Old Silhillians 1 - 3 Leamington 5th XI

Old Silhillians 1 (1) - (1) 3 Leamington 5th XI

Goalscorer: Erica Adams

Sils Ladies 3s continue to develop and impress. Today was not to be in terms of the end result, but yet more young (and old) players impressing. The side took the lead (against the run of play) with the combination that has worked in previous weeks of Melissa Thurman down the right, finding Erica Adams in the middle to score from close range. However, the Leamington juniors were all 14/15 compared to the younger Sils side, plus Leamington also had more experienced players at the back who were just a bit too strong.

The visitors had equalised after Erica's early goal, and with both goalkeepers being called upon to make saves, there was definitely going to be more goals in the second half. As it happened, they were both scored by the visiting team, one early on, and one right at the end. However, the rest of the half was very even. Evie Cadman was strong down the right, Macy Jay continues to get better and better every week, Melissa Thurman is a constant menace, and Erica Adams seems to have a real eye for goal. At the back, Kate Huntington is discovering a new lease of life as a goalkeeper, making one full length diving save in the first half, and one sliding save in the second half when Leamington's best player was through on goal, that any experienced goalkeeper would have been proud of.

Elizabeth Gayton and Georgia Byrne both covered lots of ground, to help tackle and then launch attacks for Sils, whilst Maddy Fox, Frankie Cox and Abby Richards were full of running and industry to support the team. Issie Smith, having moved up front, had a few shots that crept just wide, or the keeper saved, and provided a bit more strength to the attack, whilst Lauren Clarke at the back also provided some much needed ball pace to distribute the ball. Compared to the start of the season, this side has come a long way, and whilst the result did not go their way today, the performance was really encouraging - and the new shirts from Sportology looked great!