Old Silhillians 0 - 2 University of Birmingham 4th XI

Old Silhillians 0 (0) - (1) 2 University of Birmingham 4th XI

Sils welcomed back Lauren Hobday after her time in hospital, but were still missing a few of last year's team, meaning that there were further opportunities for our youngsters to impress. Playing against a fit, young and athletic University squad, the team competed well for much of the first 10 minutes, but were hit on the break by the University who took the lead after a forward found a small space in the D, and turned to score past Williams in goal.

Sadly, this goal knocked the steam out of the Sils, and they struggled to get the ball out of defence for the rest of the half, with Williams called upon to make a number of fine saves, and Sophie Boyle, on her return after two weeks away, working hard to restrict the opposition's chances.

The team raised their game in the second half, and started playing much better - Jess Cox beginning to carry the ball out from the back more confidently, and Libby Shepherd causing problems for the home defence. As the Sils began getting more of the ball in attacking situations, there were more gaps appearing at the back, and Maria O'Malley had a two minute break for one of her tackles with 15 minutes to go, and Ali Williams in goal was called upon to make a couple of excellent saves. With ten minutes to go, the Sils early season bad luck continued - Jess brought the ball forwards, found Libby Shepherd and as she broke into the D, she shot to the far post and Priya Majevadia was on hand to deflect home what we all thought was the equaliser; sadly, the umpire disagreed, and much to the distress of the home team, and even the surprise of the visiting team, the goal was disallowed, and what looked like it could have been a draw, or perhaps even a win for the Sils, became another chastening defeat - with salt rubbed into the wound by the students scoring a second with a minute to go.

Sils deserved more, but are learning that at this higher level, just "cruising" through matches as they did last year, will simply not be good enough - but the players are developing week on week, and competition for places gets tougher from here on in. Anya Hemming won a well deserved player of the match, with her work rate and determination shining through. Fingers crossed the bad luck will end soon....