Match Details

Toolstation Northern East Counties Football League

Slisden AFC v AFC Mansfield

Saturday 12th March

3pm

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Preview

Football returns to The Office Interiors Stadium tomorrow as Silsden take on 16th placed AFC Mansfield in what is set to be a thrilling game.

Having lost 2-1 against our opponent’s local rivals Sherwood Colliery in midweek, The Cobbydalers will be looking to put things right this weekend. Although we currently sit in 11th, a win could see us climb as high as 9th should other results go our way.

Until Tuesday’s defeat, Sils were on a 5 game unbeaten run including victories over Athersley and Staveley, aswell as a valiant 2-2 draw with promotion challengers Garforth Town.

Although not the most impressive performance last time out, Silsden fans have a right to be excited about the wealth of attacking talent at Danny Forrest’s disposal. The gaffer said:

“We’ve got some real options and we’re looking a real threat up there. Brad’s (Riley) been brilliant all season, Jack’s (Normanton) chipped in with his goals, as well as Finn Donavan and adding (Ant) Browny in there is a bonus for us.”

Despite AFC Mansfield’s position in the league, the Nottinghamshire side’s defence have conceded just 48 goals this season, the lowest of any side in the bottom half of the table. Their defensive resilience has been in stark contrast to their attacking play, scoring 39 times, the 3rd lowest in the division.

While this style may not be the most exciting, Mansfield currently sit 16 points clear from relegation and just like us, will be looking to pick up momentum ahead of next season. They come into this game off the back of three consecutive draws, including a 2-2 game with rivals Sherwood Colliery.

A big boost for the visitors comes in the form of striker Ross Duggan who rejoined The Bulls from Yorkshire Amateur in mid-Febuary. His four goals against Barton Town gave his side to a 4-2 victory and he will be looking to repeat that feat at The Office Interiors Stadium this Saturday.

Our previous fixture with AFC Mansfield ended in a 2-0 win for them but the boys will be itching to set the record straight this time around and get back to winning ways following a few disappointing results in recent weeks.

You can come down and watch the game at The Office Interiors Stadium this Saturday for a 3pm kickoff. Tickets are just £6 for adults or £3 for concessions, the bar will also be open throughout the game. All support is welcomed!

 

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2021-2022

Tuesday, March 8th 2022.

SILSDEN JUST FALL SHORT IN A HIGH QUALITY COMPETITIVE GAME

 SHERWOOD COLLIERY F.C.  2  V  1 SILSDEN AFC    Att.81

Curtis 12, Belgrave 37.     Brown 85.

            The Cobbydalers travelled to Sherwood Colliery, near Mansfield, on Tuesday night after the game scheduled for January 15^th had been called off due to a frozen pitch. The present club, which was re-formed in 2008, were soon on the attack and Alfie Darke was forced to save a low shot at his near post in the opening minute. It was a feisty start from both sides, with the home side breaking at pace. Jamie York fired over the bar in the fifth minute and the pressure put on the Cobbydalers continued. Arley Barnes conceded a corner blocking Tim Gregory’s shot. The ball was partially cleared but Gareth CURTIS back-heeled it home at the back post on twelve minutes. Tim Gregory almost doubled the score two minutes later but his effort flew past the far post.

The Colliery’s centre backs were dominating, denying the Silsden forwards a sniff of a chance. The ball was moved at pace with slick interplay between the forwards. Will Northcross’ centre was cleared for a corner which Darke punched clear. The Silsden guardian was on hand again to save Lewis Belgrave’s header. Launching the ball forwards, he found Antony Brown who was denied an effort on goal. Back it came and a speculative shot flew just wide of the Silsden far post.

Silsden continued to look to feed Brown, who managed to get behind the defence for once but he was soon closed down.  Sherwood doubled their lead on thirty-seven minutes. Some slick footwork on the right from Northcross ended with his cutback being tapped home by BELGRAVE. The Cobbydalers almost pulled a goal back not long after the restart. Normanton had a shot blocked before Brown brought down a cross with one touch and rifled in a low shot; unfortunately the Wood keeper was in the right position to save it. Consecutive saves from Darke before the break kept the deficit to two.

The Cobbydalers began the second half on the attack. Sherwood keeper Josh Turton saved Jos Bradshaw’s drive before Harry Thompson’s low shot was cleared for a corner. Pressing the home defence, Normanton’s shot flew just wide of the mark. Liam Hudson, who replaced the injured Pownall, was soon in the action clearing a dangerous cross. At the other end, Brown shot across the face of goal before Illingworth was felled defending a low shot with his “lower body”! Finn Donovan replaced Normanton.

 Silsden enjoyed a spell where they pushed the Wood back. With ten minutes left, Brown headed goalwards for a cross to the back post. The ball was defected for a corner. Joe Mitchell fired over the bar. With five minutes left BROWN killed a high ball and curled it beyond the Wood keeper. 2-1. A slick move involving Gareth Curtis and Will Norcross almost led to a third for the home side which would have been harsh on the Cobbydalers, given their increased dominance in the second half.

            Colliery come to the Office Interiors Stadium next Tuesday, but before that, Silsden entertain AFC Mansfield on Saturday.

SHERWOOD COLLIERY. Turton, Lathall, Starbuck, Robson, Taylor, Belgrave(Hardwick 72), York, Norcross, Gregory, Curtis, Weaver(Burrell 78). Subs not used. Dando, Ingram, Sheppard.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Pownall(Hudson 46), McEneany, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes, Normanton(Donovan 67), Mitchell, Bradshaw, Brown, Riley(Gartland84).

Referee. Mr. P. Morton. Assistants. Mr.Dudley, Mr. Clarke.

Match Details

Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League

Sherwood Colliery v Silsden AFC

Tuesday 8th March

8pm

Debdale Park

Match Preview

Today’s midweek clash sees us back on the road as we travel down to Debdale Park, Mansfield to take on Sherwood Colliery for an 8pm kick off.

Our opponents for today are having a great season so far and sit in 5th place, just five points off that second potential promotion spot. The Nottinghamshire-based outfit have taken to this division like a duck to water following their promotion from the East Midlands Counties League.

In recent weeks our good form has seen us climb to 11th in the table and although promotion is slightly out of reach, Danny Forrest still wants his team to keep the momentum going into the final few weeks of the campaign.

Last time out, Silsden came up against a good Penistone Church side. Following a solid defensive performance, we earned a credible 1-1 draw; Josi Bradshaw smashing home a 79th minute equaliser. The return of striker Ant Brown alongside him was a welcome addition to the squad.

Brown comes back to Silsden having recently played in the Northern Premier League with Mossley, his experience will no doubt be beneficial to the team over the coming matches. The gaffer was buzzing to have him back and told us following the game:

“The opportunity to get Browny back was something we just couldn’t turn down. We’re grateful to Mossley for how they’ve handled the situation and grateful to have him in any capacity, he improves the group.”

Speaking on Brown’s partnership with Bradshaw, Forrest said:

“Him and Josi worked well together at times. Josi has been a real breath of fresh air since coming to the club and we’ve got some real talent in that forward line now.”

The Wood come into the game off the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over 14th placed Thackley last time out and will look to carry the confidence into this game. But with midweek games, fatigue can be a factor and despite that win, they have suffered defeats to both Winterton Rangers and Garforth recently. As well as a 2-2 draw with local rivals AFC Mansfield.

Another great game to look forward to tonight, Sherwood will look to continue their promotion push against a Silsden side showing grit and determination in a battle to climb the table before the end of the campaign.

 

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!