A Blast From The Past…… The last time we met Bedlington Terriers was back in 2004, the clash was also in the FA Vase 2nd Round. Check out a match report from that day (by Jim Rosser).
THE F.A.VASE Round 2
Saturday 20th November 2004
BEDLINGTON TERRIERS FC 1 v 0 SILSDEN AFC
Cockburn 38mins
SUPERB SILSDEN, BUT A BRIDGE TOO FAR
The last time Silsden were on Tyneside they defeated Hebburn Town in the FA Cup but on Saturday after crossing the Tyne they faced more illustrious opponents in Bedlington Terriers of the Northern Counties League. Five years ago the Terriers were on their way to Wembley where they lost by the only goal in the FA Vase Final. Five years ago Silsden were in the Craven league yet such is the progress of the Cobbydalers that this was no mismatch. There was a nip in the air and the pitch had only been declared playable two hours before kick-off as Silsden aimed to add to the scalps of Harrogate Railway and Tadcaster Albion but it was clear from the start that the Geordies were a class above any other outfits they had faced this season. The Terriers kept the ball on the ground and passed swiftly creating numerous opportunities in the first half but a superb defensive performance by the Yorkshiremen kept the result in doubt until the final whistle. Adam Reed had to make a desperate tackle in the opening minute and both Lang and Shandran shot wide in the first five minutes. Rosser then made three headed clearances before Harmison’s shot was blocked by the defensive wall. Hildreth, following up was wide of the mark with his shot. Silsden’s first foray forward was a swift break from Rhodes who fed Appelbee on the right but his cross was cleared and it was the Terriers turn to attack. Centre-forward Milner created a good opening for himself but he volleyed over Foulger’s bar. Hanson and Finn in midfield were finding the pace hard as the Geordies broke swiftly but Finn, in particular was spreading play trying to get the front men involved. Appelbee and Rhodes set up a chance for Longley but the shot was blocked. Rhodes’ header was cleared and Finn tested the goalkeper but Hedges was well marked and largely starved of the ball in the first half. The Terriers thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute when Dixon headed in from close range but Foulger parried the ball and Nettleton cleared the danger. The Terriers increased the pressure but Nettleton, Reed and Lund held firm in the face of the onslaught. The interplay between Reed, Hanson and Finn was one of the few occasions when Silsden kept possession. Walton was wide from a corner, Milner headed over after a splendid run by Hildreth and Walton went close again although Finn had done well to ease him wide. Lund, the only survivor from the rebirth of the club, was outstanding and denied the Geordies time and time again with superb tackling but eventually the defence could hold out no longer. Finn did well to clear at the far post but as the ball was fired back in Cockburn rose unchallenged to head home. Shandran then turned the defence but shot wildly over the bar. In the dying minutes of the half Foulger kept Silsden in the game with a save at the near post after Lang had sprung the offside trap. Finn’s long-range effort did have the home keeper scurrying to his far post as the half came to an end but it had been a lesson. in “total football” for the Cobbydalers but at one nil they were still in the game.
The second half began with Silsden under pressure again, Foulger punching out a dangerous ball and Lund making two important tackles. Nettleton then had to throw his body in the line of fire and both Cockburn and Shandran went close. Would Bedlington be made to pay for their failure to put the game beyond the visitors? Gradually Silsden came more into the game as Rosser was able to assert himself more in the midfield. Appelbee got through the defence only to shoot just wide and both Hedges and Longley were more involved in the game with the latter having a fierce drive saved by Robinson. The midfield pairing of Hanson and Finn, who had harried and chased in midfield were replaced by Gill and Holden and the former was soon in the action volleying over after good interplay between Appelbee and Longley. Both the home centre backs were called into action to clear crosses from the Yorkshiremen but even they were left standing when Hedges met Gill’s cross, unfortunately his header was just wide. Longley went the closest to getting an equaliser but his shot was blocked on the line. Rosser then had twenty yard volley tipped wide by Robinson before Reed and Foulger thwarted another attack of the Terriers. Silsden’s final chance came from a corner five minutes from time but Rosser’s header was over the bar. The Geordies, having watched Silsden the previous weekend had a much tougher game than they expected and were relieved when the final whistle went.
The Terriers were the better side but Silsden had given them a run for their money. The defensive play of the team as a whole had been outstanding and Manager Geary must hope that this kind of performance can be replicated in the League.
It was great day out for the Red Army who were made most welcome and reciprocated by swelling the bar takings! Thank you Terriers and good luck in the next round.
On Saturday Silsden entertain New Mills in the Division Two cup and on Tuesday they visit Garforth in the Yorkshire Cup. Just think Socrates might be asking “Where’s Silsden?”.
