Sils M4s went into the Christmas break with a satisfying 2-0 win away at Coventry – a match we could, and should, have won by more, but which does mean the side sit nicely in the second promotion slot as the first half of the league season ends. Sils welcomed Matt Hull back to the club after a gap of some 14 years, and in his second debut Matt proved the match winner, finishing through a crowd of players for his first after 20 minutes and adding a second with a fine strike from the edge of the D as half time approached. Sils continued to dominate after the break but goals just would not come as Willetts, Watkin and Wilson all saw shots saved by a Coventry keeper in inspired form.

As the weather worsened, key to the Sils success was the fantastic team work-rate, with Reece Nijran the deserved Man of the Match for a superb non-stop performance in a central midfield role new to him – really well played Reece. Dom Higgins also picks up a mention in dispatches for a fine performance as the day’s ball monitor (+5), also meaning he won’t have to do the job again this season ?.

With a four week break now kicking in, we need to keep fit (so easy on the Christmas pudding… and the pints) and ensure this match-winning work-rate continues in the New Year. The league so far has been a stop-start affair, with teams dropping out and friendly games against development teams added, meaning it has been difficult to keep momentum going. With Towcester 1s seemingly nailed on to finish top, it is very tight for the next three positions so our return fixtures against Northampton 6s and Market Harborough are going to be critical must-wins if we are to achieve our promotion objective – remember, only two go up. The core squad of youngsters has now had the chance to properly find their feet in adult hockey and it would be unfair to single out any individuals at this stage – but the overall development has been fantastic, great to see and enjoyable to manage - thank you all. We now need to make sure as a group that we finish the job. So, well done everyone – players and supporters alike - and please make sure you do everything you can to be available for all the games when we re-start.

Have a great Christmas everyone, enjoy a relaxing break with family and friends, and I look forward to seeing you raring to go in the friendly v Worcester on Jan 8th and a return to league action a couple of weeks later against our own 5th XI. Happy days!