The Hallmark Security League NWCFL Premier Division 2018-19
Tuesday 4th September 2018
SILSDEN AFC 3 v 0 WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON
Kirby 33, 43. Spires 63. Att. 187
SLICK SILSDEN TOP THE LEAGUE
The Cobbydalers moved to the top of the Hallmark Premier League with a superb performance of pass and move, push and run football. The crowd were thrilled as the ball was moved at pace and precision by both teams in an enthralling match.
As early as the third minute Craig Bentham hit a superb cross to leading scorer Lee Spires, who headed goalwards. The Didsbury defence managed to clear the ball before Dan Illingworth went close with a header from another cross. Kyle Hancock’s cross was intercepted but Reece Kendall foiled the visitors with a good tackle.
The Yorkshiremen, were playing some scintillating football with intricate passing at speed. Aidan Kirby went close before Mark Everingham curled the ball into the box where Oliver Culkin saved Spires’ header. Matty Tomas crossed to Hancock who shot over the bar before the visitors created an opening.
The pace of Ashley Leather on the right was a test for even Kendall, but the winger’s first shot was wide and his second effort was cleared by Josh Kaine. The skipper, with new “lucky” boots, was back to his imperious best after a rather sluggish performance at Harrogate.
A crunching tackle involving Kendall and Jamie McLellan led to the Didsbury man having to be substituted. Didsbury had chances but Leather shot wide and Arley Barnes cleared up after Illingworth had put his own keeper under pressure. Barnes, back in the starting line after injury, was always available when the team were under any pressure.
The opener came after thirty-three minutes when Culkin failed to hold a shot from Everingham. KIRBY was on it in a flash to slide it home. Tomas’ shot, from a tight angle, was just wide, before the winger combined with Hancock to create a chance for Spires, whose header shaved the far post. Another header was cleared before KIRBY notched a second, having played a one-two with Everingham on the stroke of half time.
Straight from the restart the visitors played the ball from left back to the right wing with some slick passing. The ball was crossed into the Silsden box where Kaine cleared after Sammy Lee had failed to hold the ball at the first attempt. Silsden were soon on the front foot again, with passes interchanged swiftly. Kirby went close before Everingham hit another effort over the bar after a four man move. Spires was inches wide after the Cobbydalers had opened up the Mancunians defence.
Didsbury then came into the game, with Leather posing a threat. Jamie McLellan went close with a snap shot. But Silsden killed the game off with a superb goal. Tomas hit a low cross-ball towards the penalty spot. The mercurial Hancock feigned to shoot, attracting two defenders, but the ball ran to SPIRES who slid it home.
Spires and Bentham came off and Reece Lyndon and Luke Rhodes came on. The visitors still tried to get forwards but they were indebted to keeper Culkin, who thwarted Everingham (shot) and Illingworth (header) from making it five. Ryan Eiselt’s tackle on Kirby denied the Silsden striker a hat-trick and Culkin gathered at the feet of Hancock to keep the score to three.
Manager Danny Forrest, “dissatisfied” after Saturday’s showing, was delighted with the result and the performance. “It’s exactly what I am looking for! Total commitment, skill, pace, endeavour! They were all there.” The players of both sides went off to a rousing reception. It had been superb advertisement for the North West Counties League.
The Cobbydalers now face the trip to fellow promotion winner Whitchurch Alport on Saturday before travelling to Irlam on Tuesday.
SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham (Rhodes), Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth, Tomas, Barnes, Hancock, Spires (Lyndon 63), Kirby, Everingham (Davis 73). Subs not used Turnbull, Storrie.
WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON FC. Culkin, Brew-Butler, Stachini, Eiselt, McLellan (Langford 20), Eckersley, Leather (Brockley 90), Andrews, Henderson, Shaw, Tinker (Dos Santos 74). Sub not used Woodward.
Referee. Mr. I. Johnston. Assistants. Mr. D. Bradley and Mr. A. Clearie.
The FA Vase game away against Albion Sports will be played on Sunday 16th Sept at Farsley Celtics’ Ground. 3pm
