Outgunned in the Sun

Following last week’s reversal Sils once again started in a positive manner and attacked the Lichfield goal only to find themselves once again being caught out by a swift counter attack. Joanne Brett in the Sils goal managed to hold play up long enough for the onrushing defence to help out and clear the ensuing short corner.

Much of the attacking at this point was now being done by Lichfield who were probing the defence which although stretched was coping well being well marshalled by Becky Bakewell and Kate Huntington.

On 15 minutes Kat Berns took up full speed on a driving run in to the Lichfield territory and in to the D hopes were up as the shot was away but the Lichfield keeper diving full length had the shot covered as it narrowly skimmed past the post. But a shot is a shot and the crowd were now awake with anticipation for more.

Sils were now buoyed up this foray and started to push forward but were starting to get caught by swift counter attacks and difficulty in closing the fast forwards down with Bakewell and Huntington working overtime to close the plays down.

On 20 Lichfield gained another short corner which was initially dealt with although by this time Emily Green playing in her last game for the Sils decided as there was little chance of a goal the other end to inadvertently help Lichfield out with a shot deflecting off her stick high over the defence and goal keeper in to the top of the net.

Sils not to be out done were on the attack once more with good work by Naomi Ennis and Ally Taft starting to make inroads around the back of the Lichfield defence, which one pressed started to panic with holes and hope starting to emerge. Shots went narrowly wide, short corners were gained but Sils were unable to turn the period of pressure into goals and as a result were made to pay with Lichfield scoring two more goals before half time.

With the game ebbing away tactics were changed at half time and although Sils battled well they could not manage to trouble the scorers and were again caught on a counter attack for Lichfield to slot their fourth and final goal of the match. Sils still attacked and did cause problems at times although their efforts either went narrowly wide or were dealt with by the opposition defence.

So the sun sets on another season and a few careers but a chance for all to reflect on a season at the higher level. If what was seen was liked everyone now knows what is needed to survive.