The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19
Tuesday, 24th April 2019
SILSDEN AFC 2 v 2 NORTHWICH VICTORIA
Forrest 50, 53 Kenny 9, Brownhill 30. Att.146.
FORREST ON FIRE IN ENTHRALLING CLASSIC
On Tuesday, Silsden returned to the Cobbydale Construction Stadium for a game against fourth placed Northwich Victoria. It was a classic. The Vics were playing their fifty-seventh game, having had a great run in the Buildbase FA Vase Competition, eventually missing out on a Wembley final at the hands of Chertsey, that being on penalties after two drawn games. On their run to the final they beat the Cobbydalers 3-0 in Round 3 in Cheshire, also winning the League game against the Yorkshiremen 2-0.
The Cobbydalers returned home following three away games winning two and losing one. The unseasonal weather had made opponents’ pitches bone-dry and bare in places. The Silsden lads were glad to be home on Sean Mac’s immaculate pitch. The heavy rain before the kick off had softened the surface and the players were able to trust the bounce. The ball was fizzed about as both teams played at pace.
The Cobbydalers might have expected the Vics to show some signs of fatigue but the visitors attacks were slick with lots of movement. After Aidan Kirby had been denied by a superb tackle by Ryan Winder, Silsden were pushed back. Dan Illingworth conceded a free kick halting Joel Brownhill’s break when he handled the ball. He was lucky not to have been cautioned.
Alfie Darkes then punched an in-swinging corner clear but the Vics broke through again but John Connolly volleyed over. Josh Kaine was adjudged to have brought down Joel Brownhill in the box. It looked harsh. Darkes saved Brownhill’s spot kick. Illingworth then conceded another corner. Kieran Kenny rose unchallenged to head home. Only nine minutes had been played. Silsden were on the “ropes”.
Frustration crept in. Joe Mitchell was booked for protesting. Kaine managed to cut out a cross from Matt Clarke before Ryan Winder shot wide. Wademan was booked, Illingworth was booked, both for dissent. Darryl Mason nearly netted a second at the near post.
The Vics were in total control. Darkes managed to punch a corner clear before Mason shot narrowly wide. Mitchell was injured and on came Forrest. The pressure continued. BROWNHILL whipped in a stunner leaving the Silsden keeper helpless. Darkes responded diving to tip Harvey Whyte’s shot for a corner. The Silsden keeper was keeping his side in the game with a series of fine saves, notably denying Brownhill yet again.
On forty minutes the Cobbydalers broke out of defence. Forrest to Wademan, out to Kirby, who crossed into the box where Wademan headed over. The Vics responded immediately but Kaine halted the attack. As half time approached some smart football involving Joe Camozzi and Whyte set up Connolly again. Darkes saved and then blocked an effort from Ryan Winder. The half-time whistle went. Had it been a boxing match, the referee would have called it off!
Whatever Forrest said in the changing room at half time made an immediate impact. Silsden were out of the blocks quickly. On fifty minutes Moses slid the ball to McKiernon. The ball was moved down the right, swiftly to Kirby, who crossed into the box and FORREST netted. The goal was the 100,000 scored in the NWCFL since its formation in 1982. Three minutes later, FORREST, spotting Cotton outside his penalty box, hit a superb shot from forty yards out over the stranded keeper. 2-2 Unbelievable Sean!
Laurence Sorhaindo began to torment the Vic’s defence and Josh McKiernon dropped in the midfield allowing Moses to make several powerful runs down the right. Connolly managed a shot at the other end but the Cobbydalers were soon on the attack again. Everingham broke up an attack down the right before releasing Kirby who hit a shot just beyond the far post.
A throw-in from Illingworth was headed goalwards by Sorhaindo on to Bentham who couldn’t keep his volley down. Kirby back-healed over the bar before a curling run from Wademan almost led to another chance. In the dying minutes Connolly was just wide before Kirby hit a volley just over the bar.
At the final whistle the fans of both sides gave the players a standing ovation. It had been a fantastic game.
The season comes to an end on Saturday. The Cobbydalers entertain Burscough, who are three points below Silsden but with a superior goal difference. The Vics travel to “top-of-the-table” Bootle, who are ahead of rivals City of Liverpool on goal difference. It should be an exciting final day.
SILSDEN AFC. Darkes, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, McKiernon, Mitchell (Forrest 25), Sorhaindo, Kirby, Wademan. Subs. not used. Jakovlevs, Hardisty-Blackwell, Darkin.
NORTHWICH VICTORIA. Cotton, Camozzi, Fleming, Winder, Kenny, Barski, Whyte, Clarke (Craig 77), Connolly, Brownhill (Pickup 89), Mason (Darr 77). Subs not used Taberner, Fitzgerald.
Referee. Mr. M. Powell. Assistants. Mr. J. Waters and Mr. H. Naylor.
