on backwards, then later on in an attempt to clear the ball manged to skew it between her legs for an own goal, stopping the ball on the goal line and giving away a flick, and if that wasn’t enough we collide with an opposing forward and in an attempt to show some strength falls over impersonates a ‘ninja’ roll, injures her arm and has to come off the pitch. Kate Huntington you are star of the week.