Match Details

Silsden AFC 1-4 Hallam FC

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 21st March

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Report

Two controversial red cards saw nine-man Silsden defeated 4-1 by an in-form Hallam side on a rainy night at the Office Interiors Stadium.

Chris Salt would open the scoring for the visitors on 13 minutes and whilst the Cobbydalers hit back through Luke Brooksbank, A sending off for Arley Barnes changed the game.

After being adjudged to have handled inside the box, the experienced defender was shown his marching orders, Oliver Fearon doing the business from the spot to make it 2-1.

A second half sending off for Carlton Pownall didn’t help matters and the South Yorkshire side went on to further compile Silsden’s misery with goals from Salt and James Gregory.

The home side did in fact start the game on the front foot, Brooksbank flashing a number of efforts narrowly wide of Hugo Warhurst’s upright.

A Hallam corner would undo the Cobbydalers however, Salt finding plenty of space to power home a simple header for the opening goal of the game.

Brooksbank would level the scores soon after though, lashing home from close range after a loose ball dropped to him inside the penalty area.

Silsden attacker Joe Crosby was unlucky not to add a second on 27 minutes when his low effort drifted just wide of the left-hand post.

The complexion of the game changed just before halftime, what initially looked like a good save from keeper Hagie Damba, was given as a spot kick and red card against Barnes.

Despite going the right way, Damba was unable to keep out Fearon’s penalty and the hosts went into the break behind.

Things got even worse for Silsden after halftime.

Pownall, only brought on moments before was harshly sent off for a challenge on the Hallam winger, leaving the Cobbydalers with a huge mountain to climb.

Although they held on for a while, a third goal looked inevitable and it came through Salt who volleyed home a deep freekick in spectacular fashion.

A back post tap-in from Gregory completed the scoring for Hallam who take the three points back to South Yorkshire.

As for Silsden, its now eight games without a win but they face a struggling Goole side this Saturday at The Office Interiors Stadium.

Saturday’s game falls on Non-League Day, the club have organised a number of events to run alongside the match and are offering a £10 entry, pie and pint deal for fans wanting to experience local football.