Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Silsden AFC 1-1 Penistone Church

Saturday 5th March

The Office Interiors Stadium – Attendance: 167

Match Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Match Details

Silsden AFC v Penistone Church

Saturday 5th March

3pm

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East League

Knaresborough Town 0-0 Silsden

Tuesday 1st March

Manse Lane

Match Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unused Subs – Gartland, Thompson, Mceneaney, Hudson.

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.