MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 3-0 Campion

NCEL Premier Division

Friday 26th July 2024

The Regal Interiors Stadium – ATT: 386

TEAM DETAILS

Bradbury, Hunt, Kilner, Daly, Cassidy, Clark, Jeffrey (Greaves, 70’), Cromack, Price (Sheen, 87’), Brooksbank (Hudson, 85’), Stewart.

Subs: Connolly, Thompson

MATCH REPORT

Silsden got their NCEL Premier Division season off to the best possible start with a 3-0 win over local rivals Campion at the Regal Interiors Stadium earlier tonight.

A first half Kayle Price free kick was followed by Luke Brooksbank and Casey Stewart strikes in the second 45 to round off a comfortable evening for the Cobbydalers.

The Silsden side featured a number of familiar faces as well as multiple of new signings, who it seems have already settled in well to life at Keighley Road.

It took just 10 minutes for the home side to lead as last season’s top scorer Price continued his goal scoring antics with a powerful, drilled free kick from just outside the penalty area after Stewart had been brought down.

As the half continued the visitors looked for a route back into the game and they would go close when new Silsden stopper Callum Bradbury scuffed his clearance into the path of Zak Khan.

With the goal at Khan’s mercy, Bradbury did brilliantly to recover and smother the ball away from his feet.

Price should have perhaps doubled his and Silsden’s tally when a corner dropped to him in the penalty area, Jordan Moorehouse did well to stick out a leg and deflect his poked effort away.

Into the second half and the home side looked to push forward and double their advantage.

Stewart provided some good foot work on the edge of the area to find himself half-a-yard of space, before firing his shot narrowly wide of the upright.

At the other end, Campion would have some opportunities of their own as Aiden Kirby fired wide on the turn and Nicky Boshell curled a tame effort into the gloves of Bradbury.

It would be Silsden who grabbed the next goal however, as a long throw caused all kind of issues for the Campion defence and Brooksbank took full advantage, smashing home left-footed from close in.

Campion would have the ball in the net on 80 minutes as a header from a free kick found its way in but the linesman had already raised his flag.

The introduction of Tom Greaves late on provided the Cobbydalers with a powerful outlet in the latter stages of the game and it would be his influence that provided the third goal for Silsden.

A long ball forward found the former Thackley man who controlled wonderfully before driving inside the penalty area and cutting back for Stewart to place home the third.

Opening day delight for Silsden sets them up well heading into next Saturday’s away FA Cup clash with Northern Premier League side Liversedge.

We are excited to announce our 24/25 Pre-Season Schedule with 5 great fixtures to prepare us for the upcoming campaign:

Maltby Main – Saturday 6th July – 1:30PM – Regal Interiors Stadium

We start our preparations with the the visit of familiar opposition in Maltby Main. We defeated the South Yorkshire outfit twice in the league last year with 5-2 and 1-0 wins. Following relegation last year, the Miners now play in the NCEL Division One. A slightly earlier KO time of 1:30PM for this one.

Barnoldswick – Monday 8th July – 7:45PM – Silentnight Stadium

Not too far to travel for our second game as we head to Barnoldswick on Monday 8th. A side we played on plenty of occasions during our time in the North West Counties, Barlic currently play in the Premier Division.

Nostell Miners Welfare – Friday 12th July – 7:45PM – Regal Interiors Stadium

The following Friday we welcome NCEL Division One side Nostell MW to the Regal Interiors Stadium. After a 17th placed finish last year, The Welfare have a new chairmen and management team at the helm heading into the new campaign. We previously played Nostell a couple of pre-seasons ago, with the game finishing 2-2 after a late Sils fightback.

Farsley Celtic – Tuesday 16th July – 7:45PM – Regal Interiors Stadium

A real tough test as we host National League North side Farsley Celtic on Tuesday 16th July. A great opportunity for the lads to test themselves against step 2 opposition and whilst last season’s friendly ended in stalemate, both sides put on an exciting spectacle for supporters.

Padiham – Friday 19th July – 7:45PM – Regal Interiors Stadium

Our final pre-season fixture sees the visit of NWCFL Premier Division side Padiham to Keighley Road. Another side we faced last season, having defeated us in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

NCEL Season Begins – Saturday 27th July

The 24/25 season officially begins on Saturday 27th July, we look forward to welcoming you to the new Regal Interiors Stadium this year. In the meantime, we will be looking to announce our committed players and a few new faces at the club. The full 24/25 NCEL fixture list will be announced in due course.

 

We are now accepting CV’s for the role of our WYL Team Manager. We are keen to speak with experienced managers who are interested in continuing the development and success of our step 7 side.

Individuals must be hard working and committed with a good knowledge of the local area.

Our WYL side train midweek and role will see you work alongside first team management to provide a pathway for players.

If interested in the role or looking for more details please contact cavanagh1989@hotmail.com or message any of our social media channels.

It was a fantastic afternoon down at Keighley Road this afternoon as over 1100 fans watched an exciting 8-7 win for Bradford City’s legends over Leeds United’s legends all in aid of former Bantam’s star Allan Gilliver and his chosen charities.

Allan featured across two spells for Bradford City as well as working a number of roles at Valley Parade including as the groundsman but was sadly diagnosed with dementia over 10 years ago. With the support of his family, this annual game was organised between the two sides to raise money for former players suffering with dementia.

Both teams featured star studded lineup’s including the likes of James Hanson, Dean Windass and Gary Jones for City, whilst Ross McCormack, Andy Couzens and Dylan Kerr were amongst the players to feature for Leeds.

The 1100+ supporters were treated to an absolute spectacle of game that culminated in an 8-7 win to Bradford although it’s likely many fans will have lost count well before the 90 minutes was up.

Hanson was a regular scorer at Valley Parade during his time at the club and scored a wonderful hat-trick for City, a feat matched for Leeds by Non-League legend and current Thackley striker Tom Greaves. Other scorers included Windass from the penalty spot, a long range Filipe Morais strike and a delightful chip from McCormack in the first half.

Silsden Chairman John Lohan spoke on the event and gave his thanks: “It’s a proud day for our club to host a game like this, a great effort from everyone to make this such a special day, well done to everyone involved.”

There was plenty of positivity surrounding the game on social media, with many fans enjoying a “cracking day” whilst raising a “great amount for a great cause.”

Even the BBC Look North camera’s descended on Keighley Road to capture the event, alongside local photographer Linda Gartland who captured some magnificent shots of the game.

With the success of both this year’s and last year’s game, there should be plenty of hopeful anticipation ahead of next season’s legends clash.

A full album of snaps from today’s game can be viewed here…

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17fFZdz5A7zHOT4CuDxZVh5-iJ2ss7zI6

 

 

MATCH DETAILS

Parkgate 2-1 Silsden AFC

NCEL League Cup Quarter Final

Saturday 27th April 2024

Roundwood Pavilion

TEAM NEWS

Rabone, Hunt (Roper, 45′), Gardner (Kilner, 37′), Cromack, Cassidy, Clayton, Brooksbank (Thompson, 76), Maltby (Conteh, 90), Price, Hudson (Smith, 82′), Stewart.

MATCH REPORT

A 2-1 defeat away to newly crowned Divison One Champions Parkgate in the NCEL League Cup Quarter Final ended Silsden’s 23/24 campaign yesterday.

Experienced striker Ross Duggan opened the scoring after just three minutes for the hosts but Sils fought back and levelled just before the break through Jake Maltby.

Despite looking to be on top in the second half, the Cobbydalers were unable to find a goal, leaving them to be punished by Rob Ludlam’s half-volley finish late on.

Silsden found themselves behind inside the opening minutes as Duggan found space on the edge of the box before unleashing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

The Steelmen would have been two ahead we’re it not for Silsden stopper Jay Rabone pushing a strike onto the upright.

After that, the Cobbydaler’s began to get a foothold in the game, Ellis Hudson testing Jordan Greaves who made an impressive diving catch.

Jake Maltby would eventually level the scores on the verge of half time.

Casey Stewart made a driving run from the left wing, racing into the box before delivering a low cross into the midfielder’s path where he made no mistake in rifling the ball into the roof of the net.

The Cobbydaler’s came out in the second half looking to put themselves infront, Maltby going close to giving them the advantage on 55 minutes with an effort from distance flying narrowly wide of the top corner.

Parkgate’s defence did well to contain the Sils frontline, Kayle Price seeing a number of his shots blocked by the host’s centre halves.

The last 15 minutes took on a different complexion however as the host’s began to threaten, Rabone doing well to hold on to a dipping strike from range.

Ludlam would put Parkgate in front on 82 minutes.

A cross was only half cleared and the midfielder unleashed a low shot that found the back of the net.

Silsden substitute Dan Smith went close to levelling the scores late on as he hit a brilliant curling effort that was matched by a great diving save from Greaves in the Parkgate goal.

The result brings to a close Silsden’s 23/24 season, whilst Parkgate’s win sees them visit Bradford side Campion in the cup Semi-Finals.

MATCH DETAILS

Barton Town 2-1 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 23rd April 2024

Easy Buy Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Rabone, Hunt (Kilner, 82′), Stewart (Gardner, 62′), Cromack, Cassidy, Clayton, Hudson (Connolly, 64′), Maltby, Price, Thompson (Roper, 71′), Brooksbank (Smith, 65′)

MATCH REPORT

Our 23/24 league campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to Barton Town at the Easy Buy Stadium yesterday evening.

Despite creating the better chances in the first half, we found ourselves behind following Reece Moody’s close range finish.

Although the second half continued in a similar fashion, the hosts doubled their lead late on through Kian Salter meaning Kayle Price’s powerful freekick proved to be little more than a consolation.

The result sees us end the season on a club NCEL record of 58 points, we currently sit 9th (another club record high) but could drop to 10th should results go against us in the coming days.

Ellis Hudson started the game particularly brightly, cutting in from the right hand side on multiple occasions but seeing efforts both saved by the keeper and sailing over the crossbar.

Barton then came close from a corner on 22 minutes, WYL graduate Danny Hunt with some great defending to head clear of the goal line.

Their breakthrough would come just five minutes later as Scott Matthew’s pinpoint cross found Moody unmarked at the back post, with the striker firing home from close-in.

Swan’s keeper Will Mitchell was called into action on a number of occasions throughout the opening 45 minutes, first saving Hudson’s powerful freekick before getting down quickly to parry away Hunt’s deflected strike from distance.

The second half continued in the same vein, Cody Cromack next to test Mitchell with a fierce long-range strike.

Price would have the best chance to level the game on 69 minutes, a deflection saw him find himself 1v1 with Mitchell, but he opted for power and fired his shot narrowly wide of the post.

Dan Smith also had a chance late on, driving into the penalty area with a great run, his shot at the near post was once again saved by Mitchell.

Having not taken our chances at one end, our hosts punished us as a cross to the back stick was met by Salter with a diving header to double their advantage.

With just minutes to go, Price would find the net with a powerful low freekick but despite our best efforts we were unable to find a late leveller leaving us to make the long trip back to West Yorkshire disappointed.

The season isn’t over yet as we make the trip to NCEL Division One frontrunners Parkgate for the league cup quarter final this Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS

Handsworth 1-4 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 6th April 2024

Express Worktops Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Rabone, Cromack, Gardner (Hunt, 83′), Daly, Cassidy, Clayton, Connolly (Roper, 68), Maltby, Stewart, Hudson, Brooksbank.

Subs: Thompson, Harris, Barnes

MATCH REPORT

Silsden recorded a ‘Priceless’ victory away to Handsworth yesterday as despite the absence of in-form striker Kayle Price, the Cobbydalers still ran away comfortable 4-1 winners.

Luke Brooksbank looked to fill in the number 9 role and did so well, opening the scoring on 27 minutes following some sustained Sils pressure, however we we’re pegged back before the break with Mitch Dunne levelling the scores for the Ambers.

Despite having the wind against us in the second half, we pushed on and secured the win courtesy of Jake Maltby, Brooksbank and Casey Stewart’s fine finishes, making it 3 wins from 3 this past week and solidifying 8th in the NCEL Prem table.

It was a warm yet windy day in South Yorkshire, with Sils making good use of the weather in the early exchanges.

Cody Cromack’s effort from outside the box was parried out by Amber’s keeper Tom Crosby before he was forced to recover and save from Ellis Hudson’s follow up strike.

Crosby was called into action again on 24 minutes, Stewart having started the game upfront, moved out wide early in the first half and hit a low strike that had to be tipped behind.

The pressure eventually told for the visitors.

Left back Lewis Gardner, making his first start since recovering from injury, found himself with space inside the box and he squared to Brooksbank who picked his spot well to find possibly the only vacancy on a crowded goaline.

Brookbank should have perhaps doubled his and Silsden’s tally on 41 minutes, once again combining with Gardner, the ball sat up nicely just inside the penalty area but his shot flew well over the crossbar.

With the half coming to a close, the hosts began to grab a foothold into the game, Cobbydaler’s stopper Jay Rabone forced into a stunning double save to preserve the lead.

Unfortunately for Silsden, they were unable to hold on as a smart flick on picked out Dunne who hit a clinical finish into the roof of the net.

You could have forgiven the visitors for letting there heads go down but straight from the start of the second half they pushed to retake the lead.

Nash Connolly thought he’d grabbed his third goal in the red and black after he headed home a rebounded effort, only to see the flag go up against Stewart moments beforehand.

The frustration of the disallowed goal was short lived however, on 58 minutes a loose ball dropped out to Maltby who finessed a lovely, curled strike into the bottom corner as Crosby could only watch on.

Silsden continued to press for a third, Connolly and Jake Cassidy both going close just moments apart, Crosby again to the rescue for the home side.

Rabone did have some work to do of his own too, getting up quickly to tip over a well taken Dunne freekick.

Brooksbank did put the game to bed on 79 minutes, a neat through ball from the skipper Ross Daly found him with space in the box and he rifled a wonderful shot beyond the admittedly impressive Crosby.

There was more time for Crosby to pull of some more saves late on but there was little he could do about Stewart’s wonderful effort in stoppage time.

A long ball forward picked out the former Liversedge man, who delicately lofted the ball over the keepers head and into the back of the net.

That’s 12 goals in 3 games for the Cobbydaler’s who make it 3 wins from 3 now as the season begins to draw to a close.

Just two league games to go and next up is another South Yorkshire away day this Wednesday, as we head down to Penistone Church for a 7:45pm kickoff.

 

 

After Tuesday’s win over Bottesford, we spoke to First Team Manager Matt Cavanagh who discussed the progress of Silsden across all aspects of the club:

“We are always looking to progress as a team and a club.”

“You can measure progress in many ways:

It’s a positive to break that barrier of points but this group should be doing that with the quality that the group has, let’s remember that. The team has being established to compete with the teams at the top, and sadly, we will miss out on our goal to make the play offs. Good luck to the four teams that have made it, the league table doesn’t lie and they deserve to be there, especially the Bradford sides!

As coaching staff, we feel key individuals have come on leaps and bounds and you can see that by their performances throughout the season which is great to see and very rewarding!”

We have seen clear progress in lads stepping up and representing the first team and settling in well. Our pathway from the WY League side is there to be seen with the likes of Dan Smith, Mo Conteh, Jay Sheen, Adam Hartley, Danny Hunt and Alex Stewart all stepping up to represent the club within the NCEL. Not only that, we have seen Mark Hoban and Tez Ryan, along side Mo and Alex represent the WYL league competition side.”

“Our next step will be to create our junior pathway, which will see some of our 17s/18s make the step up next season to senior football:

Away from the pitch and behind the scenes the club is working hard in ensuring we provide the best possible facility for the players. Pitch improvement was a key area of focus last season and if you look at it now in April it’s in great condition.

The committee and volunteers go the extra mile in ensuring we provide the best service and environment for visitors. Within the sports club you can see improvements and decorations that ensure we are providing a top class facility. The hospitality suite, continuous to be a great place to enjoy refreshments on a Saturday and a Sunday morning for junior parents.

Thanks to Paul, Kev, coaches and parents, we have had numerous teams come and be mascots this season and play mini curtain raisers, which is great to see and really important to me that they feel included and enjoy being with the first team lads.

⁠Kev, Paul and the junior team have worked really hard behind the scenes and have being constantly battling against the weather.
We have great numbers representing all ages and the development of our girls section is their to be seen. It was great to see last Saturday the amount of girls representing Silsden, sadly In awful weather!

Liam and the coaching staff are doing an incredible job with the ladies side. You can see the passion they have for ensuring the girls are given the best opportunity to thrive. Gaining promotion, a clear way of playing and brilliant role models for our younger children who one day will aspire to be like them.

Finally, reaching the last 32 of the FA Vase for the first time in the clubs history was a great achievement and great away trips for those followers.”

“I just want to put out one final message to everyone involved with the club or interested in becoming involved, have we made progress? Do you want to be apart of it? Coaches, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and the community, get down and get in touch because it’s a fantastic football club to be apart of!”

Thanks,
Cav

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 4-2 Bottesford Town

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 2nd April 2024

Office Interiors Stadium – Att:101

TEAM DETAILS

Rabone, Cromack, Barnes, Daly, Cassidy, Clayton (Harris, 85′), Connolly (Gardner, 71′), Maltby, Price, Thompson (Hudson, 60′), Stewart (Roper, 85′)

Subs: Smith

MATCH REPORT

Silsden ended their home league campaign on a high with an exciting 4-2 win over a youthful Bottesford Town side at the Office Interiors Stadium yesterday night.

A lightning fast start to the game saw three goals in the opening 10 minutes; Sils leading 2-0 through Casey Stewart and Kayle Price before Donovan Day hit back for the visitors.

Price restored the two goal advantage on 17 minutes but Town once again hit back through Day to bring an end to an exciting first 45.

For the second time in just three days, Price would find himself taking home the matchball as he grabbed his hat trick late in the second half, bringing his goal tally to 24 for the campaign.

After just five minutes, we would take the lead courtesy of a Stewart strike, picking up the ball on the left wing, cutting inside and unleashing a low shot the beat the keeper at the near post.

That lead was doubled just two minutes later.

Nash Connolly raced onto a throughball and unselfishly squared to Price who had the simple job of tapping into the empty net.

The exciting action continued just a minute later but this time at the other end, 17 year-old Day raced 1v1 with Jay Rabone before lifting a composed finish into the roof of the net.

There was plenty of time for both sides to grab goals before half time.

On 17 minutes Price grabbed his second, reacting quickest after the keeper spilt a routine shot to poke home from close range.

A mistake at the back allowed the visitors back into the game, with Day again able to latch onto a loose pass before rounding Rabone and finishing into an open goal.

The second half began in stark contrast to the first as it took until 65 minutes for the first real chance of note for either side.

Stewart looked to add his second of the game from a 25-yard set piece but the keeper got down well to make a smart save.

He again went close on 74 minutes, his volleyed effort was again well saved by the feet of the keeper.

Price would eventually secure the three points with his second consecutive hat trick, Stewart cut the ball back to the in-form man who made no mistake from close range.

The win sees us break our record NCEL Premier Division points total and shows the progress we are making as a club.

Speaking after the game, Matt Cavanagh said:

“We’re pleased to come away with three points against a side who have picked up some positive results against good sides recently. It was a great start with two early goals but then we let ourselves down by not doing the basics well enough in our defensive third or in and out of possession. Overall however, we saw some great movement and combinations which caused plenty of problems for Bottesford.”

 

 

 

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 4-3 Penistone Church

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 30th March 2024

Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 231

TEAM DETAILS

Rabone, Cromack, Barnes (Harris, 86’), Daly, Cassidy, Clayton, Brooksbank (Conteh, 87), Maltby, Price (Smith, 90), Thompson (Roper, 71), Stewart.

Subs: Gardner

MATCH REPORT

Silsden and Penistone Church played out a 7-goal thriller at the Office Interiors Stadium yesterday with the hosts coming out 4-3 winners.

In an action packed first half Nathan Keightley opened the scoring for Church before Kayle Price levelled with an indirect freekick inside the penalty area.

Despite going behind through former player Lennon O’Grady, the Cobbydaler’s hit back with two quick goals courtesy of Luke Brooksbank and Price to take a 3-2 lead into the break.

Again Keightley scored for the visitors to restore parity but moments later Price’s looping header secured both his hat-trick and the three points for Sils.

Church’s first attack of the game brought the first goal as Keightley found space inside the box before smashing home beyond Jay Rabone.

Controversy then struck on 10 minutes as Silsden were awarded a indirect freekick inside the box following a contentious ‘back pass’ picked up by the keeper.

Price stepped up to the rolled pass and fired a right-footed strike into the bottom corner through a crowd of bodies.

Penistone wasted no time in restoring their advantage.

Another former Cobbydaler Ant Brown saw his initial effort saved before O’Grady was able to force home from close range on the rebound.

A quick throw in proved fruitful for Sils on 35 minutes, ending with Brooksbank finding a half-yard in the penalty area before turning smartly and placing the ball in the corner.

The turn around was complete just minutes later.

Brooksbank and Jake Maltby combining well with the latter’s deflected effort falling to Price who added his second with a well-placed finish.

After the interval Church looked for a way back into the game and they would equalise on 63 minutes.

A long goal kick was misjudged by Rabone who spilt into Keightley’s path to rifle home into an empty net.

Once again an almost instant goal restored the Cobbydaler’s lead.

A recycled corner ended up at the feet of Brooksbank whose pinpoint delivery was met by the head of Price to loop the ball magnificently into the far corner.

Silsden had some defending to do late on and both Ross Daly and Adam Clayton showed their experience with Daly making a fantastic clearance in his own six yard box before Clayton’s superbly timed sliding challenge denied Brown a scoring opportunity.

Whilst the playoffs now look a forgone conclusion for both sides, it was a great game of football from the two sides, with Silsden moving up to 10th whilst Church remain 7th.

Up next for the Cobbydalers is the visit of Bottesford this Tuesday.