THE KEIGHLEY & DISTRICT FA SENIOR CHARITY CUP
(IN AID OF MANORLANDS HOSPICE)
Saturday, May 18th 2019
SILSDEN AFC 3 v 1 STEETON AFC
Mitchell 15, Kirby 45, McKiernon 54. Cox 90. Att. 350.
Ever since the Cobbydalers were admitted to the North West Counties League they have been excluded from the Keighley Challenge cup. With the Chevrons making a similar move this season, both sides were excluded and so they asked the Keighley & District FA if the Senior Cup could become an annual, end of season charity game. K&D gladly obliged and the inaugural game took place on Saturday at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium, before a bumper crowd, with the gate proceeds going to “Manorlands”.
Silsden started brightly with triallist Liam Hudson delivering a diagonal cross towards the Steeton penalty area. Aidan Kirby’s dummy set up Arley Barnes who fired over the bar. Silsden continued to press with Hudson going close after a defence –splitting pass from Barnes. Steeton’s first break forward on ten minutes led to a free-kick thirty yards out. Aaron Davis’ shot was blocked by the Silsden defensive wall. Toby Jeffrey put over a dangerous cross but Tim Hird couldn’t get a clean-enough contact.
Silsden took the lead on fifteen minutes when Joe MITCHELL hit a screamer from thirty yards out. A similar effort from Mitchell was headed for a corner. Mitchell conceded a corner at the other end but Luke Baldwin headed over. Toby Rawcliffe’s intervention halted Wademan before Mitchell worked the ball to Hudson, who hit a powerful cross shot which fizzed before the far post.
At the other end Davis battled hard to create an opening but his shot lacked venom. Luke Baldwin then went on a good run before crossing into the danger area, Jack Richmond’s scissor-kick clearing the Silsden bar. At the other end Kirby shot wide after Josh McKiernon had set up an opening. Baldwin hit another cross shot before Moses went close after a slick Silsden break. Davies just failed to level the scores after Richmond had created an opening before the former Cobbydaler pulled a hamstring …for the third time this season! Barnes rattled the crossbar before, on the stroke of halftime, KIRBY put Silsden two up.
Silsden were on the attack at the start of the second half. Kirby worked an opening but his shot was wide before Wademan’s cross was cleared. Toby Jeffrey broke down the right but there was no end product but Steeton still looked to play some slick football, Rawcliffe, Harrison-Holdsworth and Jeffrey combining well before Moses came to Silsden’s rescue. Jeffrey continued to look the Chevrons’ best outlet.
Silsden killed the game ten minutes into the second half when McKIERNON rifled home Kirby’s cross. Nevertheless Steeton still searched for a goal. Hird fed Holmes who set up Clarkson but Kaine had spotted the danger. Lawrence Sorhaindo, on for McKiernon, broke forwards and passed the advancing Steeton keeper but didn’t have the legs to prevent the ball from going out of play. Tidswell saved Sorhaindo’s deft chip ten minutes later but got away with it when he fumbled Wademan’s low effort.
Mitchell hit the side netting before Barnes’ free-kick was saved. In the ninetieth minute Clarkson set up substitute Ben COX to net a consolation goal.
The Cobbydalers experience of fifteen years in the NWCFL told in the end and Josh Kaine received the Challenge trophy from former Cobbydalers assistant manager Mick Hook, who was instrumental in setting up the match for charity.
Many thanks must go to the members of The Keighley and District F.A. who, over the last fortnight, have overseen several Cup Finals in the local area. Without them such games would not take place.
Details on the donation to Manorlands will follow.
SILSDEN AFC. Darke (Jakovlevs 45), Hudson, Moses, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan, Kirby (Rhodes 63), McKiernon (Sorhaindo 63). Subs not used Ridley, Parsons.
STEETON AFC. Tidswell, Rawcliffe, Scott, (Harrison-Holdsworth 45), Morgan, Rooke, Hird, Jeffrey, Richmond, Davis (Holmes 40), Clarkson (Cox 84), Baldwin.
Referee. Mr. M. Gupta. Assistants Mr. C. Veighey & Mr. C. Worswick.
