MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 4-3 Handsworth

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 18th January 2025

Regal Interiors Stadium

TEAM DETAILS

Bradbury, Hunt (Kilner, 82′), Clark, Daly (Thewlis, 73′), Coates (Billy, 82′), Cassidy, Brooksbank (Jeffrey, 82′), Cromack, Price (Greaves, 82′), Maltby, Stewart.

MATCH REPORT

Two of the North East Counties in-form sides in Silsden and Handsworth played out a seven goal thriller at the Regal Interiors Stadium today with the hosts coming out 4-3 winners.

The Cobbydaler’s looked to be in complete control heading into the final five minutes as two goals from Luke Brooksbank alongside Jake Maltby and Casey Stewart strikes had given them a handsome 4-0 lead.

A determined Amber’s side hit back late on however with a Scott Ruthven double and a Brandon Bagley finish giving the scoreline a much less healthy complexion come fulltime.

Both sides had their opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, Stewart forcing Handsworth stopper Dylan Parkin into two good saves early on.

On 24 minutes Callum Bradbury was at full stretch to tip away Fernando Taveres’ long range strike.

With the half coming towards its end, Maltby went inches from opening the scoring with a low shot from the edge of the box before Amber’s striker Mitch Dunne nodded wide a perfect cross from the right.

That miss would prove costly for the visitors as Ross Daly slipped in Stewart just before the break, the winger crossed to the back post where Brooksbank arrived to volley goalwards.

Despite a strong hand from Parkin, the ball somehow crept over the line to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

A ten minute spell in the second half proved decisive for the Cobbydalers.

More good work from Stewart down the left allowed him to cut back to Maltby, the midfielder composed himself inside the box before placing the ball into the corner for his first goal since returning to the club from Hyde last month.

Just minutes later and a set-piece would undo the previously stubborn Handsworth defence, Brooksbank forcing home from practically on the goalline for his second of the afternoon.

Stewart had been instrumental in two of the goals and grabbed himself a deserved 17th goal of the season on 79 minutes.

Maltby returning the favour for Casey’s earlier assist as his through ball found Stewart 1v1 with Parkin, a swift turn took the keeper out of the equation before he slotted into an empty net.

Silsden fans would have been forgiven for thinking the game was over, Matt Cavanagh rang the changes on 82 minutes but Handsworth had other ideas as Bagley pulled a goal back on 88 minutes.

A freekick then found Ruthven who headed home a second for the visitors to create a nervy end heading into added time.

Jake Cassidy found himself sent to the sinbin on 93 minutes which allowed Ruthven to add another goal late on.

Thankfully for Silsden the referee called time on the game before the Amber’s had another opportunity to attack.

Two wins from two start 2025 for the current NCEL Premier Division leaders, with the win and results elsewhere meaning they sit 6 points clear as things stand.

Another home fixture next for Sils, with Frickley Athletic the visitors to the Regal Interiors Stadium next Saturday, followed by a Bradford derby with Albion Sports on Monday 27th January.