Match Details
Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League
Albion Sports v Silsden AFC
Wednesday 6th April
7.45pm
The Citadel Stadium
Match Preview
Silsden return to Bradford for the second time in a week as we face Albion Sports at The Citadel in our final game of the season.
Tomorrow’s opponents currently sit in the relegation zone with 30 points, level on points with 18th placed Hemsworth MW and with a game in hand, The Lions need a crucial 3 points from either of their final two games in order to make themselves safe.
Even if a side finishes 19th however, relegation isn’t necessarily confirmed. This due to the Staveley Miners Welfare requesting to be voluntarily relegated. They are still waiting on the league’s decision as to what division they will play in as of next season.
In their previous three games, Albion have picked up one win, one draw and one defeat. To support their efforts to climb out of the bottom two, they have signed no less than six new players since mid-March and will be hoping these new faces can inspire them to a result on Saturday.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 2-1 defeat for Sils but the lads will be hoping to put things right this time around. A poor result last time out against Goole should also motivate the boys to get back on the horse and end the season on a high.
Having started his first ever game for Silsden on Saturday after originally playing for the club as a youth player, Lewis Gartland will be hopeful of another start this time out. The tricky left winger looked confident on the ball but was limited to few chances against a solid Goole defence.
In terms of selection news, Ant Brown is allowed to return to the side having served his three game suspension, a welcome boost for Danny Forrest who has been grateful for the new mans presence since his return to us from Mossley just a month ago.
Keeper George Dalton is also likely to keep his place between the sticks with Darke and Welsh on the sidelines, but Sam Lee is also a possibility. Dalton’s form since joining has been impressive, a clean sheet on debut and a penalty save last time out, he’s been a real welcome boost to the side since joining us.
While a top half finish is now practically out of reach, it’s important for the lads to keep their focus in this final game of the season. Ending the campaign on a high is great for confidence heading into the summer break and ultimately next years competition.
Elsewhere, our WYL are heading to Woodlesford for the West Riding County Challenge Cup Final. Should they win, Silsden will become the first side to have both the first and the reserve team win the competition!
