NCEL Premier Division 2021-2022

Saturday, August 14th 2021.

BOTTESFORD TOWN 0-1 SILSDEN AFC

Silsden Goalscorer: Jagger 42.

Attendance: 69

 

COBBYDALERS ARE ON THE MOVE

A wave of relief washed over the Cobbydalers players, management and
fans at the end of this hard-fought away game at Bottesford as the Silsden
outfit gained their first victory of the season. It had been a
the competitive game which either side could have won, but the tenacity of
the Cobbydalers prevailed.

Manager Danny Forrest switched from a back three to a more secure back-four where centre-backs Shaun Airey and Arley Barnes were outstanding. The switch also freed up Kyle Hancock and Joe Mitchell to be more assertive in the middle of the park.

The “Poachers” were quickly out of the blocks but a four-man break ended with Jack Cross shooting wide.  Silsden’s first attack ended with
Khurram Shazad’s shot is being parried by Jordan Quibell. Matty Moses managed to break up another attack at the expense of a corner which was swung in, only for captain Mick Jones to head over the bar.

The home side, who had won their opening two games, were moving the ball about swiftly but gradually Silsden began to create some chances. Jack McEneaney slid the ball down the left to Mo Qasim who played a one-two with Shazad. Quibell saved the winger’s shot. Qasim had another effort saved midway through the half after good work by Joe
Jagger. What was pleasing for the manager was the commitment of the forwards to track back when the Bottesford forwards advanced on the
Silsden goal. They played a more assured and creative game and at a
faster pace.

McEneaney broke up the left and crossed into the goal area. Ryan Farnham cleared at the expense of a corner. Skipper Barnes was superb at the back for the Reds, breaking up the threat of the Poachers’ forwards whilst interplay between the Silsden forwards was excellent. Shazad and
Bradley Riley set up a chance for Hancock, who saw his low drive saved.

With ten minutes to the break, the Cobbydalers created several chances.
The Silsden forwards were moving the ball swiftly but, whenever they lost possession, they worked hard to deny the home side time and space.
Hancock sped up the left to by by-line before crossing into the box. The midfielder was back to his best, whether bursting forwards or spreading the play. Finally, the Cobbydalers took the lead when JAGGER beat the
Poachers keeper with a low drive.

Harry Parsons came on for Matty Moses at halftime after the full-back
was injured. He slotted in well. With Joe Mitchell busy breaking up attacks, the Silsden forwards were able to attack in numbers, moving the ball swiftly. The interplay between Khurram, Jagger and Qasim seemed as though they had played together for more than three games.

There was always an expectation that the home side would have to push forwards and they certainly played with much more urgency in an attempt to equalise, putting more pressure on all over the field.  Substitute
Ryan Moody for Bottesford broke through on Sammy Lee. The Silsden keeper parried his shot and Barnes cleared the ball. The Silsden keeper then denied Mick Jones after the Bottesford skipper had latched on to an under-hit back pass by Mitchell. Airey cleared an effort from substitute
Jordan Spence’s effort, as the ball was swung over the back post.

Four minutes from time Silsden almost made it two! Thomson hit a
a superb ball across to Jagger, who deceived his marker by letting the
ball advance to Qasim, whose wicked volley rattled the crossbar.

In the dying minutes, with the home side pushing for an equaliser,
Airey was immense in the air heading three dangerous crosses clear
before the final whistle went.

The three points pushed Silsden up the league table but more than that it gave them a boost. On Tuesday they are at home to Barton Town and away at Penistone Church on Saturday.

BOTTESFORD TOWN: Quibell, Farnham, Webster (Atkin 62), McCaffery, King,
Bryant, Johnson (Moody 56), Braithwaite, Jones, Ellender, Cross.  Subs.
Not used, Tierney, Spenser,  McCarthy.

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Moses (Parsons 45), McEneaney (Gardner 83), Hancock,
Airey, Barnes, Qasim, Mitchell, Jagger, Shazad, Riley (Thompson 78).
Subs not used. Billington, Drovi.

Referee: Mr C.Everard | Assistants: Mr W.Norris and Mr S.Kellor.