Promotion dream over for M2s

With the season restarting so soon after the christmas break, the M2 squad was weakened by unavailability of several key players for various reasons. Thanks to great work in the background by Stephen Tabb, Richard Thurman and the other captains M2s were able to field a team against their opposition with 5 under 16 players stepping in. Prior to the match, Sils nearly encountered further problems as captain Mo Hadian was left without suitable astro boots (rumours suggest there may have been a last minute sponsorship deal breakdown. Other sources report that he left them behind on international duty). But he was able to plead to his fans (his mum) to return his old pair which he had given away autographed. All good to go with 11 men.

Brindley Jones returned in goal and he was the busiest man on the pitch as Sils encountered waves of attack form their opposition Aldridge & Walsall, he made a brilliant save from a 1 on 1 situation very early on to keep Sils level, as the M2s grew in confidence and started passing the ball around really well. The back 4 included debutants Nick Rice and Jakes Johnstone who were well supported by the experienced Andrew Scott and Nick Oppenheimer. As Sils got themselves into the game they were able to start creating opportunities through their main man in midfield Mark Dovey. With Josh Rice and the other debutant Sam Johnstone in support, they were able to put a dangerous ball through for Mo Hadian, who after beating the last defender and getting into the D for a shooting opportunity was unable to open the scoring as he put his shot to the side netting. Aldridge were finally able to open the scoring and take the lead against the run of play at this stage, but this didn't dishearten the youngsters who continued to make good attacks down both wings. John Rice and Callum Rice were holding the forward line and were making good runs on the right in particular. Some excellent work from Nick Rice and Josh Rice allowed Mo Hadian the opportunity to make a dangerous run into the D on the right wing leaving his marker behind and pulling the ball back for John Rice, who was ever so cool and calm under pressure, and fired into the corner beyond the helpless keeper. Sils were back to 1-1 and confidence was growing. They won a short corner but were not able to capitalise. At the other end there were 2 close calls for short corners against Sils but Andrew Scott and the senior players were able to successfully appeal to the umpires and overturn these dodgy decisions!

At half time, Sils would have taken this scoreline and were happy with the performance. Second half was always going to be tough playing without no substitutes. Mo Hadian picked up a knock just before the half way mark and was no longer as effective in the second half without the pace. The midfield stepped up to make up for this and put in a good shift. Sam Johnstone had a good game considering this was his first senior match and was impressive alongside all the other youngsters. Aldridge finally found an extra gear and were able to score 4 goals in the second half, 2 from open play and 2 from short corners, but if it wasn't for Brindley Jones it could have easily been double figures. Some great saves kept the scoreline as respectable as possible. Nick Oppenheimer had a stint up front to try and ignite something for the Sils, but in truth they were outplayed by the home team in the second half and failed to create any clear cut chances. There was however time for a Mo Hadian consolation goal right at the very end as Sils converted their 2nd short corner of game to end on a slight positive and leave the ground with a 5-2 defeat. Overall, a disappointing result which will now make promotion extremely unlikely, but on a good experience for the youngster who will no doubt be featured again for the team this season and in the future.