The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19
Saturday 20th April 2019
BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 0 v 2 SILSDEN AFC
Att. 198. Mitchell 10, Barnes 21.
COBBYDALERS DELIGHT THEIR FANS IN DERBY CLASSIC
The Cobbydalers made the short trip to Barnoldswick for their derby game, having already lost to their neighbours twice before this season. Danny Forrest brought in keeper Alfie Darke and Niall Sultan returned on the wing.
Following Saturday’s poor performance, the Reds made a positive start. With the wind at their backs they pressurised the home side. Matty Moses created the first opening. Bursting down the right, he crossed into the penalty area to Chris Wademan who just couldn’t control his shot. Wademan then combined with Aidan Kirby who set up Craig Bentham. His shot was cleared but only to Mark Everingham. The full back’s cross was headed out for a corner. MITCHELL curled the ball home at the near post on ten minutes.
Barlick’s response was quick with Jake McEneany hitting over a cross to ace marksman Zac Dale, who shot wide. Silsden’s debutant Darke was called upon to gather a Barlick corner before setting up the next attack. Josh Kaine fed Sultan who slid the ball to Moses. His cross was cleared by Marc Young.
On twenty minutes Silsden were awarded a free-kick. Mitchell drove the ball to Kirby who laid it back to BARNES who put the Cobbydalers two up with a low drive beyond the reach of Ryan Livesey.
The goals gave the Reds confidence and they began to gain full control. . Under pressure, Shaun Airey fouled Kirby as he burst forwards, before conceding a corner. It was partially cleared but only to Moses who set up Wademan. McEneany cleared for another corner.
Silsden continued to dominate with Dan Illingworth marshalling the defence. Kirby did concede a free-kick outside the penalty area but two shots were blocked before Darke gathered the ball. Frustration led to Dale being cautioned after tripping Kaine. Kaine and Sultan went close before the half-time break.
Two-down, there was no doubt there would be a reaction from Barlick after the break. It was time for the Silsden defenders to stand firm. Dale hit a ball across to McEneaney but he shot over the bar. Hill had a free-kick cleared and Danny Vincent broke down the right. Dale set up Thompson but his effort was wide of the goal. McEneaney’s shot was diverted by Sultan. Darke came out to gather the ball. The keeper then punched Hill’s free-kick clear of the area. Hill then had a golden chance to pull one back but he dragged his shot wide. Barlick were in the ascendancy.
Illingworth and Kaine were the rock of the defence as Silsden were pushed back. Wademan and Kirby ran hard to try to create some forward momentum but the home side were forcing the pace. Moses and Everingham were using their experience to take the sting out of Barlick’s attacks.
A throw from Illingworth set up Kirby for a break-away. Young brought him down and was shown yellow. Airey pushed forwards and Silsden conceded successive corners but Darke and Illingworth made sure the Cobbydalers had a clean sheet.
Sorhaindo replaced Kirby for the last fifteen minutes and took some pressure off the Silsden defence, holding the ball up. Barnes fouled Dale on the edge of the penalty area. Hill’s powerful shot was blocked by the “wall” before he had another chance. His late corner was held by Darke.
After Saturday’s abject performance at Hanley, this was exactly what was needed. A response from the team! The Cobbydalers moved above their neighbours on goal difference…2 goals! Two home games to go. More of the same please!
On Wednesday Silsden play Northwich Victoria (8pm) and on Saturday Burscough. (3pm). The following Saturday is Presentation Evening followed by a Race Night.
BARNOLDSWICK TOWN. Livesey, Vincent (Hughes 62), McEneaney, Crorken, Young, Airey, Dale, A. Hill, Kershaw, Thompson, Yari (Coop 84), Subs not used. Foulds, Amos. J. Hill.
SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan (Rhodes 65), Kirby (Sorhaindo 78), Sultan (McKiernon 72) Sub. not used. Townend, Jakovlevs.
Referee. Mr J. Sheppard. Assistants. Mr. S. Holden and Ms. L Briggs.
