Goal Rush sleighs Hampton

A brace from Andy Rush, another disciplined performance from Sils allied to an immense workrate, saw M4 finish the first half of the season with back-to-back wins, and a clean sheet.
Once again Sils started brightly, creating the better chances and enjoying the majority of possession against a Hampton side who went into the game unbeaten. M4 were undeterred by the early loss of Dwyer (hamstring), with the back four quick to frustrate Hampton on the occasions that they ventured into the Sils D. M4's opponents were clearly surprised and rattled by the commitment, shape and workrate of the home side. Rush and Willetts went closest to opening the scoring, but at the interval the match remained goalless.
The second half saw Sils turn up the heat, partly because of their natural belief that the game was theirs for the taking, and partly to appease their opponents, who had weakly suggested that the game be postponed at half-time because they felt that some parts of the pitch were becoming unplayable in the cold conditions.
The first goal of the match came ten minutes into the second half following a wonderful short corner, well injected by Harrison to Wing who controlled coolly before unleashing a rasping shot that the keeper could only parry. The ball fell to Rush who fired the ball into the net, and Sils into the lead.
Hampton pushed hard to get back into the game, but Sils were in no mood to concede either possession, goals or points. Sils' passing was considered and confident throughout the second half, and an industrious midfield - which included a welcome cameo from Yogi - ensured that the dangerous Munemo, Lyons & Harris created some great chances.
With ten minutes of the match remaining, Sils doubled their lead thanks to a fantastic effort from Andy "Benteke" Rush, who picked the ball up from the half-way line, had a great interchange with Willetts, which included shrugging off challenges from all of the Hampton defence, before drawing the keeper and slipping the ball deftly past him.
Hampton almost pulled a goal back when a rare, but fierce shot from the edge of the D was watched carefully onto the crossbar by Jones. But, as Sils kept their composure and shape, Hampton started to lose theirs. Frustration turned first into dissent, and then into a yellow card for a Hampton defender as their unbeaten run came to an end.
For sure, the winter break could have fallen at a more opportune time for M4, but there's no better way to finish the first half of the season than with a home victory and clean sheet against the League Leaders. Merry Christmas all !