Sils back on winning Track

Sils travelled to Nuneaton to take on the home town team who were a few positions above them in the league, but not to be over awed Sis were onto the offensive from the start and could have scored from the first attack. Nuneaton were taken aback from this onrush of speed and inter changing passing and it took them a while to adjust before they could find any rhythm but once into their stride they started to ask a few questions of the defence which were answered in full with attacks faltering on the backline once they had managed to batter themselves through the Sils midfield. When the defence was breached goalkeeper Joanne Brett was up to the task and dealt with all that came her way with Kate Huntington sweeping up any lose balls that were left around.

Within the first five minutes of the game SIls first casualty arose with Claire Robinson limping off with a calf strain but with the introduction of Tori Breillat Sils were soon back into their stride. Short corners were traded to little effect although shots were getting away at both ends before being rundown.

Midway through the first half Sils had a glorious chance to take the lead as they drove into the D with Tamara Majevadia unleashing a fierce goalbound shot which was well blocked by the keeper, what followed was a manic scramble as four or five goal bound chances were hacked away by the desperate defence. Both sides were developing good attacking moves although the final ball was being cut out by the defences and the whistle soon blew for the end of the half.

Following a good half time discussion Sils started the second period full of belief and within three minutes Nomi Ennis was flying down the wing feeding Majevadia who having drawn the keeper slipped the ball to the onrushing Rebecca Leaning who slammed home from close range for Sils to take a deserved lead. This prompted Nuneaton to attack with more purpose leaving gaps at the back from which Majevadia was getting into excellent positions although the final ball was not quite reaching her. Ennis by now had got the full back run to ruins and was managing to cause problems down the left at every opportunity although a groin strain did hamper the flying forward to some degree.

Whilst some interesting umpiring decisions allowed Nuneaton to threaten more along with some unnecessary short corners the defence held strong and Sils held out to the final whistle for a well deserved win.

Any win comes with some sacrifice and this was no exception as the legend that is Ally Taft has decided after almost thirty years of craft, guile and some interesting tackling styles not to mention a hat full of goals for Sils has decided that the grass is greener in Hereford (well it is the countryside) as the travelling is becoming excessive it is time to move on and has packed up her stick in her old kit bag. We wish you well Tafty, you know where we are.

MOM: For the second week running Kate Huntington. Another strong performance as attacks were broken up, the defence was organised, loose balls were swept away and the occasional venture forward to feed the midfield.

DOD: For the first time ever this has to go to coach Jamie Fleet who managed to turn up in Redditch for the fixture, mmm now these sat nav thingys............