An early end to Sils' promotion hopes?

The last game of the first half of the season was always going to be tough for Sils, having to travel away to league leaders Bridgnorth. Unfortunately, several of the team's experienced players were unavailable for this match but the team were boosted by the return of the exciting George Bayliss, back from his recent first team duty. Keeper Brindley Jones made his 11th appearance of the season whilst Andrew Scott was passed fit hours before push back and started in defence along side the Aston Uni pair of Millan Chauhan and Sam Howe. Adam Kent was once again utilised at right back and Nick Oppenheimer on the left side. Mo Hadian and Danny Nicoll filled up central midfield with George Bayliss, Tom Merriman and Joe Houlcroft forming the youthful forward line. Sils were going to try and pack the defence and keep Bridgnorth off the scoresheet and look to hit them on the counter. Bridgnorth applied the pressure early on and Sils were forced to make an early substitution after an injury scare for defender Sam Howe. Andrew Jackman made his return to the team early on, and thankfully Howe was treated successfully to return to the game later on. Keeper Brindley Jones had to be on hand to make some early saves as Bridgnorth had chances from open play and short corners. Sils' plans started to get the home side frustrated as some good passing and possession control got Sils right into the game. A fantastic set of passes created the first chance for Sils, and after keeper was able to save Mo Hadian's shot, it was one of Sils' in form players Danny Nicoll who appeared in the right place at the right time with a cool finish from 5 yards to shock Bridgnorth. 1-0 to the Sils. The good hockey from the M2s continued with Joe Houlcroft and Tom Merriman linking up well up front and troubling the defenders. Some good work by Adam Kent created a good counter attack releasing Mo Hadian on one of his direct runs at goal. Having outrun the Bridgnorth defenders Hadian got the ball to the D and by the baseline looking to cut back and set up Danny Nicoll for his second goal, however luck was with the goalkeeper as a last minute deflection allowed him to get to the ball first and clear the ball back up the field, where an uncharacteristic mix up in Sils defence left the Bridgnorth attack with a 1 on 1 opportunity that they were able to take, 1-1. From one D to another, this was the difference between Sils going 2-0 up and ending up 1-1 at half time. It proved to be the turning point of the game.

Sils had matched Bridgnorth toe to toe in the first half and knew they could come away with something if they kept up the intensity. However, the second half was a different story. With Bridgnorth utilising their squad advantage and substitutes Sils legs started to tire and Bridgnorth took control of the game. With their midfielders now starting to show their quality and dribbling past Sils' tired player, the goal eventually came and they took the lead 2-1. The goal itself was somewhat dubious, as the ball seemed to have been deflected by the scorer just outside the D, with keeper being wrong footed. However, Bridgnorth had all the momentum and deserved to go on and score 2 more goals as it was one way traffic in this half. If it wasn't for goal keeper Brindley Jones makes some fine saves including a heroic 1 on 1 save, the score line could have been embarrassing for Sils. George Bayliss caused some trouble to Bridgnorth late on with his tricky dribbling, and the home team had to resort to stopping him by foul play. By the time they were penalised and a man down, it was too little too late for Sils. They could not create any clear cut chances and for the first time this season they failed to win a short corner. Joe Houlcroft came up with the only chance for Sils' in the second half deflecting a cross wide. In the end, 4-1 the game finished with Bridgnorth showing why they are the top team in the league with their quality and strength of squad coming through. A brave effort by the Sils none the less, and a positive first half to look back on.