Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Eccleshill United v Silsden AFC

Tuesday 29th March

7.45pm

The Mitton Group Stadium

Match Preview

A fierce local derby awaits on Tuesday as we make the short trip into Bradford to take on rivals Eccleshill United in what looks set to be an exhilarating fixture.

Having ended that unwanted winless run in our last game against Emley, the lads travel to The Mitton Group Stadium hoping to take points from another of the leagues high-flyers; having already snatched brilliant wins and draws against the likes of Garforth and new champions Grimsby, congratulations to them on their title also.

The fixture was originally to be played on Saturday 19th February but dismal weather called that one off. Our form since that game hasn’t been the greatest whilst our opposition have managed four wins, two losses and one draw in that time period, but having faced many of the teams around them recently and still being in the hunt for promotion, the Eagles will be treating this one as a must win game.

Eccleshill are level on points with 2nd placed Winterton but behind on goal difference and with just three games to go until the end of the season, every goal scored or conceded is crucial for them, but we are all aware of how form can go out of the window when it comes to a local derby.

Our previous fixture with tomorrow’s opposition ended in a 2-1 defeat, however there will be a fierce determination to set things straight this time out. Jack Normanton got the goal in that one, as well as two goals last time out against Emley taking his tally to 26 for the campaign. Luke Aldrich tops the Eccleshill scoring charts with 22 goals in all competitions so far.

Going into the game there are a few selection headaches for Danny. Ant Brown is currently suspended following his dismissal at Maltby last week but he will be available again for the final game of the season. Regular goalkeepers Kyle Welsh and Alfie Darke have also suffered injuries and will be unlikely to return in time for Tuesday’s game.

Stepping into their boots, or should we say gloves, is new signing George Dalton. Having been registered before the game on Saturday, Dalton had a great debut, keeping a clean sheet and making a number of good saves throughout the course of the game, including this one caught on camera by the Emley fans behind the goal…

🙌🙌 https://t.co/2clnqooxNl

— Silsden AFC (@SilsdenAFC) March 27, 2022

Having climbed up to 12th with our win, a top half finish is now firmly in our sights. On the other hand, Eccleshill’s promotion push relies on them picking up as many points as possible in their remaining games, especially considering the form of the other teams around them. Either way, we’re sure to be in for a real thriller of a derby tomorrow!

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Emley AFC 0-2 Silsden AFC

Saturday 26th March

The Fantastic Media Welfare Ground – Att: 272

Match Report

Silsden came out with a 2-0 victory away to an in-form Emley side at the Welfare Ground on Saturday.

A brace from top-scorer Jack Normanton either side of half time gave the Cobbydalers the three points, also putting an end to a seven game winless run.

With the game falling on Non-League Day, a crowd of 272 gathered to watch the exciting affair, with both sides creating plenty, but the hosts just lacking a clinical final touch when posed with chances.

The early exchanges in the first 15 minutes saw neither side create a clear cut opportunity. Emley had the first shot of the game with George Doyle getting an effort away on the turn, but it was easily saved by keeper George Dalton.

Dalton, making his debut for Silsden was kept busy by the hosts, first clawing away a long, threatening through ball and then holding on to a low strike.

At the other end, Normanton was causing problems for the Pewits’ defence. His trademark runs in behind were putting pressure on both goalkeeper and centre backs. One of these runs found him one on one with Sam Kelly in the Emley goal, but it would be the latter who came out on top, smothering the ball as Normanton looked to dribble past him.

End-to-end opportunities fell to both sides as the half neared its end, Finn Donovan fired a shot over from the edge of the box and Dalton was again called into action, springing across his goal to push away a fierce drive from distance.

It would be the Cobbydalers who went into half time with the lead when a smart corner routine saw the ball drop out to the edge for Normanton, his strike took a deflection before nestling in the top corner to give the visitors the lead. A welcome goal for the striker who has been on a dry spell since the Athersley game at the end of February.

Emley’s Kane Swinburn almost brought the scores level just three minutes after the resumption. A nice touch took him past Carlton Pownall but he dragged his low shot wide of the post, much to the dismay of the home supporters behind the goal.

The hosts would again come close to an equaliser a few moments later. Doyle unleashing a long-range drive that Dalton could only parry into the path of an onrushing Joe Kenny, who blazed his shot over the crossbar when he really should have converted.

Despite the chances, it would be Silsden who doubled their lead on 60 minutes. Normanton chased a hopeful long ball and received the luck his persistent running deserved. The Emley defence allowed the ball to pass over their heads, Normanton beat Sam Kelly in a 50/50, leaving him to head into the empty net.

Things almost got even better for the Cobbydalers soon after, skipper Arley Barnes unleashed a rocket of a strike from 30 yards that thundered back off the crossbar. Such a shame for Barnes as that would have really been the icing on the cake for Silsden.

With the game coming to a close, the Pewits chased a goal and weren’t too far away on multiple occasions. Both Doyle and Sam Pashley heading wide from a free kick and a corner respectively.

Having conceded in all 6 of their previous games, the Silsden defence were desperate to keep the clean sheet and they did just that, seeing out the remaining minutes without any real issues. The centre half partnership of Harry Parsons and Dan Walker both looked solid as a pairing.

The happiness on the Silsden players faces was there to see as the final whistle blew and they can head into the final 3 fixtures of the campaign with a newly rebuilt confidence, starting with the trip to Eccleshill on Tuesday.

Silsden Lineup: Dalton, Pownall, Gardner, Parsons, Walker, Barnes, Normanton (Hudson,88), Mitchell (Thompson,78), Bradshaw, Donovan (Hancock,73), Riley

Unused Subs: Gartland, Illingworth

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Emley AFC v Silsden AFC

Saturday 26th March

3pm

The Fantastic Media Welfare Ground

Match Preview

Silsden make the trip to The Welfare Ground to take on Emley AFC this Saturday for Non-League Day. With the international break in full swing, fans of Premier League and Championship teams are encouraged to come down and support their local side.

Whilst both sides are part of the mid-table pack, it is hosts Emley who sit higher in 10th, currently on a four game winning streak and looking to continue climbing further into the top half. By contrast, the Cobbydalers are without a win in seven, although this poor run has only seen them slip to 13th in the table.

Earlier in the season, the two teams drew 2-2 in what was an exciting encounter for both sets of fans. A late equaliser from Jack Normanton that day gave us our share of the spoils. We will be hoping for a full three points this weekend as the lads look to stop the rot and bring themselves back into form before the campaign ends on the 6th April.

There will be plenty of familiar faces for both teams with two Silsden players returning to face their former teammates. Josi Bradshaw and Finn Donovan have both turned out for the Pewits in the past and will be hopeful of a happy return to the Welfare Ground on Saturday. Our former striker Joe Jagger also now turns out for Emley and has scored 12 goals for them since making the move midway through this season.

Although Silsden suffered a 6-0 loss last time out, the lads will be looking to set things right in this one. The team earned credit from Winterton for continuing to fight right until the final whistle and it will be that grit and determination that will set us up for an exciting game this time out.

Unfortunately for Emley, their new found form has come just too late in the season to mount a promotion challenge, however the results certainly bode well for next season where it is likely they will be in the hunt if they can retain the core of their squad and make some suitable additions.

With top half finishes still possible for both teams, expect a brilliant battle for the win and with big crowds expected for Non-League day, there’s even more incentive to pick up the three points in this one!

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Winterton Rangers v Silsden AFC

Wednesday 23rd March

8pm

MKM Stadium

Match Preview

Following our 1-1 with Maltby Main last Saturday, we make the midweek trip to Scunthorpe to take on high flying Winterton Rangers this Wednesday.

Rangers are the leagues in-form side with 10 wins on the bounce, the first of the run coming with their 2-1 win over us at the end of January. Conversely, Silsden are without a win in six, but having ended our losing streak last weekend, theres a chance for confidence to be rebuilt.

In terms of the 2-1 defeat against Wednesday’s opponents, Jack Normanton was our goal scorer that day and he’ll be looking to re-find the goal scoring form that sees him sit second in the scoring charts this season, having not scored in six.

The division’s leading scorer Josh Walker will be the opposition’s player to watch having scored 28 times this campaign, one of those coming in our previous fixture with Rangers. His goals have propelled them up to 4th but with a game in hand on the two sides above them, Winterton could move into that second place promotion spot with a win tomorrow.

Striker Ant Brown will be available for the game despite his sending off on Saturday, however his 3 game suspension will begin following tomorrow’s fixture. Brown will be a real miss considering his impact on the team in the recent weeks since his return, but his absence gives his chance for someone else to step up with Finn Donovan, Jack Normanton or Lewis Gartland all possibilities  to make the move up front.

Whilst we currently sit in 13th in the league, just eight points separate us and 7th place meaning any team currently sitting in mid-table could quite easily climb higher by stringing a few wins together. Expect plenty of table movement before the season comes to its conclusion in just a few weeks time.

This game is one of two remaining fixtures against teams in the top five, the other being the rearranged fixture with local rivals Eccleshill next week. The other matches see us take on Emley and Goole, both midtable, aswell as relegation threatened Albion Sports.

We hope to see as many of you as possible over the coming weeks as we look to re-find the form we know that we’re capable of and climb the table, starting with this difficult fixture at Winterton Rangers.

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Maltby Main 1-1 Silsden AFC

Saturday 19th March

Muglet Lane

Match Report

Silsden and Maltby Main played out an entertaining 1-1 at Muglet Lane on Saturday with both sides creating plenty but just lacking a cutting edge.

A fine finish from Maltby midfielder Connor Cutts on 14 minutes was quickly cancelled out by an own goal just 15 minutes later. The other key event would see Silsden striker Ant Brown sent off in the dying seconds after retaliating to an off the ball incident.

Whilst the draw means both sides put an end to their three game losing streaks, the Cobbydalers are still without a win in six and a midweek trip to the leagues in-form side Winterton Rangers in their next game will certainly prove to be a tough task.

It would be the visitors who started the brightest on a sunny day in South Yorkshire, Finn Donovan forcing an early save from Miners’ keeper Hugo Warhurst before midfielder Joe Mitchell sent a speculative effort high and wide.

Despite the pitch being a little bobbly, Silsden were playing some decent football, fashioning chances for Brown who was looking a threat up top, but his shots were blocked and saved on two separate occasions.

At the other end, Maltby were also taking advantage of a disorganised Sils defence. A warning sign came when Rieves Boocock flashed an effort just wide. The warning wasn’t heeded and the visitors found themselves behind on 14 minutes when Connor Cutts smashed home a half volley following a hopeful ball over the top.

The goal changed the flow of the game, with the defence still in disarray, Maltby pushed for a second and forced a number of saves from Darke including an excellent double stop, first parrying a low drive before sticking out a leg to deny the rebound.

Whilst the hosts looked to have begun controlling the game, the Cobbydalers would snatch an equaliser. Brad Riley and Lewis Gardner linked up well on the left allowing the young full back to unleash a fierce shot towards goal. The ball may have been travelling wide until Maltby captain Joe Austin threw his body to block the shot but inadvertently turned the ball beyond his own goalkeeper.

Just moments later Silsden would come mightily close to taking the lead. Brown again wreaking havoc in the hosts penalty area and forcing a save from Warhurst before the ball dropped to Riley who smashed a deflected effort narrowly over.

But the visitors wouldn’t be out of the woods just yet, Darke was called into action yet again just before the turn of the half and he responded making a good low save, it would then be Dan Illingworth’s turn to become a hero, his brilliantly-timed sliding challenge dispossessing the attacker just as it looked he would be in on goal.

With the first half being such an end to end encounter, the stage was set for the second half as both sides looked to push for a second goal. The Miners hit the front first, Darke producing a rather unorthodox diving save to force a low shot over his crossbar, before Sils came back through Brown whose looping effort fell into the keepers arms.

As the second half continued, the chances seemed to slow down slightly, Silsden fired a few shots straight at the keeper and Donovan looked to have been baring down one on one before a heavy touch took the ball away from him.

The Cobbydalers would survive a late scare when a powerful header rebounded of the inside of the post before the ever-dependable Illingworth got back on the line to clear the danger.

With the game coming into its final moments there would be an altercation between Brown and Maltby’s Morgan James. James tripped the Silsden man and he retaliated, pushing his head towards the Miners player. With the referee having only seen Brown’s offence, he was sent off and will be suspended for three games following Wednesday’s fixture with Winterton.

Despite the man advantage, there was no time for any other action in the game and the spoils were shared. The result sees Silsden climb to 13th in the table whilst Maltby drop to 9th.

Silsden Lineup: Darke, Pownall (Parsons,80), Gardner, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes, Donovan, Mitchell (Hancock,60), Bradshaw, Brown, Riley (Normanton,70)

Unused Subs: Gartland, Hudson

Maltby Lineup: Warhurst, Thwaites, Whitfield, Hough, Austin, Hill, Boocock, Williams, Hardwick, Cutts, Chipps

Subs: James, Swaine, Algar, Clark, Jordan

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Maltby Main v Silsden AFC

Saturday 19th March

3pm

Muglet Lane

Match Preview

Silsden make the trip down to South Yorkshire to take on Maltby Main later on today. Muglet Lane plays host to this one, with kick off at 3pm.

Off the back of three straight defeats, we are looking to bounce back and re-find the form that saw us climb as high as 11th just a few weeks ago.

Similarly, Maltby also find themselves on a 3 game losing streak, having suffered defeats to Goole and Penistone Church. The latter having beaten them twice in just over a week.

With both sides looking to pick up a win to put an end to their bad form, we could be in for a thrilling tie today. Our last fixture with the Miners ended in an exciting 2-2 draw at The Office Interiors Stadium, a last minute equaliser snatching us a point in that one.

In terms of players to keep an eye on today, Brad Riley picked up his 5 goal of the season last time out. The tricky winger will be looking to add to his tally in this one and his link up play with Josi Bradshaw certainly seems to be effective in forging chances for the team. Our opposition today boast one of the divisions best penalty takers in the form of Jonathan Williams, 9 out of his 15 strikes this campaign have come from the spot, singling the midfielder out as a real threat from 12 yards.

Our opposition today find themselves in 7th position in the league and whilst promotion is mathematically out of the equation for the South Yorkshire side, every team still harbours ambitions to finish as high as possible. A result today would see the side consolidate their table position.

Whilst we currently sit in 14th, there are only six points separating us and Maltby up in 7th. Having also played less games than the majority of teams around us, today is a brilliant chance to climb the table and keep pushing before the culmination of the campaign.

We hope to see as many of you as possible making the trip down to Muglet Lane today but should you not be able to make it, our WYL side are also hosting Huddersfield Amateur in the Semi-Finals of the county cup at 2pm!

 

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Silsden AFC 1-3 Sherwood Colliery

Tuesday 15th March

The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 117

Match Report

Silsden were unfortunate to lose 3-1 against a quality Sherwood Colliery side at The Office Interiors Stadium on Tuesday night.

Sherwood took a first half lead and despite the Cobbydalers equalising through Brad Riley, they couldn’t hold on and two late goals snatched the win for the visitors.

This result means Silsden have now lost three games on the bounce and It was their second defeat to the Wood in just over a week.

Silsden started the game well with some good passing interplay in promising areas but many of the final passes ended up in the  Sherwood keeper Joe McCormack’s gloves.

The visitors would miss a guilt-edge chance after just 12 minutes, a slip up from Dan Illingworth allowed winger Tim Gregory to break through, but his cutback evaded the men in the centre before finding its way to the back post. Somehow the finish would be blazed over, much to the relief of the Sils defence.

Minutes later, a lucky break would see Jack Normanton with space on the right-hand side, but the bobble on the pitch meant his shot flew wide of the target.

As with the last weeks fixture against Sherwood, it would be the Nottinghamshire side who took a first half lead, a tight call for offside but the defence switched off. This allowed Lewis Weaver to bear down on Alfie Darke and despite getting a toe to it, the Silsden shot stopper couldn’t prevent the ball finding the back of the net.

There would be plenty of chances as the half came towards to its conclusion, a cross-shot fizzed across Darke’s goal but came to nothing. He would then be forced into action in quick succession, first pushing away a free kick before making a fine diving save following a half volley.

Whilst the Cobbydalers still pushed, it would be the Wood who continued to threaten on the counter, Weaver took the ball around Darke but Illingworth recovered spectacularly to make the block on the line.

Silsden would begin the second half the brighter, finding space and playing some nice passes. The final ball just couldn’t find its way through however and the visitors looked happy to sit back and absorb some of the pressure.

The positive start to the half then continued as Josi Bradshaw almost nicked in behind, only to be thwarted by a great challenge from Sherwood centre half Ewan Robson. This was then followed up with a Silsden penalty shout after Normanton went down in the box but the referee quickly waved away the protests.

An equaliser would come on 66 minutes, neat passing in the final third and an innovative flick from Bradshaw found Brad Riley. The winger kept his composure and slotted his shot low beyond McCormack.

With their tails up, The Cobbydalers kept pressing and came close just a minute later, Finn Donovan firing his snapshot just wide. Not long after, Normanton then also tested the keeper with a low drive following some good footwork on the right.

Sherwood almost retook the lead when a scramble in the 6-yard box saw the ball slid towards goal but into the hands of the grateful Darke. More brilliant defending from Silsden would prevent the visitors scoring again, Harry Thompson this time making the crucial block from a corner.

But the Cobbydalers couldn’t hold on to the draw. In the dying moments the ball was worked out to Liam West on the left and his measured shot nestled in the corner to give Sherwood the lead.

The visitors would add a third goal just a minute later, the ball dropped out to the edge of the box for Jamie York to rifle past Darke, all but confirming that the 3 points would return to Mansfield.

A disappointing result for Silsden but they have the chance to put things right as they make the trip to South Yorkshire to take on Maltby Main on Saturday, with the hope that they can put an end to their six game winless run.

Silsden Lineup – Darke, Pownall, Gardner, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes (c), Normanton, Mitchell, Bradshaw, Donovan, Riley

Unused Subs – Gartland, Parsons, Hudson, Forrest, Stein

Sherwood Colliery Lineup – McCormack, Shaw (c), Starbuck, Robson, Taylor, Belgrave, York, Norcross, Gregory, Curtis, Weaver.

Subs – Ingram, Newby, West, Homer, Savage

We are sorry to announce the departure of long-serving player Mark Everingham today.

The versatile fullback joined the club in March 2017 and was part of the record breaking side that won promotion from the North West Counties First Division in 2017/18.

Since joining the club, Mark has made 112 appearances, scoring 4 goals along the way. Becoming a real fan favourite at the Office Interiors Stadium.

Danny Forrest spoke very highly of him:

“On behalf of Silsden AFC I’d like to thank Mark for everything he’s done for the club over the last 5 years.”

“Evo was one of my first ever signings and his commitment and dedication to the cause was an example to everyone. I can count on one hand how many times he’s missed training in those 5 years!”

“He is a great player and has played a huge part in our journey over recent years. We’re all sad to see him go and we wish him all the best”

Thank you and good luck for the future Evo!

 

Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Silsden AFC v Sherwood Colliery

Tuesday 15th March

8pm

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

Silsden take on familiar opponents in the form of Sherwood Colliery this Tuesday, making it the 2nd game in just over a week that the two sides have met.

Last Tuesday’s game saw the Nottinghamshire outfit come away as 2-1 winners following first half goals from Gareth Curtis and Lewis Belgrave. Despite a late goal from Ant Brown, his first since his return, Sils just didn’t have enough to grab an equaliser.

That defeat was followed by Saturday’s disappointment against AFC Mansfield, a goal just three minutes in condemning us to our second consecutive defeat and without a win in four.

Those performances should be the kick the lads need to battle back and return to winning ways in the next fixture. Rotation in the attacking positions could be a possibility with Danny Forrest admitting he’s lucky to have so many “options in the forward line”.

In recent weeks rotation has been necessary with the build up of fixtures and thats likely to continue until the end of the season. Top scorer Jack Normanton has been utilised both up front and on the right wing in the past few games, whilst rotation between Harry Thompson and Kyle Hancock has kept legs fresh in the centre of midfield.

The Silsden player to keep an eye on for this game is Lewis Gardner whose marauding runs from left back have created plenty of problems for opponents in recent weeks and he’ll be looking to create more chances on Tuesday.

Following their 2-1 win over us last week, the visitors went on to beat Staveley MW 3-0 on Saturday, a result which has seen them climb to 4th in the table, just two points of that all important potential second promotion spot. They also have a game in hand on 2nd placed Garforth, so there’s no doubt The Wood will be up for this one.

Whilst our recent form has seen us drop to 14th in the table, the objective is of course still to finish as strong as possible. With 21 points still up for grabs and plenty of games in hand on the teams around us, a top-half finish could still be a potential possibility should the lads re-find the form that had seen them climb as high as 11th just a few games ago.

 

Match Details

Toolstation East Counties Football League

Silsden AFC 0-1 AFC Mansfield

Saturday 12th March

The Office Interiors Stadium – Attendance: 121

Match Report

Silsden fell to a 1-0 defeat to AFC Mansfield at The Office Interiors Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A first half goal from the visitors handing them the victory.

Despite creating a few half-chances, Sils couldn’t find an equaliser leaving them winless in their previous four matches and seeing them drop to 14th in the table.

The visitors would take an early lead when a miscommunication in defence saw a long ball float over the Sils defence. Keeper Alfie Darke didn’t come to claim it leaving Mansfield striker Luke Walker to poke home.

Silsden would put the ball in the net just six minutes later when a long ball found Ant Brown, unfortunately his measured finish was ruled offside.They would again come close just two minutes later, winger Jack Normanton’s neat footwork gave him a yard of space and his shot narrowly deflected wide. The resulting corner was also headed just over by Dan Illingworth.

The Cobbydalers pressed hard for an equaliser, a smart turn from Brown allowed him to get a shot away but it rebounded off the post before Joe Mitchell fired wide with a shot from the edge of the box.

Limited chances fell to either side for the remainder of the half, a Normanton free kick hit the wall and another Mitchell strike from a tight angle was held by Mansfield keeper Adam Revuelta meaning Sils would go into the break a goal down.

The early second half exchanges would continue in the same vein as the end of the first, neither side really created anything and the game descended into back and forth possession for both sides.

It would be The Bulls who created the first chance of the half on 67 minutes when a mistake from Illingworth allowed Walker through once again but his powerful strike flew wide of the post.

Silsden wouldn’t be discouraged however, Brown headed a cross back into the path of Arley Barnes who sliced his volley upwards rather than goal-bound much to the dismay of the Silsden skipper. Lewis Gardner continued to provide a threat from left full back, driving forward and causing problems for the Mansfield defence. His hard work going unrewarded however as Silsden struggled to fashion clear chances.

On 80 minutes another smart touch from Brown allowed him the space to turn but his shot drifted agonisingly wide of the right hand post and so despite their best efforts, Sils were unable to find the equaliser and the game would finish 1-0 to the visitors. A disappointing performance from Silsden who will look to bounce back as they face Sherwood Colliery at The Office Interiors Stadium on Tuesday.

Silsden Lineup – Darke, Pownall, Gardner, Thompson (Hancock, 68), Illingworth (Gartland, 86), Barnes (c), Normanton (Donovan, 68), Mitchell, Bradshaw, Brown, Riley

Unused Subs – Hudson, Mceneaney

AFC Mansfield Lineup – Revuelta, McKenna, Sketchley, Rajter, D’Laryea, Cropper (c), Mays (Hobson, 77), Batty, Karkach (Pipes, 74), Walker, Greenham.

Unused Subs – Gibb, Buxton