Match Details

Bottesford Town 0-1 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 30th July 2022

Barrett Steel Stadium

Match Report

Silsden began their 22/23 with a 1-0 win away to Bottesford Town on Saturday afternoon.

In a very end-to-end game, it would be a first half own goal from Poacher’s defender Hashlee Cranidge that settled the game.

Despite the game turning a little feisty in the second half, The Cobbydaler’s defence stood firm, giving them the three points.

It would be the visiting Silsden who started the better in Lincolnshire. On ten minutes, new man Talent Ndlovu let a speculative effort go from 30 yards but it flew well over.

Just six minutes later, Sils would take the lead when winger Brad Riley found space on the left hand side of the box. His initial effort was parried by the Bottesford keeper, but the ball inadvertently rebounded off Cranidge and into the hosts net.

As the half continued, The Poachers would begin to find their groove, creating a number of chances that had to be dealt with by the defence, Clarke making a number of saves.

The back and forth action was summed up when full back Carlton Pownall was forced to make a superb acrobatic goal line clearance, before just seconds later Riley would go up the other end and find himself bearing down on goal, only to fire his shot too high.

With the hosts looking for a way back into the match and Silsden looking to hold on, the game quickly began to turn nasty, with many late tackles flying in. Bottesford’s number 8 was even sent to the sinbin for dissent on 52 minutes.

Silsden’s defensive partnership of Alex Laird and Jacob Smith (who had replaced the injured Sam Bradley) looked mostly comfortable against a rather blunt Poacher’s attack, facing little second half danger and allowing the midfield and attack to keep fashioning chances.

Liam Hudson, who started at right back was unlucky to see his curling effort fly just wide and late on Arale Mohamed’s lightning pace almost allowed him in behind but the keeper did well to smother the ball.

All in all, The Cobbydaler’s will be pleased to pick up the three points on the opening day with a solid team performance. The new lads looking to have gelled quickly.

Another big test awaits Silsden this Saturday as they take on Burscough in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round before hosting Penistone Church on Tuesday.

Match Details

Bottesford Town v Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 30th July 2022

3pm KO

Barrett Steel Stadium

Birch Park, Ontario Road, Scunthorpe, DN17 2TQ

Match Preview

Competitive football finally returns after a long and busy summer. Plenty of action on and off the field in pre-season but the real test starts here as we make the trip down to Scunthorpe to take on Bottesford Town.

New management duo Matt Cavanagh and Luke Lavery will oversee their first league fixture since taking on the role in May. Over the summer 10 new players have been brought to the club and you can expect many to feature in Saturday’s fixture with The Poachers.

Pre-season saw both sides come up against a number of tough sides, our record standing at three wins, two draws and two defeats, including impressive victories over both Bradford (Park Avenue), Ilkley Town and local rivals Steeton. Bottesford picked up two wins against Cleethorpes and Appleby but also suffered defeats to a Scunthorpe United XI, Brigg Town and Beverley.

Last season in the NCEL both sides finished level on points but our superior goal difference meant we finished in 13th, one place above our hosts on Saturday. Both matches between us last year finished were tight affairs, resulting in a 1-0 away win for Silsden early in the season before the return fixture ended in a 4-3 victory for The Cobbydalers; Jos Bradshaw amongst the goalscorers in that one.

Bradshaw was our top scorer in pre-season, finding the net on four occasions with a neat penalty against BPA and a hat-trick when we took on Ilkley. New signing Lamin Janneh also provided three goals, the former Albion man adding some real firepower to our attack this season.

In defence, the signings of Alex Laird, Jacob Smith, George Skocki and Sam Bradley provide plenty of depth at centre half whilst young fullback Jake Hemmingway joins us from Halifax Town. Our midfield also looks to be well stacked with the signings of Talent Ndlovu, Lennon O’Grady and Raeece Ellington. Winger Arale Mohamed also provides pace and end product in the attacking third.

With the season kicking off tomorrow, we know everyone involved with the club including fans, players and staff can’t wait to get started for what will be a new era for Silsden!

Safe journey to everyone making the trip tomorrow!

 

Match Details

Silsden AFC v Ilkley Town

Friendly

Thursday 21st July

The Office Interiors Stadium – 78

Match Report

There were goals galore at The Office Interiors Stadium on Thursday night as Silsden ran riot over local rivals Ilkley with a highly impressive 7-2 victory.

Despite going behind early on, the Cobbydalers would be 3-1 up by half time with goals from Arale Mohamed and a brace from Jos Bradshaw.

In the second half, Bradshaw would complete his hat-trick and further goals would be added by skipper Kyle Hancock, Finn Donovan and Trialist D.

As often the case this pre-season, Silsden would find themselves behind early on. An Ilkley corner was missed by everyone in a red shirt leaving Blake Wood to head home at the far post.

The hosts would quickly pull themselves together and press for an equaliser. It would be new man Mohamed who grabbed his first Sils goal on 26 minutes when an error from the visiting defence left him a simple tap in to level the scores.

Bradshaw then turned the game on its head just 5 minutes later, good work down the right allowing him space on the edge of the area where he beat his man and poked a low finish beyond Wade in the Ilkley goal.

He would add his second on 38 minutes. A dinked through pass sent the towering number 9 one on one and he kept his composure to bury the chance on the half-volley. Last season’s Player of the Season proving why he’s valued so highly at The Office Interiors Stadium.

Halftime did little to halt Silsden’s momentum and on 53 minutes when captain Hancock stepped up to curl a 30-yard free kick into the bottom corner, the game looked all but over.

Sils fans had barley finished celebrating that goal when Bradshaw grabbed the fifth and his third just a minute later. A goalmouth scramble saw the ball drop at the number 9’s feet half a yard out; possibly his easiest goal in a Silsden shirt.

The Baht’atters players might be forgiven for giving up at this point but would hit back almost instantly through a James Hudson strike. For those who might have lost count, the score stood at 5-2 at this point, with 35 minutes still to play!

Any hopes of a miraculous Ilkley comeback were quickly squashed by Sils winger Donovan. His neat footwork allowed him space in the area and his cool finish summed up a ruthless afternoon for the hosts.

There was even time to add a seventh goal. Two trialists combining well, with B crossing for D to tap home and complete the rout.

All in all an impressive result for Silsden and manager Matt Cavanagh was keen to praise his players following the result:

“After 20 minutes they got their head around the shape I’ve been looking for. It’s something we worked on in training Tuesday and we’ve been developing a structure of how we want to go about things and the lads did really well in that regard and dominated the remainder of the game”

The Cobbydaler’s head to Stockport Town on Saturday for their final friendly before the season kicks off on 30th July. Silsden’s first league game sees them make the away trip to Bottesford Town and a positive pre-season can give fans plenty to be hopeful of come next Saturday.

 

Match Details

Silsden v Bradford Park Avenue

Friendly

Saturday 9th July

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Report

On a bright and sunny afternoon at The Office Interiors Stadium, Silsden earned a hard fought 2-1 victory over National League North side Bradford Park Avenue as we continue our pre-season preparations ahead of the 22/23 campaign.

Despite falling behind just 10 minutes in, a composed, first-half penalty from Josi Bradshaw brought the scores level before new striker Lamin Jaddeh opened his Sils account with a neat finish on 52 minutes. Winger Arale Mohamed also saw a late penalty well saved.

A strong and organised performance from Silsden against an admittedly experimental Park Avenue side, but it can certainly provide a confidence boost to both players and fans alike.

It would be the visitors who started the brighter, Cobbydaler’s keeper Matty Keen was forced into action just five minutes in, using his agility to tip over a close range effort following a corner.

Bradford would lead just a few minutes later when two unnamed trialists combined. Good work by the winger down the left allowed him space for the cross, which was simply tapped home at the back post.

Sils however, quickly looked for a way back into the game. Luke Brooksbank fired a shot narrowly wide of the post before Bradshaw used his strength to break into the area before being brought to the ground by the BPA defender.

Bradshaw, last seasons Player of the Year, stepped up and rolled his spot kick calmly into the right hand corner of the goal.

For the remainder of the half, chances were few and far between with visiting defender Luke Havern coming closest, heading just over from a freekick.

Silsden would make two changes at the break and it would be the introduction of striker Jaddeh proving instrumental as he latched on to a perfectly weighted through ball from stand-in captain Kyle Hancock. The new man kept his composure to round  keeper George Sykes-Kenworthy before slotting the ball into an empty net.

Over the next 20 minutes, both sides would go in search of the next goal. The visitors fired a number of half-chances over Keen’s crossbar, before tricky winger Mohamed also curled a decent chance over the top of the goal.

With the game in its dying minutes, Mohamed would again cause problems for the Bradford defence, his pace allowed him to latch onto a loose ball in the box before he was tripped, leaving the ref with no choice but to point to the spot for a second time.

The former Athletico man took on the responsibility himself but was unfortunate to see his penalty saved by Sykes-Kenworthy.

Despite the miss, Silsden would hold on to claim a brilliant 2-1 win and they will want to keep the winning momentum heading into Wednesday’s friendly with Nostell MW.

We can confirm our retained list ahead of the 2022/2023 season.

Arley Barnes – Centre Back/Centre Midfielder – Captain

Kyle Hancock – Centre Midfielder

Harry Thompson – Centre Midfielder

Carlton Pownall – Fullback

Finn Donovan – Winger/Attacker

Josi Bradshaw – Striker – Manager’s POTY

Antony Brown – Striker

Liam Hudson – Centre Back/Centre Midfielder

Lewis Gartland – Winger

Harry Parsons – Centre/Left Back

Delighted to have all these lads back for the new campaign!

 

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Cavanagh and Luke Lavery as the new Joint Managers of the First Team.

Matt and Luke previously managed our West Yorkshire League side to both a league title and a cup final in their debut season. During this time they recruited and developed a number of young players whilst playing exciting football and ensuring the group performed at a consistently high level.

Alongside them, defender Shaun Airey will take up a role as Assistant Coach and we plan to announce a new First Team Coach in addition to these fantastic appointments shortly.

We hope you will join us in wishing our new managerial team well, starting with some exciting plans to progress our team recruitment and get the side ready ahead of the new season.

A big thank you to everyone who attended the Awards Night on Saturday, it was a brilliant way to sign off on a season of great progress for the club. A special mention to Lee Duxbury for his role in the presentation and to singer Lianne King for providing fantastic entertainment for the night!

Another big shout out to the players, staff and supporters of all of our sides this year, as a club we are extremely proud of your hard work and dedication to Silsden AFC and grateful for you all.

Here’s the full list of all award winners from Saturday!

Ladies:

Manager’s Player – Rebecca Seward

Player’s Player – Becca Brown

Away Managers Match Point – Poppy Best

WYL:

West Yorkshire League Division 1 Champions

Golden Boot – Luke Brooksbank

Manager’s Player – Luke Brooksbank

Player’s Player – Luke Brooksbank

First Team:

Golden Boot – Jack Normanton

Young Player of the Season – Lewis Gardner

Manager’s Player – Josi Bradshaw

Player’s Player – Arley Barnes

The John McNulty Memorial Trophy – Lewis Gardner

A massive congratulations to all award winners, you all deserve it!

Full Gallery by Linda Gartland:

Silsden AFC are now inviting applications for the role of First Team Manager.

Applicants should forward their CV including qualifications, experience and any other information they feel will assist us with the decision process.

Please contact Vice Chairman John Lohan:

john.silsdenfc@hotmail.co.uk

Silsden can regretfully confirm the departure of long-serving manager Danny Forrest who will take up a role at Northern Premier League side Guiseley AFC in order to further progress his career.

We would like to thank Danny for his hard work and dedication to Silsden during his 5 and a half years of service. During this time the club were promoted back to the NWCFL Premier Division, achieved the club’s joint highest ever league finish and went on an FA Vase run; the furthest the club has ever been in the competition.

Under his management the club has made huge strides both on and off the pitch, becoming a well-established side at step 5 of the non-league pyramid.

Thank you again Danny and good luck for the future, you will always be welcome here at Silsden.

The club will be starting the recruitment process for a new Manager and will provide details of how to apply in the coming days.

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Albion Sports 3-0 Silsden AFC

Wednesday 6th April

The Citadel

Match Report

Silsden end the campaign in disappointing fashion with a 3-0 away defeat to a hard-working Albion Sports side.

Despite a first half stalemate, second half goals from Robbie Fox and Amir Berchil condemned the Cobbydalers to their third straight defeat in the league and gave the Lions a huge boost in their fight for survival.

With the result, we could potentially slip as low as 15th depending on other results around us. Whilst our opponents have moved out of the drop-zone and look set for another season in the NCEL Premier Division.

Whilst Sils did look to start on the front foot right from the first whistle, it would be the hosts who fashioned the better early chances. Within the first 10 minutes, they blazed over a glorious chance following a cut back, before Berchil smashed a shot high and wide after getting in behind.

This theme would continue throughout the first half, Berchil and former Silsden striker Mohammed Qasim’s pace were causing the defence problems as plenty of long balls came over the top. Thankfully the returning Sammy Lee was playing the role of sweeper keeper and eliminated much of the danger.

Towards the end of the half, we would fashion a chance from nothing through Ant Brown. A long, hopeful ball forward bounced towards the Albion penalty area and over the defender’s head. Brown raced onto it, but under pressure was only able to poke the ball towards goal, where Dec Lambton was able to stick out a leg and keep the scores level.

Within minutes of the restart, Albion would take the lead. A threaded pass from the left wing picked out an unmarked Fox in the box, who poked home a first time finish beyond Lee.

The Lions were in no mood to let up and soon after would double their lead. Another good pass in behind picked out Berchil again, the winger using his speed to race in behind and slot into the corner, despite the best efforts of Arley Barnes chasing him down.

As the weather worsened, so did the result for Silsden. A third goal for Albion and Berchil’s second put the game far out of our reach. In similar fashion to his first, he accelerated in behind the defence and was able to finish even with Barnes on his tail.

There was a sense of pathetic fallacy for The Cobbydalers. The heavy rain matching the disappointing result on the pitch. Whilst it may not have been the result we wanted, the lads will still have a chance to make amends next year. We thank you all for your support this season and hope you’ll be there to see what the future holds in the 22/23 campaign!