Once more unto the field………..

As the team gathered together for the third match in a week it was a case of who was still standing following the exertions from the previous games with roc tape to the fore and pretty much seen to be holding Fleur together but with no subs, the bare eleven and inherent injuries being carried by Tammy, Jess, Amy, and Fleur to name a few this was going to be a game to do the job as effectively and efficiently as possible without completely blowing up in the process. Coupled with this there was only one recognised defender in Captain Issy, nothing like a challenge but all for one and one for all as they say.

The game got off to a fairly brisk start with Sils on the offensive with Molly finding plenty of room on the left as defenders were left in her wake and much of the early attacking came down this side with good support from midfield to assist the thrusts. Ami and Frankie were keeping the defenders busy with continual movement around the D waiting from any snippets that came their way. The defence were sporadically brought into action as Stratford tried to force their way but the new combination of Jess, Georgina, and Issy was being well marshalled by Jo who at this point was having a rather quiet affair. Inroads were now being made on the far side as Fleur was starting to tie her larger opponent in knots and with Tammy charging through any holes opening up the Sils machine was starting to click into action once more.

After sizing the opposition with a number of strong runs a short corner was forced and as the injection came in Frankie was on hand to thunder it in for the opening goal, within 5 minutes a second short had been gained and although Frankie’s first shot was initially blocked the ball found it’s way across the D to Ruth who made no mistake. As Stratford picked themselves up the Sils power play continued and three minutes later another Sils short was forced and after passing the ball around the D Amy was on hand to hit home increasing the lead further, three goals in 8 minutes and 3:0 up Sils were coasting but couldn’t quite find the cutting edge to increase it further and occasionally there was flicker of a threat as Stratford forced a few breakaways that were competently dealt with by the new look defence who were constantly caught between the urge to push forward and their new found responsibilities.

Towards the end of the half Stratford managed to gain a short of their own and eventually managed to force it home causing a little unrest in the Sils rank who had up to this point had numerous chances to put the game beyond Stratford’s reach. As the game restarted Tammy launched onto the ball and went on a swirling run that cut through the Stratford ranks but was eventually eased out of play as the whistle blew for half time.

The second half was a completely different affair with Stratford straight out of the blocks with an all out assault on the Sils goal buoyed on by their goal and with nothing to lose they went in search of more. Sils naturally played a more containment game content with the score line and conserving energy where they could with sporadic bursts n energy upfront to keep the Stratford defence on their toes whilst Fleur was toying with her opponent on the right side skipping past the opposing figure who was twice her height and width and on many occasions linking well with Lauren, who was everywhere today, and feeding Amy and Frankie upfront.

The defence were busy as the new format adjusted to their new found roles but successfully kept the Stratford forwards at bay and Tammy eventually burnt herself out with one too many runs and was slotted in as a make shift centre back to recover as Jess moved up slightly to assist the embattled midfield where Ruth had already managed to collect a green card as the feisty affair boiled over in the middle. But as time was ebbing away the twin strike force of Frankie and Amy combined to latch on to a loose ball with Frankie forcing it over the line to score her second of the game and eventually put the game to bed and take the emphasis and hope away from Stratford for another good win for the Sils.

MoM: At the start of the season this attack minded forwarded only really thought there was one D on the pitch never really entering into the defensive realms of her team but as the call came Lauren deputised for Jess as the holding midfield player and performed admirably growing into her role as the match developed.

DoD: Well when during warmup you manage to poke yourself in your eye with your own pony tail when flicking your head around and then look for sympathy what can be expected. On a roll as Amy once again collects this coveted award.