Sils fight back to earn first points

Sils 2nds are finding the start of this season tough.

Key players called into the 1s early on, top goalscorer promoted to the 1s, some very tough matches to start including having played the (now) league favourites Pershore 1s who are scoring goals for fun against all teams, and Harborne 3s who are adopting a pretty similar approach.

However, there are many positives to look to:
- Young Charlie Russell improving with every game
- The University lads beginning to be able to find more time to play on Saturdays
- The Return to the 2s of the talismanic Millsy
- The positive and constructive leadership provided by Jim Goldstraw
- The improved availability of the 1st team meaning the 2nd team can establish a more consistent team
- The early season performances of the dynamic Simon Russell and Rob Smith in midfield

And so it was that the Sils took to this game with a squad of 13, including the Chairman who had made himself available at the last minute, hopes of improved outcomes against a similarly struggling Worcester side, and prepared expertly by Captain Jim.

The first 7 or 8 minutes all went to plan; the Sils applied the pressure, Craig was combining with Nobby to probe at the visiting defence, and Rob Smith and Simon Russell were full of energy. Ryan O'Hanlon was causing issues down the left, and Pema Hawken was being a nuisance down the right.

However, Worcester have a couple of experienced, canny, and ultimately, very skillful Veterans within their ranks, and with a small amount of confusion between midfield and defence, Worcester were able to capitalise and take a lead after 8 minutes, very much against the run of play.

However, Jim's troops don't roll over, and know they are capable of scoring goals. Minutes later and the equaliser had come - Pema diving full length to deflect home a cross to the far post.

Sils continued to dominate possession, but Worcester always looked dangerous on the counter, and the home team required their Captain to make a number of good saves to keep the scores level going into half-time.

Sils had a plan for the second half, but sadly everything went similarly to the first half. Lots of possession and territory, but not enough impact in the final 1/4; and Worcester regained the lead after another skillful interchange between their midfield and forwards leaving Jim no chance in goal.

Once again Sils came back though, sensing there was definitely a result to gain here. With minutes to go, a surging run down the right won Sils a corner, and with the Chairman having convinced Simon Russell to switch the ball left, it was down to him to take the first shot, but then react to the initial save and flick the ball home from close range to bring the score to 2-2, which is how the game ended.

There is no doubt that better results will come as the side continues to play together - they are definitely not out of their depth in this division and under Jim's strong leadership, the team will look to make further progress up the table in weeks to come.