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!
Match Details
Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League
Albion Sports v Silsden AFC
Wednesday 6th April
7.45pm
The Citadel Stadium
Match Preview
Silsden return to Bradford for the second time in a week as we face Albion Sports at The Citadel in our final game of the season.
Tomorrow’s opponents currently sit in the relegation zone with 30 points, level on points with 18th placed Hemsworth MW and with a game in hand, The Lions need a crucial 3 points from either of their final two games in order to make themselves safe.
Even if a side finishes 19th however, relegation isn’t necessarily confirmed. This due to the Staveley Miners Welfare requesting to be voluntarily relegated. They are still waiting on the league’s decision as to what division they will play in as of next season.
In their previous three games, Albion have picked up one win, one draw and one defeat. To support their efforts to climb out of the bottom two, they have signed no less than six new players since mid-March and will be hoping these new faces can inspire them to a result on Saturday.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 2-1 defeat for Sils but the lads will be hoping to put things right this time around. A poor result last time out against Goole should also motivate the boys to get back on the horse and end the season on a high.
Having started his first ever game for Silsden on Saturday after originally playing for the club as a youth player, Lewis Gartland will be hopeful of another start this time out. The tricky left winger looked confident on the ball but was limited to few chances against a solid Goole defence.
In terms of selection news, Ant Brown is allowed to return to the side having served his three game suspension, a welcome boost for Danny Forrest who has been grateful for the new mans presence since his return to us from Mossley just a month ago.
Keeper George Dalton is also likely to keep his place between the sticks with Darke and Welsh on the sidelines, but Sam Lee is also a possibility. Dalton’s form since joining has been impressive, a clean sheet on debut and a penalty save last time out, he’s been a real welcome boost to the side since joining us.
While a top half finish is now practically out of reach, it’s important for the lads to keep their focus in this final game of the season. Ending the campaign on a high is great for confidence heading into the summer break and ultimately next years competition.
Elsewhere, our WYL are heading to Woodlesford for the West Riding County Challenge Cup Final. Should they win, Silsden will become the first side to have both the first and the reserve team win the competition!
Match Details
Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League
Silsden AFC 0-1 Goole AFC
Saturday 2nd April
The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 201
Match Report
An intense mid-table clash at The Office Interiors Stadium saw Goole run out 1-0 winners against Silsden.
An early Viking’s goal would end up giving them the win after both sides saw second half penalties saved, with the host’s opportunity from the spot coming right at the end of the game.
Silsden had a late spell where they looked like they might snatch an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be for the Cobbydalers who fall to 13th following the defeat.
Within less than ten minutes, Goole took the lead through Sam Cable who headed home from close range, a poor start for from the hosts.
The visitors looked to double their lead over the next few minutes, they struck a free kick straight into George Dalton’s arms and soon after delivered a teasing ball across the six yard box. Thankfully no one was there to convert, much to the relief of the Silsden defence.
Long balls over the top seemed to be a real issue for the defence due to the high line they were holding, both Luke Williams and Marcel Chipamunga failing to capitalise on the chances presented to them.
Neither side created anything clear cut before half time, one chance fell to the Cable who fired over on the volley, then Dan Walker’s header from a Lewis Gardner cross was also comfortable for the keeper.
Within a minute of the second half getting underway, Walker would give away a penalty following a trip on the Goole striker. It would be Dalton who won the battle of wits with Cable however, getting down low brilliantly to prevent a visitor’s second.
That save was what the Cobbydalers needed, and they began to push forward. An effort from Arley Barnes following a corner was saved comfortably by Zainewski.
Silsden were starting to play some nice football, but were struggling to create chances. Normanton’s dangerous free kick from the right fizzed across the box but unfortunately no one was there to get a telling touch.
A few more shots came in from both Gartland, making his first ever start for Silsden, and Normanton but neither troubled the keeper, with the latter’s strike flying wide of the post from range.
Riley would have another chance for the hosts, outmuscling his man on the right of the area, but having the ball nicked away from him before he could get his shot away.
The chances were coming thick and fast, Bradshaw found himself in behind but a brilliant recovery tackle sent the ball for a corner, the result of which saw Walker head towards goal but a good save from the keeper preserved Goole’s lead. The visitors were beginning to feel the pressure, another shot from Bradshaw missed just wide of the top right corner.
A mistake from centre half Harry Parsons then allowed Williams one on one with Dalton, but he stood up tall and prevented the winger going round him, great work from the new shot stopper.
With the potential for one dramatic twist to the tale, Silsden would win a late penalty after a driving run from Gardner. Kyle Hancock stepped up and fired his spot kick low to his left, only to see it saved by the keeper.
Despite all that late drama, the Vikings would hold on to their lead and climb above Silsden in the table. The Cobbydalers travel to Albion for their final game of the season on Wednesday.
Silsden Lineup: Dalton, Pownall, Gardner, Parsons, Walker, Barnes (Donovan, 69), Normanton (Hancock, 80), Hudson, Bradshaw, Thompson, Gartland (Riley, 69)
Unused Subs: Mitchell, Stein
Match Details
Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League
Silsden AFC v Goole AFC
Saturday 2nd April
The Office Interiors Stadium
Match Preview
Saturday sees Silsden make the long awaited return to The Office Interiors Stadium as we host Goole in our final home fixture of the season.
Having played away in our previous four matches, it will be great for the lads to be back on familiar turf. Over the course of our four away trips we’ve picked up four points from a possible 12, but two of our fixtures have come against high quality sides battling for the play-off spots in the form of Winterton and Eccleshill.
Our recent form has us sat 12th in the table, level on points but one place above today’s opponents Goole. With just two games to go, it is possible to climb up the 8th in the table, however that would massively depend on other results around us going our way.
There are plenty of sides in the midtable mix however and with teams around us having some tough fixtures around us, who knows what could happen come the final day.
Last time out we travelled to Eccleshill and were defeated by three second half goals from The Eagles. Similarly, Goole are coming off the back of a defeat to struggling Albion Sports, a side who we face in our final fixture on Wednesday. Our visitors lost 2-1 in that one.
Unfortunately Ant Brown is still out suspended, however some good news comes with the return of Lewis Gardner at left back, having missed the derby on Wednesday. This should also allow the skipper Arley Barnes to return to a more natural position, either in the centre of midfield or at centre half.
For the Vikings, top scorer Sam Cable is the one to watch, with 14 strikes this campaign, he’ll be looking to add to his tally for the season. His last two goals came in a 2-1 over Eccleshill in mid February.
So as we head into our final home game of the campaign, we hope to see as many of you as possible on Saturday and we hope you’ll enjoy the fine football on display!
Match Details
Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League
Eccleshill United 3-1 Silsden AFC
Tuesday 29th March
The Mitton Group Stadium
Match Report
Silsden fell to a 3-1 defeat away to Eccleshill United on Tuesday night. Despite leading 1-0 at half time, three second half goals gave the Eagles the win.
Josi Bradshaw opened the scoring on seven minutes but goals from Jonny Irving, Sam Bradley and Luke Aldrich moved the hosts up to 2nd in the league, whilst we remain 12th.
In truth, Eccleshill controlled the game for the majority and limited us to few chances, particularly in the second half where the defence were put under almost constant pressure.
The game did start brightly for Sils, after seven minutes an early corner was worked short for Jack Normanton. His low shot was spilt by the keeper and Bradshaw was on hand to turn the ball into the net, a real poachers effort from the number 9.
Eccleshill reacted well to going behind, forcing a number of corners that were well dealt with by the Silsden defence. Captain Arley Barnes, playing as a makeshift left back, was fortunate not to put past his own goalkeeper when a looping header drifted narrowly wide of the post, much to the relief of both him and George Dalton in goal.
Whilst Bradshaw did get one on one with the keeper at one point before seeing the ball nicked away from him, the hosts continued to pile forward as they pressed for an equaliser, Dalton being called into action to push a snapshot over. An Eccleshill strike then rattled the crossbar before the Silsden keeper made a good save from the rebound on the verge of half time.
The second half continued in the same vein, with the hosts finding their equaliser on 55 minutes. A mistake at the back allowed Irving in behind and he made no mistake, slotting the ball beyond an onrushing Dalton.
They would take the lead just 10 minutes later. A cross looped into the box and an instinctive finish on the volley put us 2-1 down. With possible promotion at stake, the Eagles didn’t take their foot off the gas and would add a third through Luke Aldrich. He brought down a long ball brilliantly, had one more touch to open himself up and then fired beyond Dalton.
There were no real chances to speak of as the game came to its conclusion, the score ending 3-1. Eccleshill showed why they are fighting for promotion this campaign. The boys will hope to bounce back on Saturday when we host Goole at home in the penultimate game of the season.
Hope to see you all there!
Silsden Lineup: Dalton, Pownall, Barnes (c), Hancock, Walker, Parsons, Normanton, Mitchell (Hudson, 83), Bradshaw, Donovan (Thompson, 70), Riley (Gartland, 83)
Unused Subs: Stein, Illingworth
