Battling performance at Bloxwich

The start of the Half Term week dealt the usual availability problems for Sils, which left us without Shaun, Steve, Tom and Matt. So a new look Sils 3's battled Storm Brian on the M6 to arrive and face a physical and experienced Bloxwich side.

However, Sils had a secret weapon. Although Shaun was unable to join us, he had arranged for a giant suitcase to take his place, containing a tactics board. This proved really useful to explain and show what we were trying to achieve to so many new players in the team - thanks.

Sils started strongly, and passed the ball around well, building up pressure on the Bloxwich goal. A feature of this season has been around building up sequences of play. Tony J was crucial to this, marshaling the backs and also in his superb distribution. The two John's combined well up the right wing and always looked to get the ball into the D. Likewise, new arrival Jacob moved the ball well from his left back position. Si, Jake and Sam were industrious in the middle and it was fully expected that the goal would come. It did...1 - 0 to Blox!

Half Time talks of composure, simple passing and quality first touches spurred Sils on, although it started to look like one of those days when the goal just wasn't going to come. Nobby and Ollie provided great outlets and Tony J kept finding them, pushing the play deep into the Bloxwich half. With seconds to go, Sils were awarded a short corner. The full time whistle blown, Sils new it was their last chance. An accurate and fast injection from Nobby found Si at the top of the D, who unleashed an accurate shot into the left hand corner of the Bloxwich goal. 1 - 1.

Post match reflections:
It is good to have James back with us;
The more we play together, the more we know the system and are starting to anticipate the plays and where people will be;
We are a team of battlers - 2 tough performances in consecutive weeks bringing us 4 points;
What a talent young Ben is in goal - composure, confidence and agility - very well done again.
We're looking forward to next week. Home game at 4pm, followed by a get together in the bar.