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

 

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