Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Silsden AFC 1-3 Sherwood Colliery

Tuesday 15th March

The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 117

Match Report

Silsden were unfortunate to lose 3-1 against a quality Sherwood Colliery side at The Office Interiors Stadium on Tuesday night.

Sherwood took a first half lead and despite the Cobbydalers equalising through Brad Riley, they couldn’t hold on and two late goals snatched the win for the visitors.

This result means Silsden have now lost three games on the bounce and It was their second defeat to the Wood in just over a week.

Silsden started the game well with some good passing interplay in promising areas but many of the final passes ended up in the  Sherwood keeper Joe McCormack’s gloves.

The visitors would miss a guilt-edge chance after just 12 minutes, a slip up from Dan Illingworth allowed winger Tim Gregory to break through, but his cutback evaded the men in the centre before finding its way to the back post. Somehow the finish would be blazed over, much to the relief of the Sils defence.

Minutes later, a lucky break would see Jack Normanton with space on the right-hand side, but the bobble on the pitch meant his shot flew wide of the target.

As with the last weeks fixture against Sherwood, it would be the Nottinghamshire side who took a first half lead, a tight call for offside but the defence switched off. This allowed Lewis Weaver to bear down on Alfie Darke and despite getting a toe to it, the Silsden shot stopper couldn’t prevent the ball finding the back of the net.

There would be plenty of chances as the half came towards to its conclusion, a cross-shot fizzed across Darke’s goal but came to nothing. He would then be forced into action in quick succession, first pushing away a free kick before making a fine diving save following a half volley.

Whilst the Cobbydalers still pushed, it would be the Wood who continued to threaten on the counter, Weaver took the ball around Darke but Illingworth recovered spectacularly to make the block on the line.

Silsden would begin the second half the brighter, finding space and playing some nice passes. The final ball just couldn’t find its way through however and the visitors looked happy to sit back and absorb some of the pressure.

The positive start to the half then continued as Josi Bradshaw almost nicked in behind, only to be thwarted by a great challenge from Sherwood centre half Ewan Robson. This was then followed up with a Silsden penalty shout after Normanton went down in the box but the referee quickly waved away the protests.

An equaliser would come on 66 minutes, neat passing in the final third and an innovative flick from Bradshaw found Brad Riley. The winger kept his composure and slotted his shot low beyond McCormack.

With their tails up, The Cobbydalers kept pressing and came close just a minute later, Finn Donovan firing his snapshot just wide. Not long after, Normanton then also tested the keeper with a low drive following some good footwork on the right.

Sherwood almost retook the lead when a scramble in the 6-yard box saw the ball slid towards goal but into the hands of the grateful Darke. More brilliant defending from Silsden would prevent the visitors scoring again, Harry Thompson this time making the crucial block from a corner.

But the Cobbydalers couldn’t hold on to the draw. In the dying moments the ball was worked out to Liam West on the left and his measured shot nestled in the corner to give Sherwood the lead.

The visitors would add a third goal just a minute later, the ball dropped out to the edge of the box for Jamie York to rifle past Darke, all but confirming that the 3 points would return to Mansfield.

A disappointing result for Silsden but they have the chance to put things right as they make the trip to South Yorkshire to take on Maltby Main on Saturday, with the hope that they can put an end to their six game winless run.

Silsden Lineup – Darke, Pownall, Gardner, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes (c), Normanton, Mitchell, Bradshaw, Donovan, Riley

Unused Subs – Gartland, Parsons, Hudson, Forrest, Stein

Sherwood Colliery Lineup – McCormack, Shaw (c), Starbuck, Robson, Taylor, Belgrave, York, Norcross, Gregory, Curtis, Weaver.

Subs – Ingram, Newby, West, Homer, Savage

We are sorry to announce the departure of long-serving player Mark Everingham today.

The versatile fullback joined the club in March 2017 and was part of the record breaking side that won promotion from the North West Counties First Division in 2017/18.

Since joining the club, Mark has made 112 appearances, scoring 4 goals along the way. Becoming a real fan favourite at the Office Interiors Stadium.

Danny Forrest spoke very highly of him:

“On behalf of Silsden AFC I’d like to thank Mark for everything he’s done for the club over the last 5 years.”

“Evo was one of my first ever signings and his commitment and dedication to the cause was an example to everyone. I can count on one hand how many times he’s missed training in those 5 years!”

“He is a great player and has played a huge part in our journey over recent years. We’re all sad to see him go and we wish him all the best”

Thank you and good luck for the future Evo!

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Silsden AFC v Sherwood Colliery

Tuesday 15th March

8pm

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

Silsden take on familiar opponents in the form of Sherwood Colliery this Tuesday, making it the 2nd game in just over a week that the two sides have met.

Last Tuesday’s game saw the Nottinghamshire outfit come away as 2-1 winners following first half goals from Gareth Curtis and Lewis Belgrave. Despite a late goal from Ant Brown, his first since his return, Sils just didn’t have enough to grab an equaliser.

That defeat was followed by Saturday’s disappointment against AFC Mansfield, a goal just three minutes in condemning us to our second consecutive defeat and without a win in four.

Those performances should be the kick the lads need to battle back and return to winning ways in the next fixture. Rotation in the attacking positions could be a possibility with Danny Forrest admitting he’s lucky to have so many “options in the forward line”.

In recent weeks rotation has been necessary with the build up of fixtures and thats likely to continue until the end of the season. Top scorer Jack Normanton has been utilised both up front and on the right wing in the past few games, whilst rotation between Harry Thompson and Kyle Hancock has kept legs fresh in the centre of midfield.

The Silsden player to keep an eye on for this game is Lewis Gardner whose marauding runs from left back have created plenty of problems for opponents in recent weeks and he’ll be looking to create more chances on Tuesday.

Following their 2-1 win over us last week, the visitors went on to beat Staveley MW 3-0 on Saturday, a result which has seen them climb to 4th in the table, just two points of that all important potential second promotion spot. They also have a game in hand on 2nd placed Garforth, so there’s no doubt The Wood will be up for this one.

Whilst our recent form has seen us drop to 14th in the table, the objective is of course still to finish as strong as possible. With 21 points still up for grabs and plenty of games in hand on the teams around us, a top-half finish could still be a potential possibility should the lads re-find the form that had seen them climb as high as 11th just a few games ago.

 

Match Details

Toolstation East Counties Football League

Silsden AFC 0-1 AFC Mansfield

Saturday 12th March

The Office Interiors Stadium – Attendance: 121

Match Report

Silsden fell to a 1-0 defeat to AFC Mansfield at The Office Interiors Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A first half goal from the visitors handing them the victory.

Despite creating a few half-chances, Sils couldn’t find an equaliser leaving them winless in their previous four matches and seeing them drop to 14th in the table.

The visitors would take an early lead when a miscommunication in defence saw a long ball float over the Sils defence. Keeper Alfie Darke didn’t come to claim it leaving Mansfield striker Luke Walker to poke home.

Silsden would put the ball in the net just six minutes later when a long ball found Ant Brown, unfortunately his measured finish was ruled offside.They would again come close just two minutes later, winger Jack Normanton’s neat footwork gave him a yard of space and his shot narrowly deflected wide. The resulting corner was also headed just over by Dan Illingworth.

The Cobbydalers pressed hard for an equaliser, a smart turn from Brown allowed him to get a shot away but it rebounded off the post before Joe Mitchell fired wide with a shot from the edge of the box.

Limited chances fell to either side for the remainder of the half, a Normanton free kick hit the wall and another Mitchell strike from a tight angle was held by Mansfield keeper Adam Revuelta meaning Sils would go into the break a goal down.

The early second half exchanges would continue in the same vein as the end of the first, neither side really created anything and the game descended into back and forth possession for both sides.

It would be The Bulls who created the first chance of the half on 67 minutes when a mistake from Illingworth allowed Walker through once again but his powerful strike flew wide of the post.

Silsden wouldn’t be discouraged however, Brown headed a cross back into the path of Arley Barnes who sliced his volley upwards rather than goal-bound much to the dismay of the Silsden skipper. Lewis Gardner continued to provide a threat from left full back, driving forward and causing problems for the Mansfield defence. His hard work going unrewarded however as Silsden struggled to fashion clear chances.

On 80 minutes another smart touch from Brown allowed him the space to turn but his shot drifted agonisingly wide of the right hand post and so despite their best efforts, Sils were unable to find the equaliser and the game would finish 1-0 to the visitors. A disappointing performance from Silsden who will look to bounce back as they face Sherwood Colliery at The Office Interiors Stadium on Tuesday.

Silsden Lineup – Darke, Pownall, Gardner, Thompson (Hancock, 68), Illingworth (Gartland, 86), Barnes (c), Normanton (Donovan, 68), Mitchell, Bradshaw, Brown, Riley

Unused Subs – Hudson, Mceneaney

AFC Mansfield Lineup – Revuelta, McKenna, Sketchley, Rajter, D’Laryea, Cropper (c), Mays (Hobson, 77), Batty, Karkach (Pipes, 74), Walker, Greenham.

Unused Subs – Gibb, Buxton

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Slisden AFC v AFC Mansfield

Saturday 12th March

3pm

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

Football returns to The Office Interiors Stadium tomorrow as Silsden take on 16th placed AFC Mansfield in what is set to be a thrilling game.

Having lost 2-1 against our opponent’s local rivals Sherwood Colliery in midweek, The Cobbydalers will be looking to put things right this weekend. Although we currently sit in 11th, a win could see us climb as high as 9th should other results go our way.

Until Tuesday’s defeat, Sils were on a 5 game unbeaten run including victories over Athersley and Staveley, aswell as a valiant 2-2 draw with promotion challengers Garforth Town.

Although not the most impressive performance last time out, Silsden fans have a right to be excited about the wealth of attacking talent at Danny Forrest’s disposal. The gaffer said:

“We’ve got some real options and we’re looking a real threat up there. Brad’s (Riley) been brilliant all season, Jack’s (Normanton) chipped in with his goals, as well as Finn Donavan and adding (Ant) Browny in there is a bonus for us.”

Despite AFC Mansfield’s position in the league, the Nottinghamshire side’s defence have conceded just 48 goals this season, the lowest of any side in the bottom half of the table. Their defensive resilience has been in stark contrast to their attacking play, scoring 39 times, the 3rd lowest in the division.

While this style may not be the most exciting, Mansfield currently sit 16 points clear from relegation and just like us, will be looking to pick up momentum ahead of next season. They come into this game off the back of three consecutive draws, including a 2-2 game with rivals Sherwood Colliery.

A big boost for the visitors comes in the form of striker Ross Duggan who rejoined The Bulls from Yorkshire Amateur in mid-Febuary. His four goals against Barton Town gave his side to a 4-2 victory and he will be looking to repeat that feat at The Office Interiors Stadium this Saturday.

Our previous fixture with AFC Mansfield ended in a 2-0 win for them but the boys will be itching to set the record straight this time around and get back to winning ways following a few disappointing results in recent weeks.

You can come down and watch the game at The Office Interiors Stadium this Saturday for a 3pm kickoff. Tickets are just £6 for adults or £3 for concessions, the bar will also be open throughout the game. All support is welcomed!

 

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2021-2022

Tuesday, March 8th 2022.

SILSDEN JUST FALL SHORT IN A HIGH QUALITY COMPETITIVE GAME

 SHERWOOD COLLIERY F.C.  2  V  1 SILSDEN AFC    Att.81

Curtis 12, Belgrave 37.     Brown 85.

            The Cobbydalers travelled to Sherwood Colliery, near Mansfield, on Tuesday night after the game scheduled for January 15^th had been called off due to a frozen pitch. The present club, which was re-formed in 2008, were soon on the attack and Alfie Darke was forced to save a low shot at his near post in the opening minute. It was a feisty start from both sides, with the home side breaking at pace. Jamie York fired over the bar in the fifth minute and the pressure put on the Cobbydalers continued. Arley Barnes conceded a corner blocking Tim Gregory’s shot. The ball was partially cleared but Gareth CURTIS back-heeled it home at the back post on twelve minutes. Tim Gregory almost doubled the score two minutes later but his effort flew past the far post.

The Colliery’s centre backs were dominating, denying the Silsden forwards a sniff of a chance. The ball was moved at pace with slick interplay between the forwards. Will Northcross’ centre was cleared for a corner which Darke punched clear. The Silsden guardian was on hand again to save Lewis Belgrave’s header. Launching the ball forwards, he found Antony Brown who was denied an effort on goal. Back it came and a speculative shot flew just wide of the Silsden far post.

Silsden continued to look to feed Brown, who managed to get behind the defence for once but he was soon closed down.  Sherwood doubled their lead on thirty-seven minutes. Some slick footwork on the right from Northcross ended with his cutback being tapped home by BELGRAVE. The Cobbydalers almost pulled a goal back not long after the restart. Normanton had a shot blocked before Brown brought down a cross with one touch and rifled in a low shot; unfortunately the Wood keeper was in the right position to save it. Consecutive saves from Darke before the break kept the deficit to two.

The Cobbydalers began the second half on the attack. Sherwood keeper Josh Turton saved Jos Bradshaw’s drive before Harry Thompson’s low shot was cleared for a corner. Pressing the home defence, Normanton’s shot flew just wide of the mark. Liam Hudson, who replaced the injured Pownall, was soon in the action clearing a dangerous cross. At the other end, Brown shot across the face of goal before Illingworth was felled defending a low shot with his “lower body”! Finn Donovan replaced Normanton.

 Silsden enjoyed a spell where they pushed the Wood back. With ten minutes left, Brown headed goalwards for a cross to the back post. The ball was defected for a corner. Joe Mitchell fired over the bar. With five minutes left BROWN killed a high ball and curled it beyond the Wood keeper. 2-1. A slick move involving Gareth Curtis and Will Norcross almost led to a third for the home side which would have been harsh on the Cobbydalers, given their increased dominance in the second half.

            Colliery come to the Office Interiors Stadium next Tuesday, but before that, Silsden entertain AFC Mansfield on Saturday.

SHERWOOD COLLIERY. Turton, Lathall, Starbuck, Robson, Taylor, Belgrave(Hardwick 72), York, Norcross, Gregory, Curtis, Weaver(Burrell 78). Subs not used. Dando, Ingram, Sheppard.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Pownall(Hudson 46), McEneany, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes, Normanton(Donovan 67), Mitchell, Bradshaw, Brown, Riley(Gartland84).

Referee. Mr. P. Morton. Assistants. Mr.Dudley, Mr. Clarke.

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Sherwood Colliery v Silsden AFC

Tuesday 8th March

8pm

Debdale Park

Match Preview

Today’s midweek clash sees us back on the road as we travel down to Debdale Park, Mansfield to take on Sherwood Colliery for an 8pm kick off.

Our opponents for today are having a great season so far and sit in 5th place, just five points off that second potential promotion spot. The Nottinghamshire-based outfit have taken to this division like a duck to water following their promotion from the East Midlands Counties League.

In recent weeks our good form has seen us climb to 11th in the table and although promotion is slightly out of reach, Danny Forrest still wants his team to keep the momentum going into the final few weeks of the campaign.

Last time out, Silsden came up against a good Penistone Church side. Following a solid defensive performance, we earned a credible 1-1 draw; Josi Bradshaw smashing home a 79th minute equaliser. The return of striker Ant Brown alongside him was a welcome addition to the squad.

Brown comes back to Silsden having recently played in the Northern Premier League with Mossley, his experience will no doubt be beneficial to the team over the coming matches. The gaffer was buzzing to have him back and told us following the game:

“The opportunity to get Browny back was something we just couldn’t turn down. We’re grateful to Mossley for how they’ve handled the situation and grateful to have him in any capacity, he improves the group.”

Speaking on Brown’s partnership with Bradshaw, Forrest said:

“Him and Josi worked well together at times. Josi has been a real breath of fresh air since coming to the club and we’ve got some real talent in that forward line now.”

The Wood come into the game off the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over 14th placed Thackley last time out and will look to carry the confidence into this game. But with midweek games, fatigue can be a factor and despite that win, they have suffered defeats to both Winterton Rangers and Garforth recently. As well as a 2-2 draw with local rivals AFC Mansfield.

Another great game to look forward to tonight, Sherwood will look to continue their promotion push against a Silsden side showing grit and determination in a battle to climb the table before the end of the campaign.

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Silsden AFC 1-1 Penistone Church

Saturday 5th March

The Office Interiors Stadium – Attendance: 167

Match Report

A crowd of 167 watched on as Silsden and Penistone Church played out a gripping 1-1 draw at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday.

In an end to end encounter, a first half goal from Church winger Reece High was cancelled out by an 81st minute Josi Bradshaw strike leaving both sides to share a point.

Although there were plenty of chances throughout the game, Silsden may have goalkeeper Alfie Darke to thank after his brilliant saves denied the visitors time and time again.

Manager Danny Forrest made two changes to the starting 11 for this game, bringing in Darke to replace Kyle Welsh who has picked up a small niggle, as well as Ant Brown who returns to the club after a spell with Mossley in the Northern Premier League.

It would be the latter who had the first impact on the game. After four minutes he raced in behind and shot from a tight angle to force a corner. The corner was fired in low towards Jack Normanton who struck low into the gloves of Church stopper Chris Snaith.

Normanton would have another great chance just 10 minutes later, good play down the right allowed Hancock to curl a cross towards the unmarked winger but his improvised, lunging volley ricocheted back off the post. The chances were coming, Brown, Normanton and Josi Bradshaw working well together to stretch the defence and work the ball in behind.

These chances seemed to be a wake-up call for the visitors who began to press forward themselves, first a scramble in the box caused some panic before being cleared by Carlton Pownall. Just 5 minutes later, a through ball found Reece High in behind and he kept his composure to place the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Darke no chance in the Silsden goal.

It was clear the momentum had shifted and Church looked to hit the front and double their advantage. A strike from the edge of the area curled just over before moments later, striker Keiran Ryan missed a guilt-edge chance when he fired over from just six-yards out.

Half time did little to affect the flow of the game, Church quickly hopped back on the front foot and only a good save from Darke denied them just three minutes in. This was then followed by some brilliant last-ditch defending from Silsden, a combination of both Pownall and captain Arley Barnes clearing not once but twice of the line in the space of just a few seconds to keep the game within reach.

With the game coming into the last 15 minutes, the visitors started to hold onto the ball and look to see out the clock, although this resulted in the keeper being booked for time wasting. When another Penistone free kick was brilliantly pushed onto the post and smothered by Darke, you got the sense the visitors might be worried about those missed chances coming back to bite them.

You can predict what happened next. Just two minutes later Silsden worked the ball towards the penalty area, although the initial shot was blocked, it dropped to Bradshaw on the edge of the box who rifled a low drive just out of the reach of the squirming keeper and into the bottom right corner; his 7th goal of the campaign.

That wouldn’t be the last chance of the game however, Normanton again finding space on the right and unleashing a fierce shot that flew narrowly over the cross bar.

With just 5 minutes to go, Church would get their best chance of the game. A loose ball broke to Ryan who beat his man before getting one on one with Darke. He fired a powerful shot towards the corner and in what can only be described as a moment of brilliance, the Silsden shot stopper dived low and pushed the ball wide with a strong right hand; you’d do well to see many better saves than that one.

Barnes had time to make one more goal line clearance from the resulting corner and despite more pressure from Penistone, the score remained 1-1. Silsden likely the happier side following that result.

Speaking after the game, the gaffer said he was pleased with the point, but knows the boys have the ability to be even better:

“We didn’t quite reach the levels we’re capable of and that we have done the last 10 games. The quality wasn’t quite there but a couple of months ago we would have probably rolled over and got our bellies tickled, but today we’ve had a go, stood strong and the attitude was bang on.”

Our next fixture sees us head to Mansfield to take on Sherwood Colliery this Tuesday as we look to build on today’s result.

 

 

Match Details

Silsden AFC v Penistone Church

Saturday 5th March

3pm

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

Silsden return to The Office Interiors Stadium this weekend to take on South Yorkshire side Penistone Church, kick off at 3pm.

High-flying Church currently sit in 4th place in the NCEL and are certainly in the hunt for promotion this campaign. Our midweek draw away to Knaresborough sees us sit 12th, but with just one defeat in our previous 10, we are no doubt in for a great game here.

Our last game against today’s opposition earlier in the season ended in a 2-0 victory for Silsden, with current top scorer Jack Normanton bagging in that one. His 24 goals this season lead the league scoring tables.

The Sils have a decent record against the current top four, picking up draws away to league leaders Grimsby Borough and 3rd placed Garforth Town in recent weeks, as well as the victory over the visitors earlier in the season.

In terms of players to keep an eye on for today, Jos Bradshaw looked lively in midweek, holding up the ball well, forging a number of chances and he was unfortunate not to add to his 6 strikes so far. For Penistone, striker Nathan Keightley has bagged 17 goals this campaign and is likely to provide a great test for our defenders today.

As you’d expect from a side sitting in 4th, Church’s form has been nothing short of spectacular in recent weeks, winning seven out of a previous 8 and drawing the other. But our current form cannot be discouraged either as we look to finish the season strongly and pick up as many points as possible before the end of the campaign.

Some good news on the squad front with some returning players for today’s fixture. Young fullback Lewis Gardner is available for selection again after unfortunately missing the game midweek. Although not quite ready to feature just yet, defender Josh Kaine returned to training this week for the first time in a year. His return a welcome addition to the squad.

Plenty to look forward to today, a tough opposition gives the lads the chance to test themselves, climb the table and build some momentum heading into next season. Would be great to see plenty of support for the lads today as we look to continue our recent good form.

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East League

Knaresborough Town 0-0 Silsden

Tuesday 1st March

Manse Lane

Match Report

Silsden were held to a 0-0 draw away to 10 man Knaresborough Town last night in what could be described as a feisty affair.

Despite both sides creating a number of decent chances, the defences stood firm to deny either side a breakthrough and keep the game goalless.

Sils looked to have the advantage following a first half sending off for the hosts, but we couldn’t find a breakthrough against a hard-working Knaresborough side and we head back to West Yorkshire with a point.

The early exchanges saw little of note other than a blocked shot from Jos Bradshaw, not long after the game would descend into a series of free-kicks for both sides around the central areas of the pitch. Both sides showing hunger to win the ball, but ultimately giving away a number of fouls.

Our hosts would create the first clear cut opportunity of the game when a through ball from their winger was spilt into the path of their onrushing striker by Kyle Welsh, he quickly made up for the error however, sticking out a right foot to brilliantly deny Knaresborough the opener.

As the first half continued, the game went end to end with both sides winning a multitude of corners but none resulting in anything threatening. The game sparked into life however with two bookings in three minutes. 32 minutes in, Silsden’s Carlton Pownell brought down his man on the edge of the area and received a yellow card. The resulting free kick was struck off the post and cleared from danger.

Just three minutes later, Knaresborough would be down to 10 men when a horrific late challenge from midfielder Jake Rose left the referee with no choice but to send him off. The remainder of the half saw little action, although there were a few calls for a second sending off for the hosts following a near identical challenge just five minutes after the first.

The second half continued the back and forth action of the first, with Silsden looking to control the game, but the hosts using fast counterattacks to put our defence under pressure. It would be us who created the first chance of the half when brilliant work from Brad Riley on the left allowed him to find Bradshaw. His cut back on the six yard line found Jack Normanton with plenty of room but a great sprawling save from the keeper denied him.

For the next 10 or so minutes chances were again limited, but on 63 minutes a charging run from the Knaresborough centre half left him with clear space 30 yards from goal. His powerful drive was acrobatically tipped over by Welsh much to the dismay of the home support.

Following this neither team created too many chances, Bradshaw fired into the side netting following a corner, and Knaresborugh fired a few shots over the bar, but it was not to be for either side. Despite late claims for a Sils penalty following a potential hand ball, the spoils were shared.

The result stretches our good run to just one defeat in our last ten and we remain in 12th place for the time being. Some positives to take from the game are another clean sheet for the defence, and a good battling display against a tough side from the lads.

Silsden Lineup – Welsh, Pownell, Everingham, Hancock, Illingworth, Barnes(c), Normanton, Mitchell, Bradshaw, Donovan, Riley (Moses,68).

Unused Subs – Gartland, Thompson, Mceneaney, Hudson.