Match Details

Knaresborough Town v Silsden AFC

Tuesday 1st March

7.45pm

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Manse Lane

Match Preview

The first midweek game of this hectic schedule sees Silsden make the trip to Manse Lane to take on Knaresborough Town at 7.45pm tonight.

Despite beating our hosts 8-1 earlier in the season, we all know midweek games are a different kettle of fish and with Knaresborough winless in three, they will no doubt be determined to pick up those three points.

Last Saturday saw the boys run out 4-2 winners against Athersley with goals from Finn Donovan, Jack Normanton and Kyle Hancock wrapping up the points as we move up to 12th place in the division. Conversely, our opponents sit in 17th, but with a seven point gap over the drop zone there’s still plenty to play for.

Following his brace last time out, Donovan will be looking to carry the momentum into this game and add to his 3 strikes so far this campaign. At the other end, promising goalkeeper Kyle Welsh has come into the side and will look to grab his second clean sheet after some strong performances recently.

For Knaresborough last time out, the North Yorkshire outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Maltby Main. Despite leading after an early goal from midfielder Thomas Dugdale, they just couldn’t hold on and conceded twice in the second half. With safety not yet confirmed however, there’s certainly reason to believe we’re in for a gripping game tonight.

This game marks the second fixture of a 12 game run in just a six-week period as we look to finish the season strongly and climb the league table before the end of the footballing year. Following his performance on Saturday, Donovan spoke on the teams form and looking to carry that on in the coming weeks:

“I think from back to front everyone’s linking up well, it’s two (wins) on the bounce now so hopefully we can push on and get another three points on Tuesday and see where we can finish at the end of the season.

A win or draw would see us with just one defeat in 10 games, a fantastic run of form as we are coming to the business end of the season. Manager Danny Forrest told us of his desire for the team to continue improving over the coming weeks:

“I want my teams to be cold and ruthless all over the pitch. I felt we were cruising a little at times on Saturday and its during those moments I want to see the boys turn the screw a little bit.”

 

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East League

Silsden 4-2 Athersley Recreation

Saturday 26th February

The Office Interiors Stadium – Attendance: 127

Match Report

An action packed encounter in the NCEL saw Silsden run out 4-2 winners against a resilient Athersley Recreation side.

A brace from Finn Donovan alongside goals from Jack Normanton and Kyle Hancock were enough to see off the visitors who despite hitting back twice, couldn’t prevent The Sils picking up the 3 points.

This win means we have now lost just once in nine games, and the boys will look to carry this momentum into the remaining 11 fixtures of the season; all of which are to be played over a hectic 6 week period.

With our opponents having not won since October, Silsden were quickly on the front foot, finding gaps in the middle of the park and looking to exploit them. After 5 minutes the ball found its way to the in-form Jack Normanton on the edge of the penalty area and his fierce drive forced a fine diving save from the Athersley keeper.

The breakthrough came for Silsden not long after. Following an Athersley freekick, the ball was headed clear and the counterattack was on. Normanton found Brad Riley overlapping on the right and his perfectly weighted through ball allowed Finn Donovan to poke the ball beyond the onrushing keeper.

The Penguins would equalise just moments later, a looping cross caused all kinds of confusion in the Silsden penalty area before eventually dropping to midfielder Mark Stuart to rifle the ball in off the post.

Although unfortunate to concede, Sils quickly got back on the front foot and over the next 15 minutes created a number of chances including a curling effort from Normanton which dipped just over the crossbar.

The lead was regained on 40 minutes when a driving run from Donovan dragged in the defence, allowing him to slip in top-scorer Jack Normanton, who kept his composure to shift the ball onto his right boot and fire a deflected strike beyond the helpless goalkeeper.

It would be three just before half-time when more good work down the left found Kyle Hancock on the edge of the penalty area, his low curling effort placed to perfection and nestling in the bottom right corner of the goal.

Silsden started the second half as they finished the first, applying the early pressure and working the ball up to the frontmen. Initially testing the keeper with a low shot from Normanton before eventually grabbing their fourth when Donovan lined up a powerful shot on the edge of the area which found the back of net for his second of the game.

With only an hour gone, Silsden begin to slow the game down and slightly ease of the gas. Although they still fashioned some good chances with Donovan being denied brilliantly in a 1v1 situation, and then firing over the bar just a few minutes afterwards.

Despite The Sils still being in control, it would be the opposition who struck back when a long throw was flicked on to the back post leaving their winger to tap home.

With just a two goal lead, Silsden looked to put the game out of sight of Athersley, a run forward from the skipper Arley Barnes saw him get in behind but his low shot was held by the keeper, followed closely by Normanton firing a shot just wide of the post after some great footwork inside the penalty area.

The game would end 4-2 however, a solid performance from the lads makes it two wins on the bounce heading into Tuesday’s away fixture at Knaresborough and manager Danny Forrest had this to say following the game:

“I thought it was a performance worthy enough of winning the game, but I don’t think we quite got to our best which was a little frustrating but we did play some effective football and got the job done which is what today was about really”

Ahead of the next few weeks, the gaffer also spoke on making use of the squad as best as possible and the aims for the rest of the campaign:

“It’s a hectic schedule, we’ll look after the squad, probably rotate a little. As I said before the game, we want to be picking up points, gathering some momentum and taking things a game at a time to see where it takes us.”

Silsden Lineup – Welsh, Pownell (Everingham,68), Gardner, Hancock (Hudson,68) Illingworth, Barnes(c), Normanton, Mitchell (Thompson,75), Bradshaw, Donovan, Riley.

Unused Subs – Moses, Mceneaney.

 

 

 

Match Details

Silsden AFC v Athersley Recreation

Saturday 26th February

3.00pm

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

Following the postponement of last weekend’s derby clash against Eccleshill, Silsden return to action this weekend, taking on Athersley Recreation.

We host The Penguins for a 3.00pm kick off this Saturday at the Office Interiors Stadium and we hope to be backed by as many of you as possible.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season saw us run out 4-0 winners against the South Yorkshire outfit, a brace from Jack Normanton the highlight of that one.

Jack’s red-hot form has seen him net 14 goals in just eight games, including 3 consecutive hat-tricks across December. With 23 goals so far this campaign, he will be looking to add that impressive tally this weekend.

In terms of league position, following the 2-0 victory over Staveley Miners Welfare two weeks ago, The Sils currently occupy 13th in the table. In contrast, our opponents on Saturday sit bottom but despite this, the gaffer is keen to ensure that the boy’s remain focused ahead of the game:

“Athersley will be fighting for their lives and I’m sure they’ll come and fancy their chances, so we’ve got to be ready for that.”

“We’re on a decent run and we’ve played some attractive and effective football recently. We also kept a clean sheet against a very good side (Staveley) last time out, so we have to keep building and take that confidence into Saturday.”

Our recent run of good form has kept us climbing up the table, and with just one defeat in our previous 8 games, including some excellent draws with high-flyers Grimsby and Garforth, morale is high in the camp.

As Danny says however, Athersley will be fired up ahead of the fixture, having not tasted victory since October, The Penguins will be determined to pick up the three points that could potentially give them the momentum to complete a miraculous relegation escape.

Last week saw both sides have their games called off, but the boss believes Silsden can use the break to our advantage:

“It has given us some extra time to prepare, we trained well last week and there was another strong session Thursday.”

“The Athersley game marks the start of a very hectic schedule so we’ve managed to give the lads an extra couple of days rest before a run of 12 games in 6 weeks begins.”

With no game going ahead this weekend, we spoke to the skipper Arley Barnes and asked a few questions on his career, life outside football and even his ideal dinner party guests!

What position do you play?

“Anywhere I’m told.”

Who do you support?

“Leeds United”

How do you think the season is going so far?

“It’s been a frustrating one to say the least, we struggled with consistency at the start of the season and dropped points too easily. We’ve found some in the last couple of months, but we know we should be higher in the league than where we are.”

What are your ambitions for next season?

“Next year if we keep everyone together and add a couple, I really believe we should be challenging at the top end of the table. It would also be nice to have a cup run.”

Best moment in your career so far?

“Winning the league with Silsden”

Best goal?

Alsager, the year we got promoted, it was a long range, late winner that kept our unbeaten run going.”

What do you enjoy outside of football?

“Spending time with the Mrs and my little girl, and playing golf.”

Any funny dressing room stories?

“One funny dressing room initiation song I’ll never forget, one of the lads created a new instrument, the ****tar, I’ll leave it to your imagination”

Finally, you get to invite three celebrities to dinner, who would you invite?

“Peter Kay to laugh at, Michelle Keegan to look at and Tiger Woods, well ‘cos he’s Tiger Woods!”

Got any interesting questions you’d like to ask the lads? Leave us a tweet or a comment and we’ll look to ask your question on the next set of Quickfire Questions!

 

 

 

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

Saturday, February 12th 2022

SILSDEN AFC  2 v 0 STAVELEY MINERS  WELFARE                           

Normanton 32. Bradshaw 59. Att. 130

WELSH AND HIS DEFENDERS KEEP STAVELEY AT BAY

It’s windy! It must be Saturday! For the fourth Saturday on the run the wind made conditions difficult. The visitors to “The OFFICE INTERIORS” stadium were Staveley Miners Welfare, the in-form team in the League with a run from the start of the year of six victories and one defeat! Goals for 23, goals against 7. That said, the Cobbydalers have drawn away at two of the top three, Grimsby Borough and Garforth Town. Silsden face second-placed Eccleshill United away next Saturday!

Danny Forest played a similar team as a week ago, retaining Kyle Welsh in goal but bringing in Mark Everingham at left back in place of Lewis Gardner. The Cobbydalers played “against” the wind in the opening half, although the wind was very unpredictable, swirling and strong. A drop in the wind after the kick off saw Brad Riley set up Jack Normanton. Trojans keeper saved low down. At the other end Carlton Pownall made two interceptions to deny the visitors a shot on goal, before Cody Prior rifled in a low shot, which Welsh did well to save. Silsden tried to keep the ball on the floor, with some short passes, whilst Staveley tried to use the wind. Arley Barnes headed a free-kick clear and Welsh made another fine save on fifteen minutes.

Normanton was injured following a dangerous tackle, then Bradshaw was pole-axed with a clearance in the Trojan’s box. Tyler Dunne wasted a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead, slipping the ball wide of the far post, before Welsh saved his next effort. With fifteen minutes gone, Khurram Shazad created two openings but both caught on the wind, curling back from the penalty area. Both Barnes and Jake McEneaney were called upon to break down attacks, aided by the experienced pairing of Joe Mitchell and Kyle Hancock in the midfield, who broke up several attacks to release the Silsden front men. After neat football from Shazad, the opener for the Cobbydalers came after thirty-two minutes when NORMANTON netted after his first shot had been parried by Rio Alberry.

The response was immediate with a break down the right. Ewan Catt saw his attempt saved by Welsh. Further shots from Declan Howe and Jack Dillingham were blocked. A rare sortie forwards saw Hancock shooting wide, before Bradshaw set up Khurram who cleared the bar. With five minutes of the half remaining, Dillingham crossed into the Silsden area. Both Howe and Dunn wasted good chances. With the half-time whistle beckoning, Silsden almost made it two. Normanton rattled the bar and Bradshaw’s follow-up hit the far post!

Staveley started the second half with increased determination but McEneaney and Hancock broke up attacks. Ten minutes into the half, Normanton was sent down the right. The ball was crossed into the danger area. Alberry fumbled the ball and BRADSHAW made it two. Despite the setback, the Trojans still created half chances. McEneany cleared twice as the visitors used the wind to push forwards. A back pass from Barnes caught the wind and looked to be heading for the net but Welsh tipped the ball over the bar.

McEneaney then blocked an effort from Prior before Welsh slipped whist saving a Dillingham low shot. McEneaney cleared. With twenty minutes left, Welsh made a brilliant save from Charley Oglesby at close range. It wasn’t to be the Miner’s day. Substitute Tomas Poole brought another outstanding save from the Silsden keeper. Riley and Normanton, who had done so much running, were replaced by Lewis Gardner and Finn Donovan. Gardner’s pace took him up to the by-line. He crossed to Shazad who shot just wide of the far post. If anyone deserved a goal, at the other end, it was Howe. A brilliant dribble past three defenders ended when he fired over the Silsden cross bar. It wasn’t the Trojan’s Day.

SILSDEN AFC. Welsh, Pownall, Everingham, Hancock, Barnes(c), Riley (Gardner 75), Mitchell, Bradshaw, Shazad, Normanton (Donovan 75) Subs not used Moses, Illingworth & Hudson.  

STAVELEY MINER WELFARE. Alberry, Blakely, Claxton(Clay 36), Oglesby, Jones, Langton(c), Dillingham(Thompson 84),  Prior, Howe, Catt, Dunne(Poole 84). Subs not used. Grant. Linley.

 

 

Referee. Mr. T. Lishman.  Assistants. Mr. D. O’Regan and Mr. N. Haycock

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

Saturday, December 4th 2021

THACKLEY TAKE THEIR CHANCES IN LOCAL DERBY

THACKLEY AFC 4 v 0 SILSDEN AFC

Grech-Brooksbank 21, 28. Waddington 44, Sinfield 65.              Att. 103

           Silsden travelled to near neighbours Thackley on Saturday. The Dennyboys were one point above the Cobbydalers having played three games more. The pitch, which had passed an inspection at lunch time, was perfectly playable.

           The opening exchanges saw one team attack and then the other, the first clear chance coming when Joe Mitchell conceded a free-kick on the edge of the Silsden penalty box. Fortunately the spot-kick was wide of the far post. Frankie Sinfield then tested Sammy Lee from outside the area, the Silsden keeper diverting the ball for a corner. It wasn’t long before Silsden got in the game with Mo Qasim and Mitchell exchanging passes. Qasim’s shot was cleared for a corner, which Dan Illingworth headed over the bar. Kyle Hancock then threaded a ball through the defence and Qasim was on it in a flash. His low shot was deflected for a corner.

           The Cobbydalers were pushing forwards but the Dennyboys were always a threat on the counter. Lewis Waddington fired wide of Lee’s far post and the Silsden keeper comfortably tipped Waddington’s next effort round the post. Josh Bradshaw tested the Thackley keeper before Jack Normanton broke through to fire the ball goalwards. Hargreaves managed to clear the shot with his goalkeeper stranded.

           Finally the deadlock was broken with Thackley taking the lead on twenty-one minutes. A corner was partially cleared to the edge of the area. Ben GRECH-BROOKSBANK rifled it into the top corner despite Lee getting a hand on it. Silsden were unfortunate not to equalise a minute later.  Brad Riley crossed the ball into the Thackley area. Normanton saw his header parried and his follow-up saved by Luke Wilson. Seven minutes later the Dennyboys were two up with GRECH-BROOKSBANK’s shot deflected off Illingworth leaving Lee stranded.

           Two-nill! Thackley had had three good chances, the Cobbydalers had had five! Unbelievable Geoff! The home side were slicker on the ball. Lee managed to deny Grech-Brocksbank his hat-trick after he had out-paced Illingworth. The problem was not the back four but the lack of protection with Mitchell and Hancock overrun in midfield. Silsden did have one more chance to pull one back before the break but the home defence stood firm. Two minutes before the break Lewis WADDINGTON made it three after he broke through.

           With a three-nil cushion the Dennyboys, superbly marshalled by Hargreaves, could pack their defence and break when the chance arose. Both Bradshaw and Riley failed to make an impact on the game, as did Khurram Shazad when he replaced Riley.  Frankie SINFIELD made it four for Thackley on sixty-five minutes when he got the better of Barnes. The game was virtually over!

           To their credit Normanton and Qasim worked hard to create openings. Normanton drove one effort into the side netting and had another powerful drive saved and Qasim went close with a low shot. On the run of play four-nil probably flattered the home side and had Silsden been a little more clinical in front of goal it might have been a different story.

           Next Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain Bottesford at the earlier kick-off time of 1.00pm!

THACKLEY AFC. Wilson, Marsh, Hunter (Lever 75), Whiteley(c), Haigh, Hargreaves, Waddington, Jackson, Murphy, Grech-Brooksbank (Ibrahimi 72), Sinfield. Subs not used. Diamond, Poole.

SILSDEN AFC Lee, Everingham, Moses (Gardner 74), Hancock, Illingworth, Barnes(c), Qasim, Mitchell (Thompson74), Bradshaw, Riley (Shazad 58), Normanton. Subs. not used. Airey, Forrest.

Referee. Mr. D. Hague. Assistants.  Mr. Luke Smith and Mr. Anthony Tierney.

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

Saturday, November 27th 2021

RILEY’S BRACE GIVE SILSDEN THE EDGE

            SILSDEN AFC 4  V  2  HANDSWORTH F. C.                                  

Riley 12, 44, Normanton 18,  Bradshaw 47.         Reece 70, Howarth 78.      Att.155.

           After a barren run with only two draws in the last five games, the Cobbydalers finally produced a super performance to warm their supporters on a bitterly cold day. Only two Premier division games took place on the day, credit to the work which has made the Keighley Road pitch one of the best in the league. The visitors, Handsworth, in fifth position, had beaten Silsden 4-2 on the opening day of the season. Unlike the Cobbydalers, whose history goes back to 1904, the Ambers were only founded in 2011 as Worksop Parramore before becoming Handsworth Parramore in 2014. The Silsden outfit had two changes with Illingworth and Hancock returning.

           The Cobbydalers took the initiative from the kick-off with Jos Bradshaw taking the ball down on his chest. He was denied by a swift intervention from the visitors’ keeper Alfie Hayes-Daubney. Two minutes later Bradshaw burst up the right and crossed to Jack Normanton, who saw his effort strike the post. Mo Qasim hit the rebound over the bar.

           The Ambers’ Jamie Austin then tried a speculative shot which Sammy Lee dealt with comfortably. Silsden countered with Brad Riley sliding the ball into a packed penalty area after a slick turn. Two minutes later Joe Mitchell set up RILEY who hit a screamer into the top corner of the visitors’ net. Five minutes later it was two nil.  A throw-in on the left found Bradshaw who immediately sent NORMANTON in the clear. He lobbed the ball over the visitors’ stranded keeper.

           From the restart Handsworth’s Richard Tootle sent Kane Reece through but his shot cleared the Silsden bar. However, the Cobbydalers confidence was growing. Qasim crossed to Riley, who should have had a pot at goal. Normanton then burst up the wing and crossed to Bradshaw who slid the ball to Qasim. His shot was cleared for a corner.

           Finally the visitors settled, to create some chances. Mitchell Dunne crossed from the right to Matthew Sykes on the left who attempted to curl the ball over Lee. The keeper tipped the ball over. The corner was cleared. Silsden’s next attack broke down and Jamie Austin chased a long ball. Lee was out of his area in a flash to clear the danger. A slick move down the right led to a corner for the visitors. Illingworth cleared before breaking down another attack with a crunching tackle.

           As the half-time break approached Bradshaw was just beaten to the ball by the Daubney who conceded a corner. Normanton curled the ball over. The visitors’ defence failed to deal with it and RILEY, with his back to goal, twisted to rifle it into the net.

           Matty Moses, who replaced the injured McEneany at the break, was soon breaking up the wing. A superb cross into the box found BRADSHAW, who made it four. Barnes played a one–two with Riley who hit his shot over the bar. Silsden were rampant. Mitchell hit a cross-field ball down the right. Qasim, who was on it in a flash, cut in along the by-line and slid the ball to Hancock who shot over the bar.

           Hancock was injured on sixty-four minutes and was replaced by Khurram Shazad. Up until that point the defence had looked secure with Mitchell and Hancock, in midfield, dealing with any threats from the Ambers. However the visitors threw caution to the wind. A long ball over the Silsden defence was headed home by Kane REECE on seventy minutes. Lee made a fine save to deny substitute Leon Howarth and then gathered a dangerous cross from the right.

           The Ambers netted a second eight minutes later when substitute HOWARTH curled the ball over Lee from outside the penalty area. 4-2! Having conceded late goals in recent matches, the Cobbydalers had to dig deep to keep the Ambers at bay. They still created chances on the break with both Qasim and Normanton going close. When Dunne broke clear for the Ambers on the left he lacked support.

           The final whistle went. There were a lot of positives in the game for Danny Forrest, especially the form of Brad Riley who looked sharper and more threatening and Josh Bradshaw, who is becoming a dangerous leader of an attack which is thrilling to watch!

           Next Saturday the Cobbydalers are on the road, but only to near neighbours’ Thackley.

SILSDEN AFC.   Lee,   Everingham,  McEneaney (Moses 46),   Hancock (Shazad 65){Gardner 88}), Illingworth. Barnes, Qasim, Mitchell, Bradshaw, Riley, Normanton. Subs not used. Forrest, Fenton.

HANDSWORTH Mackie, Tootle(Smith 62), Fewkes, Paylor, Roebuck, Sykes(Howarth), Reece, Austin, Teasdale(Baldwin 83) , Dunne. Subs not used. Essen, Bagnall.

Referee. Mr. A Williams. Assistants. Mr. K.J. Smith and Mr. D McKee.

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

Saturday, November 13th 2021

SILSDEN AFC 2 V 2 EMLEY AFC

                Normanton 28, 83.            Charlton 6, Doyle 57.  Att. 217

DEJA VU FOR THE COBBYDALERS WITH ANOTHER HOME DRAW

The Cobbydalers game against Emley on Saturday was similar in pattern and conclusion to the match against Maltby Main a week ago, Silsden conceding the lead twice and twice drawing level. A look at the league table shows that, at home, it’s 1 win, 3 draws and 4 defeats. In contrast, the away record shows 5 victories and 2 defeats.  The midweek defeat at Campion in the County Cup was on a par with the defeats in The FA Cup and FA Vase, all being in the opening rounds.

Jack Normanton was back in the team on Saturday and was immediately in the action forcing the keeper to dive low to his left to deny the Cobbydalers the opener. However, five minutes later Emley took the lead. Right back Sam Pashley broke up the right and managed to get to the Silsden by-line to cross to Callum CHARLTON, the left back, to slot the ball home. When Silsden defenders broke up other attacks, they often looked for outlets, with the some of the forwards waiting for the ball rather than coming for it when marked. When Ben Clarkson and Bradley Riley did get the ball the game was slowed down. Fortunately Normanton was back to his best, not only creating chances with his pace, but also tracking back when Emley had the ball.

On sixteen minutes Emley almost notched a second, James Ngoe heading wide as the ball was curled over Lee’s far post. Two minutes later Riley managed to send the ball over to Mo Qasim, whose shot was tipped over the bar by Gary Stevens, whist at the other end, Emley’s Joe Jagger fired over the Silsden crossbar!

The equaliser came on twenty-eight minutes when skipper Barnes sent NORMANTON away. His pace took him into the box where he slid the ball home. George Doyle, at the other end, should have restored the visitor’s lead but headed wide, with the goal at his mercy. Barnes almost put Silsden in the driving street at the other end when Riley fed Normanton, who crossed into the Emley box. After a cross from Qasim, the ball was deflected for a corner. Illingworth’s header just cleared the bar. A fearsome free-kick from Normanton was blocked by the defensive wall. The half came to an end with Charlton almost notching a second for the visitors.

       The start of the second half saw Silsden on the front foot. When an in-swinger came across from the wing, Riley had the chance to put Silsden in the lead but wasted the opportunity, trying to get onto his favoured foot. A swift break from Emley’s forwards, involving Jagger, George Doyle and Lennon O’Grady, ended with the latter firing over the bar. A minute later it was 2-1 to the visitors, DOYLE heading in the net unchallenged.

      

       Danny Forrest brought himself on for Clarkson, bringing some pace and experience into the forward line. Immediately Silsden attacked, with Qasim curling an effort just wide. Forrest then sent Qasim through but he was halted by a heavy challenge. The visitors counter-attacked but Joe Mitchell cleared the danger. When Illingworth slid a pin-point ball through to Forrest, only Stevens denied the player-manager a goal.

       With twenty minutes left the game could have gone either way. Khurram Shazad replaced Riley. Immediately the substitute, receiving the ball from Moses, crossed to Forrest, who headed wide. Shazad had an even better chance to equalize minutes later when set up by Qasim, but failed to hit the target.

       On eighty minutes Danae Lawrence broke free, with only Lee to beat. Lee dived to his left to save the day. Immediately the ball was moved up the pitch and NORMANTON was on it in a flash, to level the scores, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. Silsden pushed for a winner. Normanton just couldn’t get a clear contact on a through ball then a brilliant run by Qasim ended with his effort shaving the outside of the post.

       Probably a fair result but plenty for the management team to mull over, particularly when the opponents have the ball. When that happens everyone should think defensively! But there are always some positives. With Matty Moses and Mark Everingham back in the team, one can only wish them the best after such a long time out of the game, robbing them of playing time when they should have been enjoying their prime years. Good luck guys.

       Next Saturday it’s another home game! Albion Sports are the visitors.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Everingham, Moses, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes(c), Qasim, Mitchell, Clarkson (Forrest 58), Riley (Shazad 73), Normanton. Subs not used. McEneaney, Hancock, Fenton.

EMLEY AFC. Stevens, Pashley, Charlton, Price (c), (Bennett 58), Riordan, Leech, Ngoe(Tweddle 58), Lawrence, Jagger, Doyle(Blakey 86), O’Grady. Subs not used. Sykes, Thomas

Referee. Mr. A. Ficetola. Assistants. Mr. G. Paterson and Mr. K. Moore

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

Saturday, November 6th 2021

SILSDEN AFC 2 V 2 MALTBY MAIN

Qasim 47, 95                                     Hill 39, Gibson 65     Att. 101

QASIM DOUBLE GIVE COBBYDALERS A SHARE OF THE SPOILS

On a foul afternoon, with a howling gale blowing towards the clubhouse, the Cobbydalers managed to equalise in the ninety-fifth minute when Mo QASIM netted his second. Silsden, who were out played for much of the game were indebted to keeper Sammy Lee for keeping them in the game.

       Silsden were facing the wind in the opening half and, in the first few minutes, Shaun Airey conceded possession on the edge of the penalty area. Lee managed to tip Reagan Waud’s shot over the bar. The ball was crossed in and Lee was injured in a crowded penalty area. He recovered and managed to flick the ball over for another corner. Chandler Gibson looked certain to break the deadlock with low drive but Airey blocked for a corner.

       The Miners broke through the Silsden midfield with some ease. Danny Forrest had left Joe Mitchell on the bench, breaking up the midfield duo with Kyle Hancock. The Miners were able launch attack after attack. Gibson was again denied by Airey but it was Lee who was keeping Silsden in the game.

       Silsden’s first sortie forwards came on fifteen minutes, Qasim seeing his low shot cleared. The pressure continued with Morgan James, on the Miner’s left, seeing his cross-cum-shot shave the far post. His next cross skidded wide before Barnes blocked another effort.

       It had taken twenty minutes for the Cobbydalers to build a second attack but Khurram Shazad just held the ball too long and was closed down. Brad Riley then managed to slide a through ball to Qasim but the ball caught on the wind. Riley’s next sortie came to nought as he was caught in possession but the Cobbydalers’ best chance came when Khurram Shazad slipped a ball through to Ben Clarkson but he was quickly closed down by Connor Cutts. Airey lost possession in his own area but managed to recover before Lee saw his goal-kick carried back into his own area. The Miners were making good use of the wind. Jones cut in from the left only to curl his effort wide of Lee’s far post then the Silsden guardian managed to punch Williams’ effort clear.

Finally the deadlock was broken. Waud burst past Airey and Barnes was forced to concede a corner. Jonathan HILL curled the in-swinger in at the near post to give the Miner’s the lead six minutes from the break. Silsden managed to hold on until the half-time whistle.

Expectations were raised after the break with a free-flowing move between Parsons, Shazad and Qasim. A free-kick followed and the ball was slid into the path of QASIM who, in the melee, put it under the Miner’s keeper’s body two minutes into the second half. Clarkson then crossed to Quasim but wind took it into touch.

The Cobbydalers’ fans were expecting the home side to dominate with the wind at their back. Unfortunately the Miners tactics of keeping the ball on the ground and breaking out at pace gave them the edge. They had a golden spell with Lee managing to push Gibson’s low shot for a corner. Another break from the back was halted by Everingham at the back post before Gibson saw his header rattle Lee’s crossbar. Barnes then cleared up after Williams had burst through again, then Gibson rattled the cross bar. When a cross held up in the wind on the edge of the penalty box with Waud challenging, Lee was forced to head it clear. 

Gradually Silsden began to open up the visitors defence. Parsons deft touch and turn created an opening but he over-hit his through ball. On sixty minutes Shazad slid the ball across to Qasim but the angle was too tight and Warhurst saved his shot. At the other end, Williams got the ball in the net but it was ruled offside! Another burst from the forward highlighted how the Miners had broken through with pace. Eventually the goal came. GIBSON left a trail of defenders in his wake and slid the ball under Lee’s despairing dive.

With twenty-five minutes left the Cobbydalers now had throw caution to the wind. Hancock slid the ball through to Shazad, whose low shot was well saved by Warhurst. The visitors were still a threat on the break but gradually the home side began to cause problems. Mitchell came on for Parsons on seventy-three minutes and Danny Forrest brought himself on. Immediately the home side had some pace and control. Qasim set up Shazad, who saw his shot tipped over by the keeper. From the corner Qasim had another effort blocked before an unsavoury incident took place near the half way line, leading to the dismissal of Airey and two of the visitors cautioned.

The ten men didn’t give up. Barnes denied the Miners a third with some composed defending before Maltby attempted to wind the clock down. Five minutes of stoppage time was just enough for the Reds, QUASIM cut in from the right and slid the ball home on the ninety-fifth minute to give Silsden a share of the points.

The Cobbydalers next game is in the County Cup on Tuesday against Campion before they entertain Emley AFC on Saturday, 13^th November.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Everingham, Fenton (McEneaney 64), Hancock, Airey, Barnes, Qasim(47,95), Parsons(Forrest 70), Clarkson(Mitchell 70), Shazad, Riley. Subs. not used. Thomson, Illingworth,

MALTBY MAIN. Warhurst, Cutts, Hardwick, Morton, Austin, Hill, Chipps, Williams, Gibson, Waud, James. Subs. Whitefield, Haugh, Stancliffe.

Referee. Mr. J. Martin. Assistants.  Mr. L. Caggiano and Mr. S. Bragg.

The Buildbase FA Vase 2021-22, First Qualifying Round

11th September 2021

SILSDEN AFC 1-2 ALBION SPORTS

Silsden AFC Goalscorers: Qasim 64

Albion Sports Goalscorers: Facey 59, Ellington 79

Attendance: 117

 

COBBYDALERS SUNK WITH LATE WINNER

 

The Cobbydalers were drawn at home against fellow North Counties East members Albion Sports in this first Qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Vase. In recent years, the games between the teams have been tight affairs and this match was no exception. Only three points separated the teams in the league although, when the teams met in the Vase in 2018 at Throstles’ Nest, the Cobbydalers ran out narrow winners with a superb goal from Reece Kendall from his own half. Danny Forrest was able to bring in Dan Illingworth at centre-back for his first start of the season with Arley Barnes switching to right back.

The visitors were first to break forwards with Jayden Sandhu, who had got the better of Kyle Hancock. He slid the ball to former Cobbydaler, Robbie Fox, who crossed into the Silsden penalty area. Sean Airey headed the ball back to keeper Sammy Lee, who held the ball despite being under pressure from Daniel Facey.

Five minutes later slick passing between Khurram Shazad and Jack Normanton set up Joe Jagger who tested the Albion keeper with a low shot.  Albion’s Jamal Stewart then hit a dipping ball towards the Silsden net, which Lee managed to grasp on the goal-line. It was a sprightly start for the Blues but Silsden eased themselves into this competitive game. 

The game swung from end to end. Qasim had a low shot saved at one end, whilst Airey blocked Facey’s effort at the other. Normanton then latched onto the ball on the left. A clever back-heel set up Qasim whose shot was saved. The Silsden forwards were working well together but it was the visitors who went close to opening the score when Airey was caught in possession by Sandhu. Lee made a fine save whilst immediately George Clark, in the visitor’s goal, denied Normanton, who had been set up by Qasim.

Silsden began to raise the pressure on the Albion defence with Qasim, Jagger and Normanton all going close. However, Albion were always a threat on the break. Reece Ellington almost broke through, only to be denied by a superb tackle from Lewis Gardner. In the dying minutes of the half, both sides had opportunities to break the deadlock. Stewart curled the ball over the bar from the right before Jagger, killing a long clearance from the back, set up Shazad but his effort was easily saved.

The second half started with the same intensity. Dan Illingworth managed to deny the visitors a clear shot on goal, but only at the expense of getting injured. He carried on after treatment. Kyle Hancock and Joe Mitchell were working hard to close down their opponents in midfield. Mitchell and Normanton combined to free up Jagger who twisted round his marker to fire just over the bar. Mitchell then shot wide. Marcus Harper blocked another effort from Normanton after slick interplay with Jagger.

Finally the deadlock was broken when Daniel FACEY broke through the Cobbydaler’s high-line to slide the ball home on fifty-nine minutes. It was against the run of play and had been a momentary lack of concentration after Silsden had netted. However the goal was deemed offside. For a moment Silsden were rocked and Facey almost made it two, firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy. The visitors were to regret the missed chance as the Cobbydalers took advantage, QASIM slotting home Normanton’s cross. Normanton then almost put the home side in the lead, his speculative effort just clearing the bar.

The game became stretched with half-chances at both ends. Gardner managed to clear a dangerous cross before Stewart fired over Lee’s crossbar. With ten minutes left the visitors netted a second when Fox broke down the right, outpacing the Silsden rearguard with ELLINGTON sliding the ball home past Lee. Jayden Sandhu wasted the chance to make it three.

Illingworth was replaced by Lewis Gartland who almost notched an equaliser, Clarke denying him with a fine save. Barnes then set up substitute Craig Billington who did hit the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The game was in stoppage time when Sammy Lee came up for a corner. The keeper was frustrating close to netting the equaliser at the far post! The final whistle went.

Silsden must now concentrate on the league. Next Saturday it is a home game against Grimsby Borough. In the meantime, Grimsby Borough’s youth team are the visitors on Wednesday in the FA Youth Cup, kick off is 7:30pm.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Barnes(c), Gardner, Hancock, Airey, Illingworth (Gartland 84), Qasim, Mitchell, Jagger (Billington 70), Shazad (Riley 70), Normanton.

Subs not used: Thompson, Moses, Ahmed.

ALBION SPORTS: Clarke, Henry (Basi 26), Harper, Bhadal (Tiana 70), Clay, Hall, Fox, Ellington, Facey(c) (Donovan 73), Sandhu, Stewart.

Subs not used: Aboiye, Kaba.

 

Referee: Mr B.Brighton

Assistants: Mr S.Sutton and Mr M.Wolfendale.