Sils Leave it late

Another week and another selection headache as late withdrawals hampered the game plan. However the two's came to the rescue supplying Jess, Amie and Alex to refresh the non existent front line to face Sutton Coldfield 4's.

Sutton started the game better having a settled side and their double Olympian who ran the side through midfield with the main attack plan of hitting their two high placed forwards quickly at every opportunity did cause some early problems. The Sils defence though is now settling into a rhythm working off each other marshalled well by the experience of Kate Huntington and as the rest of the side settled down the game turned into one of attrition as neither side could make any real headway as passes went astray and energetic running came to nothing, with much of the game ebbing and flowing around the middle of the park. Short corners were traded to little effect although there was one moment of optimism as Samantha Cooper latched onto a loose ball and smashed it against the post the game remained scoreless.

The second half followed much the same format with the forwards being refreshed at every opportunity. However, midway through the second half Sutton managed for once to overload the Sils defence on a fast counter attack and with bodies being flung in front of the ball Sutton managed to hit the ball high into the night to take the lead. With the defence bruised and battered drastic times were called for and whilst it looked as though there was no way back for a hard working Sils side Coach Jamie Fleet went for broke and pushed the midfield pairing of Rebecca Leaning and Sam Cooper up to help the forwards out leaving Ruth Dovey to run the midfield. The added impetus to the forward line started to cause Sutton problems and gaps were starting to appear in the defence and chances were coming. Unfortunately Leaning picked up a yellow card following a misunderstanding with an umpire and all seemed lost as she departed the scene.

However with time running out and now down to ten players there came a serene moment where time seemed to standstill as the midfield general that is Ruth Dovey broke down yet another attacking play and strode into the opponents half and after some deft stick play evaded her opponents challenges and entering the top of the D unleashed an unstoppable shot that hit the back of the net leaving the keeper and defenders rooted to the spot. A deft momentary silence followed before Sils realised that they had actually scored and they managed to compose themselves long enough to run the clock down for a well deserved draw which was the least that they deserved.

MOM: Ruth Dovey, an accomplished display and a stunning goal.

DOD: Sorry Claire Robinson, but did you really want to fight them all?