MATCH DETAILS
Silsden AFC 1-2 Garforth Town
NCEL Premier Division
Saturday 17th February 2024
The Office Interiors Stadium – ATT: 168
SQUAD DETAILS
Rabone, Barnes, Kilner, Daly, Harris, Clayton (Hunt, 75′), Connolly (Smith, 81′), Hudson (Brooksbank, 65′), Price, Maltby, Stewart (Craig, 85)
Subs: Thompson
MATCH REPORT
Silsden fell to a 2-1 defeat against a quality Garforth Town side at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday.
A slow start from the Cobbydaler’s allowed the visitors a two goal lead before the break with Charlie Marshall and Rinor Ejupi finding the target.
Whilst Arley Barnes late header provided some hope, they were unable to find a leveller in the dying moments and the Miners came away with the three points.
Garforth came out of the blocks quickly and would have a great opportunity just four minutes into the game.
After catching Silsden on the break, Matt Antcliff found himself with acres of space inside the box but his low strike was brilliantly saved by the feet of Jay Rabone.
The reprieve didn’t last long however, a long ball forward found Marshall running into the penalty area who rifled home the opener with a powerful half-volley.
Rabone would again be called into action moments later when Marshall again raced through, this time the keeper got down well to make the save.
Opportunities were few and far between for Sils in the first half but both Ellis Hudson and Kayle Price went close.
First, Hudson picked up the ball from a deep corner, controlled and fired on goal only to see his strike tipped over by Harry Flatters.
Price then did brilliantly well to control a long ball and drive into the box, unfortunately his strike curled narrowly wide of the upright.
The Miners would double their lead on 39 minutes however as fullback Ejupi raced into the penalty area and slotted home with a composed finish.
After the interval, Garforth continued to look to extend their lead and they went close through Marshall once more.
The pacy striker broke beyond the Cobbydaler’s back line before smashing his effort well over the top of Rabone’s crossbar.
Whilst Silsden did begin to take control of possession, the Garforth defence kept opportunities to a minimum for the hosts and it wasn’t until the 87th minute that Sils were able to find a breakthrough.
Luke Brooksbank’s corner was met at the nearpost by Arley Barnes who nodded expertly beyond Flatters to give the hosts a glimmer of hope.
Despite some sustained pressure, Silsden couldn’t find an equaliser and Garforth were able to hold out for a 2-1 win.
The result sees Sils remain 8th in the NCEL Premier Division but with a break from league action this Tuesday as the long awaited trip to Tadcaster for the League Cup second round looks likely to be going ahead.
