Great finishing takes the gloss off Bloss

Sils turned in an impressive display at Lode Heath to ensure that they came out on top against their local rivals. In a game played out over three twenty minute periods the team worked well together, playing with purpose, enthusiasm and commitment.

Sils deservedly took the lead after eight minutes after winning the ball in midfield. Erica released the ball to Freddie who took the ball down the right wing before crossing to an unmarked Theo, who fired the ball through a crowded D into the net. As the "half" progressed Sils grew in confidence, regularly breaking down Blossomfield attacks thanks to some excellent defending from Kheya, Erica, Maisie and Susie. Although Sils looked dangerous when attacking, whether it was Anais down the left, or Freddie and Flo down the right, it was the home team who levelled the game after fifteen minutes.

HT 1-1

Half-time brought what proved to be an astute change in formation, with Kheya moving into midfield and Dominic into defence. Five minutes into the second "half" Sils regained the lead with a breathtaking counterattack. (As I remember) Maisie emerged from a melee of players with the ball, passing into space for Freddie to pick up and race down the right wing. A cleverly-timed cross into the D was met by Kheya, who smacked the ball past the Blossomfield defender from six yards out. Sils extended their lead moments later when some great build-up work from Anais, Theo and Flo finished with Freddie scoring a well-taken and well-deserved goal. Blossomfield fought back and Sils worked hard to contain their opponents, who pressed hard to get back into the game. In defence, Susie and Flo put in some excellent tackles to keep Bloss at bay, and the midfield, particularly Maisie and Erica, tracked back and harried opponents off the ball regularly.

At the back, Sils had Dominic to thank for keeping them in the game when he made three goal-line clearances in less than ten seconds. From the resulting "16" the ball was fed to Kheya, who scored his second of the match, and Sils' fourth, a fantastic individual effort that started with a mazy run, and finished with a cool strike into the bottom corner of the net.
Almost immediately from the restart Blossomfield pulled a goal back from a well-worked long corner, which was deflected past an unsighted Dominic and Susie.

HT (again) 4-2

Both teams understandably tired in the third, and final "half" of the match. Both Freddie and Anais were very unlucky to have shots cleared off the line (can't remember if this was second or third period) and it was a nervy finish when Blossomfield scored a third goal in the dying minutes.

FT 4-3

All in all, a highly satisfying morning. The result is one thing, but it was the work-rate and determination of the whole team that impressed me the most. There's a lot of potential with this group of players and I look forwards to helping to realise this at future training sessions. Well done everyone !

OPTA scores (out of 10).
Susie - 8 - a good ball winner who made a number of important tackles in defence and midfield
Erica - 8 - a very reliable player both in defence and midfield, whether tackling or attacking
Dominic - 8 - could be a better player than his Dad one day, a confident defender who made several key saves
Flo - 8 - good positional play throughout the game, moved the ball well in defence and midfield
Theo - 8 - a confident strike to give Sils the lead, ran hard and chased well in midfield
Maisie - 8 - covered a lot of ground in midfield and passed the ball thoughtfully
Anais - 8 - assured in midfield and up-front, unlucky not to score this time
Freddie - 8 - two assists, one goal and a lot of running, was a strong candidate for MOM
Kheya - 9 - MOM. Two goals and his overall contribution across the pitch. Very strong in defence, midfield and attack.

Well done each and every one of you. See you at training.

Dave