The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19
Saturday 20th April 2019
Hanley Town 1 – 0 Silsden AFC Thompson 45. Att. 121
POOR DEFENDING LETS IN HANLEY
The Cobbydalers travelled to the Potteries for the first of four games in eight days as the season come to a close. The weather was glorious but, once again, the pitch was hard although a lot flatter than the previous game at Abbey Hey.
Hanley is one of four clubs who were seeking to avoid relegation and theoretically “had more to play for”! However, Danny Forrest stressed that he wanted a positive end to the season for the Yorkshiremen. Unfortunately the Cobbydalers couldn’t get a decent strike on goal and the game was won by a bizarre goal on the stroke of half time.
Silsden had the first chance when Arley Barnes hit a deep cross from the right on five minutes. Keeper Dane Jackson managed to push it clear. Tom Winkle then hit a free kick over the Silsden bar before Neville Thompson head goalwards at the far post. Jacovlevs pushed it for a corner which was cleared.
After some neat interplay down the left between Chris Wademan and Mark Everingham, the former delayed his shot and was closed down by Jackson. Following a drinks break Craig Bentham headed a dangerous cross out. At last there was some slick play with Matty Moses breaking up the right. Barnes shot wide. On thirty minutes Everingham broke up an attack before Illingworth conceded a corner. Josh Thorpe had a great chance but his header cleared the bar.
The game went through a scrappy phase before Jackson saved Wademan’s low shot with his feet. Kirby was then fouled on the edge of the area but Mitchell hit the free-kick over the bar. With the game going into stoppage time, Town were awarded a throw in level with the penalty area. What happened next could have come from a “CARRY-ON film. Silsden’s defence were static as the ball bounced in the penalty area, not once but twice! Jacovlevs was rooted to his goal line. THOMPSON at the far post pushed the ball into the net from a foot out!
The second half started with Kirby breaking down the right but when the ball was laid to Jordan Townend, the cross was too heavy. Jakovlevs then saved from Thompson at the expense of a corner which was wasted. It was a scrappy game with Town happy to sit back and protect their lead.
Forrest came on for Barnes. Immediately the pace of the passing improved and the movement was slicker but Town were determined to keep a clean sheet, even having three men cautioned. Several free-kicks were wasted with Mitchell, in particular, profligate.
Silsden just couldn’t create a clear opening, whilst Town looked dangerous on the break. Thompson broke through, ten minutes from time but wasted a glorious opportunity to seal the match.
The “West Riding” derby comes next. The Cobbydalers have already lost twice to their neighbours. Forrest will be looking for a response!
HANLEY TOWN FC Jackson, Faulkner, Wilshaw, Winkle, Thorpe, Boast, Ahmadi, Smith, Thompson, Sanders, Sheldon. Subs not used. Grocott, Salmon, Riley, Bristow(Urwin 53).
SILSDEN AFC. Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes (Forrest 61), Mitchell, Wademan(Hardisty-Blackwell 80), Kirby, Townend(McKiernon 80) Sub. not used. Darkin.
Referee. Mr. M. Scholes. Assistants. Mr. J. Birch and Mr. B. Scott.
