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Sat 17 Jan 2015
Men’s 4th XIWorcester 8
J Harrison (25')
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Mens Four(m) train back on track !
David Higgins18 Jan 2015 - 10:27
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JH turns CF to bag the points for Sils
A third consecutive victory, a second consecutive clean sheet, and the first goal of 2015 from John Harrison, saw M4 restart their league season in the same spirit that they finished December.
Worcester brought a younger, and seemingly stronger side than that which Sils faced in the reverse fixture (1-1) back in October, but it was Sils who showed more initiative and purpose in the first phase of the game, moving the ball down the right flank and creating some early chances, and with it a growing belief that this game was winnable.
As any Holte Ender will tell you though, possession counts for little if you don't do anything with it, and M4 were fortunate not to fall behind after 15 minutes when their opponents won the ball in midfield, broke down the left quickly, evading several challenges, before hitting a stinging shot that Yogi did exceptionally well to keep out. (Thankfully, this was the only comparison between M4 & Villa).
However, this proved to be the only clear-cut chance that Worcester created in the first 35, and it was M4 who created more opportunities to open the scoring. Sils won three short corners in the first period, and should in truth have scored from at least one of them, particularly the second SC which resulted in Aylin creaming the ball just wide of the keeper's left hand post, with Higgins unable (ok, a little too slow) to deflect the ball past the keeper.
The half-time team talk contained a couple of hairdryer moments, which were welcome (given the cold conditions) and necessary (if Sils were to raise their game and win the match).
M4 set about the second half with purpose, commitment and drive, enjoying more possession than their opponents, and using it well to force several short and long corners. However, as they cranked up the pressure, Sils suffered a major set-back when Andy Rush pulled a hamstring and had to go off. M4 reorganised with Harrison moving to centre-forward, and Dwyer, Aylin, Russell & Higgins in midfield.
Any hopes Worcester had that this enforced change would unsettle Sils' rhythm were unfounded, as M4 continued to soak up pressure from their opponents effectively and create further chances thanks to some excellent work in midfield (Messrs Aylin & Russell) and up front (where Willetts held the ball well).
With ten minutes to go, Sils persistence finally paid off. Higgins sent a long ball to Russell, who ran through two challenges before slipping the ball to Steve Aylin, who turned and unleashed a vicious strike that cannoned off the foot of the keeper's right-hand post. The ball richoted into the middle of the D, where Harrison forced his way past a defender before rattling the ball against the backboard. Sils kept their composure and shape through the final minutes of the game to ensure a well-deserved win.
Congratulations in particular to the Sils defence who marshalled their opponents so successfully, and to Yogi for recording the first of many clean sheets.
Worcester brought a younger, and seemingly stronger side than that which Sils faced in the reverse fixture (1-1) back in October, but it was Sils who showed more initiative and purpose in the first phase of the game, moving the ball down the right flank and creating some early chances, and with it a growing belief that this game was winnable.
As any Holte Ender will tell you though, possession counts for little if you don't do anything with it, and M4 were fortunate not to fall behind after 15 minutes when their opponents won the ball in midfield, broke down the left quickly, evading several challenges, before hitting a stinging shot that Yogi did exceptionally well to keep out. (Thankfully, this was the only comparison between M4 & Villa).
However, this proved to be the only clear-cut chance that Worcester created in the first 35, and it was M4 who created more opportunities to open the scoring. Sils won three short corners in the first period, and should in truth have scored from at least one of them, particularly the second SC which resulted in Aylin creaming the ball just wide of the keeper's left hand post, with Higgins unable (ok, a little too slow) to deflect the ball past the keeper.
The half-time team talk contained a couple of hairdryer moments, which were welcome (given the cold conditions) and necessary (if Sils were to raise their game and win the match).
M4 set about the second half with purpose, commitment and drive, enjoying more possession than their opponents, and using it well to force several short and long corners. However, as they cranked up the pressure, Sils suffered a major set-back when Andy Rush pulled a hamstring and had to go off. M4 reorganised with Harrison moving to centre-forward, and Dwyer, Aylin, Russell & Higgins in midfield.
Any hopes Worcester had that this enforced change would unsettle Sils' rhythm were unfounded, as M4 continued to soak up pressure from their opponents effectively and create further chances thanks to some excellent work in midfield (Messrs Aylin & Russell) and up front (where Willetts held the ball well).
With ten minutes to go, Sils persistence finally paid off. Higgins sent a long ball to Russell, who ran through two challenges before slipping the ball to Steve Aylin, who turned and unleashed a vicious strike that cannoned off the foot of the keeper's right-hand post. The ball richoted into the middle of the D, where Harrison forced his way past a defender before rattling the ball against the backboard. Sils kept their composure and shape through the final minutes of the game to ensure a well-deserved win.
Congratulations in particular to the Sils defence who marshalled their opponents so successfully, and to Yogi for recording the first of many clean sheets.
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