Confidence boosting performance by the new look team.

The 2s came into this match on the back of a difficult pre-season having lost all their warm up games. With several changes to the team that finished last season, there was the challenge of getting the new players to gel together. Last season's top goalscorer Mo Hadian was passed 'fit-enough-to-play' by the team doctor despite a broken finger and took on his first league match in charge as captain. The team were further boosted by the return of last season's captain Mark Dovey. The team's goalkeeper crisis were resolved last minute thanks to Brin and Richard Thurman.

Sils started the game brightly with Adam Kent coming close to opening the scoring when he was denied by the post. Aldridge and Walsall then took control of the game with a well worked counter attack that put them 1-0 up. The Sils defence consisting of the experienced Andrew Scott and Jon Corp were well supported by the full backs Matt Deaken and Joe Schuppler, and held the opposition to just a one goal lead at half time. Walsall had managed to get the ball into the back of net for a second time, however, sportingly agreed with the second umpire when the decision was over-ruled for the initial shot being too high from the short corner.

Following the half time break, the Sils lads came back fighting in spirit, playing their best hockey this season yet. With Mark Dovey at the starting centre of all their attacks, midfielders Joe O'Malley and new signing Danny Nicoll took the game to the opposition and helped build the pressure up. The opposition were beginning to struggle with the surge of attacks, in particular from the right wing by the solid-looking Joe Schuppler. However, the team were still lacking the finishing edge which was possibly a reflection of their confidence following their pre-season preparations. They had failed to make several good chances and short corners count. The front line was lead by the hard working Adam Kent who put in a dedicated shift in the second half. He was well supported by John Rice and youngsters Callum and Josh who both had their first senior league match debuts.

With 10 minutes to go, Sils hard work and desire to get back into the game finally paid off. Following another good attack from the right side by Schuppler and several neat passes outside the D, Kent was able to find Callum Rice on the right who put the ball across the goal, leaving the keeper helpless, and it was none other than the goal-hungry Mo Hadian who took full advantage of the created opportunity to turn the ball into the empty net. 1-1. Sils managed to ride out the wave of attack that followed by Walsall with some excellent defending from their back four and the hard working midfield. Sils could have won the game in the final minute when a brilliant ball by Matt Deakin went teasing past all the forwards, however they finished the game holding their heads high after a fantastic second half team display in an entertaining game. First point on the board and a confidence boosting come back.