Groundhog Day…………

Uni Birmingham, champions elect, free scoring and conceding few goals along the way not a bad challenge for a side missing some of their star players. But undaunted Sils had the better of the opening phase standing up to the hard running of the Uni and managing to make inroads in to their backline which isn’t as strong as the rest of the team and definitely not used to sustained attacks as gaps were starting to appear which were exploited by the fleet footed forwards. Within 5 minutes of the start Ruth managed another strong run into the 25 and slipped the ball to Frankie who made no mistake from that range smashing it past the keeper.

The Uni though were not subdued and relaunched their attacks and had soon crated a short corner which was eventually cleared by LJ sweeping it off the line. The midfield was an area to avoid if possible although space was being found on the flanks with Lauren making good headway down the left feeding the forwards at every opportunity. But just as Sils were looking as though they were taking control a loose ball was picked up on the edge of the home D and it must be said an intricate solo goal was scored as the Uni forward danced around the tackles coming in to leave Jo with no chance.

Sils pled together and chances were being created although frustratingly the lack of anticipation was still prevalent as shots coming back off the keepers pads were not being seized upon as chances were laid to waste after good approach work. Short corners were traded by both sides and well defended and there was difficulty in seeing where the next goal would come from with both defences capably defending anything that came at them but needless to say it only takes and unfortunately a moments lapse and unfortunately a deflected cross shot across Sil’s D fell to an unmarked forward who steered it home just before half time. But there was still time for the first controversial moment of the match as a well worked Sils short corner fell to LJ whose reverse shot hammered into the backboard at speed only to be ruled out by officialdom for some unknown reason much to everyone’s dismay.

Much of the second half saw Sils having the upper hand although they had to concentrate to keep the Uni a bay when they did come forward but for once the champions elect were having to fight all the way.

The second half carried on in similar fashion with Sils having the upper hand although the Uni were quick on the break and with Millie injured Sils were down to 1 sub to assist the attack. As time went on Sils continued to keep the Uni at bay and after sustaining some heavy pressure Tammy managed to get away and steered the ball in for the equaliser now in their ascendency and within a few minutes of scoring the equaliser Tammy was unstoppable and was off on one of her supercharged runs and although forced across the D to an oblique angle managed to smash a shot through the keeper to take the lead to the delight of everyone around. Not to be deterred the Uni were right back on their game and a crucial save by Jo backed up by Emma and EJ saved the day. It was all Sis and as the Uni pushed up for an equaliser Ruth found space to slip the ball to Libby who was suddenly upended by a defender for a flick. No card but next came the second controversial decision as the power of LJ was unleashed the ball was in the back of the goal before anyone could blink an eye however Sils luck ran out a few games ago and whether the ball was pushed, flicked, hit or slapped it was judged to be incorrect and ruled out much to everyones amazement. With 4 minutes left on the clock this was the turning point and although a few moments late Libby found space to sprint away with the ball and Uni screams of despair to the keeper to come out she did just enough to force the shot wide. Uni were throwing everything at attack at the moment and somehow managed to overload the defence and in the melee forced the ball home for the equaliser but the game wasn’t over yet and within seconds of the restart and within a minute of the end fate would have it that the ball became loose on the right side of the pitch and latched on to by arguably the best payer the Uni had who capitalised on a moments hesitation drove into the D and unleashed knee height Exocet of a shot which somehow found it’s way into the far post of net for a sickening and underserved winner.
After all the hard work and the win within their grasp Sils were understandably stunned as to what had happened and to lose 2 matches in this fashion is hard to take but that is sport but the next game is just around he corner with a chance to rectify proceedings.