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

Saturday, November 13th 2021

SILSDEN AFC 2 V 2 EMLEY AFC

                Normanton 28, 83.            Charlton 6, Doyle 57.  Att. 217

DEJA VU FOR THE COBBYDALERS WITH ANOTHER HOME DRAW

The Cobbydalers game against Emley on Saturday was similar in pattern and conclusion to the match against Maltby Main a week ago, Silsden conceding the lead twice and twice drawing level. A look at the league table shows that, at home, it’s 1 win, 3 draws and 4 defeats. In contrast, the away record shows 5 victories and 2 defeats.  The midweek defeat at Campion in the County Cup was on a par with the defeats in The FA Cup and FA Vase, all being in the opening rounds.

Jack Normanton was back in the team on Saturday and was immediately in the action forcing the keeper to dive low to his left to deny the Cobbydalers the opener. However, five minutes later Emley took the lead. Right back Sam Pashley broke up the right and managed to get to the Silsden by-line to cross to Callum CHARLTON, the left back, to slot the ball home. When Silsden defenders broke up other attacks, they often looked for outlets, with the some of the forwards waiting for the ball rather than coming for it when marked. When Ben Clarkson and Bradley Riley did get the ball the game was slowed down. Fortunately Normanton was back to his best, not only creating chances with his pace, but also tracking back when Emley had the ball.

On sixteen minutes Emley almost notched a second, James Ngoe heading wide as the ball was curled over Lee’s far post. Two minutes later Riley managed to send the ball over to Mo Qasim, whose shot was tipped over the bar by Gary Stevens, whist at the other end, Emley’s Joe Jagger fired over the Silsden crossbar!

The equaliser came on twenty-eight minutes when skipper Barnes sent NORMANTON away. His pace took him into the box where he slid the ball home. George Doyle, at the other end, should have restored the visitor’s lead but headed wide, with the goal at his mercy. Barnes almost put Silsden in the driving street at the other end when Riley fed Normanton, who crossed into the Emley box. After a cross from Qasim, the ball was deflected for a corner. Illingworth’s header just cleared the bar. A fearsome free-kick from Normanton was blocked by the defensive wall. The half came to an end with Charlton almost notching a second for the visitors.

       The start of the second half saw Silsden on the front foot. When an in-swinger came across from the wing, Riley had the chance to put Silsden in the lead but wasted the opportunity, trying to get onto his favoured foot. A swift break from Emley’s forwards, involving Jagger, George Doyle and Lennon O’Grady, ended with the latter firing over the bar. A minute later it was 2-1 to the visitors, DOYLE heading in the net unchallenged.

      

       Danny Forrest brought himself on for Clarkson, bringing some pace and experience into the forward line. Immediately Silsden attacked, with Qasim curling an effort just wide. Forrest then sent Qasim through but he was halted by a heavy challenge. The visitors counter-attacked but Joe Mitchell cleared the danger. When Illingworth slid a pin-point ball through to Forrest, only Stevens denied the player-manager a goal.

       With twenty minutes left the game could have gone either way. Khurram Shazad replaced Riley. Immediately the substitute, receiving the ball from Moses, crossed to Forrest, who headed wide. Shazad had an even better chance to equalize minutes later when set up by Qasim, but failed to hit the target.

       On eighty minutes Danae Lawrence broke free, with only Lee to beat. Lee dived to his left to save the day. Immediately the ball was moved up the pitch and NORMANTON was on it in a flash, to level the scores, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. Silsden pushed for a winner. Normanton just couldn’t get a clear contact on a through ball then a brilliant run by Qasim ended with his effort shaving the outside of the post.

       Probably a fair result but plenty for the management team to mull over, particularly when the opponents have the ball. When that happens everyone should think defensively! But there are always some positives. With Matty Moses and Mark Everingham back in the team, one can only wish them the best after such a long time out of the game, robbing them of playing time when they should have been enjoying their prime years. Good luck guys.

       Next Saturday it’s another home game! Albion Sports are the visitors.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Everingham, Moses, Thompson, Illingworth, Barnes(c), Qasim, Mitchell, Clarkson (Forrest 58), Riley (Shazad 73), Normanton. Subs not used. McEneaney, Hancock, Fenton.

EMLEY AFC. Stevens, Pashley, Charlton, Price (c), (Bennett 58), Riordan, Leech, Ngoe(Tweddle 58), Lawrence, Jagger, Doyle(Blakey 86), O’Grady. Subs not used. Sykes, Thomas

Referee. Mr. A. Ficetola. Assistants. Mr. G. Paterson and Mr. K. Moore

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

Saturday, November 6th 2021

SILSDEN AFC 2 V 2 MALTBY MAIN

Qasim 47, 95                                     Hill 39, Gibson 65     Att. 101

QASIM DOUBLE GIVE COBBYDALERS A SHARE OF THE SPOILS

On a foul afternoon, with a howling gale blowing towards the clubhouse, the Cobbydalers managed to equalise in the ninety-fifth minute when Mo QASIM netted his second. Silsden, who were out played for much of the game were indebted to keeper Sammy Lee for keeping them in the game.

       Silsden were facing the wind in the opening half and, in the first few minutes, Shaun Airey conceded possession on the edge of the penalty area. Lee managed to tip Reagan Waud’s shot over the bar. The ball was crossed in and Lee was injured in a crowded penalty area. He recovered and managed to flick the ball over for another corner. Chandler Gibson looked certain to break the deadlock with low drive but Airey blocked for a corner.

       The Miners broke through the Silsden midfield with some ease. Danny Forrest had left Joe Mitchell on the bench, breaking up the midfield duo with Kyle Hancock. The Miners were able launch attack after attack. Gibson was again denied by Airey but it was Lee who was keeping Silsden in the game.

       Silsden’s first sortie forwards came on fifteen minutes, Qasim seeing his low shot cleared. The pressure continued with Morgan James, on the Miner’s left, seeing his cross-cum-shot shave the far post. His next cross skidded wide before Barnes blocked another effort.

       It had taken twenty minutes for the Cobbydalers to build a second attack but Khurram Shazad just held the ball too long and was closed down. Brad Riley then managed to slide a through ball to Qasim but the ball caught on the wind. Riley’s next sortie came to nought as he was caught in possession but the Cobbydalers’ best chance came when Khurram Shazad slipped a ball through to Ben Clarkson but he was quickly closed down by Connor Cutts. Airey lost possession in his own area but managed to recover before Lee saw his goal-kick carried back into his own area. The Miners were making good use of the wind. Jones cut in from the left only to curl his effort wide of Lee’s far post then the Silsden guardian managed to punch Williams’ effort clear.

Finally the deadlock was broken. Waud burst past Airey and Barnes was forced to concede a corner. Jonathan HILL curled the in-swinger in at the near post to give the Miner’s the lead six minutes from the break. Silsden managed to hold on until the half-time whistle.

Expectations were raised after the break with a free-flowing move between Parsons, Shazad and Qasim. A free-kick followed and the ball was slid into the path of QASIM who, in the melee, put it under the Miner’s keeper’s body two minutes into the second half. Clarkson then crossed to Quasim but wind took it into touch.

The Cobbydalers’ fans were expecting the home side to dominate with the wind at their back. Unfortunately the Miners tactics of keeping the ball on the ground and breaking out at pace gave them the edge. They had a golden spell with Lee managing to push Gibson’s low shot for a corner. Another break from the back was halted by Everingham at the back post before Gibson saw his header rattle Lee’s crossbar. Barnes then cleared up after Williams had burst through again, then Gibson rattled the cross bar. When a cross held up in the wind on the edge of the penalty box with Waud challenging, Lee was forced to head it clear. 

Gradually Silsden began to open up the visitors defence. Parsons deft touch and turn created an opening but he over-hit his through ball. On sixty minutes Shazad slid the ball across to Qasim but the angle was too tight and Warhurst saved his shot. At the other end, Williams got the ball in the net but it was ruled offside! Another burst from the forward highlighted how the Miners had broken through with pace. Eventually the goal came. GIBSON left a trail of defenders in his wake and slid the ball under Lee’s despairing dive.

With twenty-five minutes left the Cobbydalers now had throw caution to the wind. Hancock slid the ball through to Shazad, whose low shot was well saved by Warhurst. The visitors were still a threat on the break but gradually the home side began to cause problems. Mitchell came on for Parsons on seventy-three minutes and Danny Forrest brought himself on. Immediately the home side had some pace and control. Qasim set up Shazad, who saw his shot tipped over by the keeper. From the corner Qasim had another effort blocked before an unsavoury incident took place near the half way line, leading to the dismissal of Airey and two of the visitors cautioned.

The ten men didn’t give up. Barnes denied the Miners a third with some composed defending before Maltby attempted to wind the clock down. Five minutes of stoppage time was just enough for the Reds, QUASIM cut in from the right and slid the ball home on the ninety-fifth minute to give Silsden a share of the points.

The Cobbydalers next game is in the County Cup on Tuesday against Campion before they entertain Emley AFC on Saturday, 13^th November.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Everingham, Fenton (McEneaney 64), Hancock, Airey, Barnes, Qasim(47,95), Parsons(Forrest 70), Clarkson(Mitchell 70), Shazad, Riley. Subs. not used. Thomson, Illingworth,

MALTBY MAIN. Warhurst, Cutts, Hardwick, Morton, Austin, Hill, Chipps, Williams, Gibson, Waud, James. Subs. Whitefield, Haugh, Stancliffe.

Referee. Mr. J. Martin. Assistants.  Mr. L. Caggiano and Mr. S. Bragg.

The Buildbase FA Vase 2021-22, First Qualifying Round

11th September 2021

SILSDEN AFC 1-2 ALBION SPORTS

Silsden AFC Goalscorers: Qasim 64

Albion Sports Goalscorers: Facey 59, Ellington 79

Attendance: 117

 

COBBYDALERS SUNK WITH LATE WINNER

 

The Cobbydalers were drawn at home against fellow North Counties East members Albion Sports in this first Qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Vase. In recent years, the games between the teams have been tight affairs and this match was no exception. Only three points separated the teams in the league although, when the teams met in the Vase in 2018 at Throstles’ Nest, the Cobbydalers ran out narrow winners with a superb goal from Reece Kendall from his own half. Danny Forrest was able to bring in Dan Illingworth at centre-back for his first start of the season with Arley Barnes switching to right back.

The visitors were first to break forwards with Jayden Sandhu, who had got the better of Kyle Hancock. He slid the ball to former Cobbydaler, Robbie Fox, who crossed into the Silsden penalty area. Sean Airey headed the ball back to keeper Sammy Lee, who held the ball despite being under pressure from Daniel Facey.

Five minutes later slick passing between Khurram Shazad and Jack Normanton set up Joe Jagger who tested the Albion keeper with a low shot.  Albion’s Jamal Stewart then hit a dipping ball towards the Silsden net, which Lee managed to grasp on the goal-line. It was a sprightly start for the Blues but Silsden eased themselves into this competitive game. 

The game swung from end to end. Qasim had a low shot saved at one end, whilst Airey blocked Facey’s effort at the other. Normanton then latched onto the ball on the left. A clever back-heel set up Qasim whose shot was saved. The Silsden forwards were working well together but it was the visitors who went close to opening the score when Airey was caught in possession by Sandhu. Lee made a fine save whilst immediately George Clark, in the visitor’s goal, denied Normanton, who had been set up by Qasim.

Silsden began to raise the pressure on the Albion defence with Qasim, Jagger and Normanton all going close. However, Albion were always a threat on the break. Reece Ellington almost broke through, only to be denied by a superb tackle from Lewis Gardner. In the dying minutes of the half, both sides had opportunities to break the deadlock. Stewart curled the ball over the bar from the right before Jagger, killing a long clearance from the back, set up Shazad but his effort was easily saved.

The second half started with the same intensity. Dan Illingworth managed to deny the visitors a clear shot on goal, but only at the expense of getting injured. He carried on after treatment. Kyle Hancock and Joe Mitchell were working hard to close down their opponents in midfield. Mitchell and Normanton combined to free up Jagger who twisted round his marker to fire just over the bar. Mitchell then shot wide. Marcus Harper blocked another effort from Normanton after slick interplay with Jagger.

Finally the deadlock was broken when Daniel FACEY broke through the Cobbydaler’s high-line to slide the ball home on fifty-nine minutes. It was against the run of play and had been a momentary lack of concentration after Silsden had netted. However the goal was deemed offside. For a moment Silsden were rocked and Facey almost made it two, firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy. The visitors were to regret the missed chance as the Cobbydalers took advantage, QASIM slotting home Normanton’s cross. Normanton then almost put the home side in the lead, his speculative effort just clearing the bar.

The game became stretched with half-chances at both ends. Gardner managed to clear a dangerous cross before Stewart fired over Lee’s crossbar. With ten minutes left the visitors netted a second when Fox broke down the right, outpacing the Silsden rearguard with ELLINGTON sliding the ball home past Lee. Jayden Sandhu wasted the chance to make it three.

Illingworth was replaced by Lewis Gartland who almost notched an equaliser, Clarke denying him with a fine save. Barnes then set up substitute Craig Billington who did hit the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The game was in stoppage time when Sammy Lee came up for a corner. The keeper was frustrating close to netting the equaliser at the far post! The final whistle went.

Silsden must now concentrate on the league. Next Saturday it is a home game against Grimsby Borough. In the meantime, Grimsby Borough’s youth team are the visitors on Wednesday in the FA Youth Cup, kick off is 7:30pm.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Barnes(c), Gardner, Hancock, Airey, Illingworth (Gartland 84), Qasim, Mitchell, Jagger (Billington 70), Shazad (Riley 70), Normanton.

Subs not used: Thompson, Moses, Ahmed.

ALBION SPORTS: Clarke, Henry (Basi 26), Harper, Bhadal (Tiana 70), Clay, Hall, Fox, Ellington, Facey(c) (Donovan 73), Sandhu, Stewart.

Subs not used: Aboiye, Kaba.

 

Referee: Mr B.Brighton

Assistants: Mr S.Sutton and Mr M.Wolfendale.

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

Tuesday. 31^st August 2021

GOOLE AFC  0  v  2  SILSDEN AFC.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Att. 161.            Jagger 19, 39.   

   COBBYDALERS SMASH AND GRAB RAID IN GOOLE

            The Cobbydalers travelled to Goole on Tuesday evening hoping to maintain their good run in the League. Danny Forrest was forced to make one change, Harry Thompson replacing the unavailable Kyle Hancock.

            The first real action was on five minutes. Jack Normanton hit a cross field ball to Harry Thompson on the right. Thomson immediately curled the ball into the Vikings’ penalty area where Normanton hit a fierce drive which was cleared by the home defence.  Thomson broke up the next Goole attack before right-back Lewis Gardner was forced to concede a corner as Luke Williams was bearing down on the Silsden goal. The corner was driven in but, fortunately for the Cobbydalers, James Arnold’s powerful header rattled Sammy Lee’s crossbar. 

            Whilst the Silsden outfit were moving the ball swiftly along the ground, the Vikings were using the long-ball, hoping to capitalise on the height of their strikers. A one-two between Joe Jagger and Normanton saw the former go close with a curling effort.  Barnes managed to thwart the Vikings again with a superb tackle but, minutes later, Goole were awarded a free-kick outside the penalty area. Skipper, Josh Dacre, hit a screamer but Silsden’s defensive wall blocked the effort.

            Silsden took the lead on nineteen minutes. Working their way up the flanks the ball was fed to Khurram Shazad who curled into the Viking’s penalty area. Mo Qasim saw his low shot parried by Watson but JAGGER followed-up to give the Cobbydalers the lead.

The goal rocked the home side and Silsden began to dominate. Airey hit a cross-field ball to Jake McEneaney and he sent it into the path of Normanton who broke up the left and crossed to Jagger 12 yards out. The striker hit the ball sweetly but his volley just cleared the bar. Normanton, on the half way line, then chased a long ball. The Vikings’ keeper hesitated but just managed to clear the danger.

The second goal wasn’t long in coming. Normanton sent the ball over to Khurram Shazad who curled the ball to JAGGER to slot home his second, a well worked counter-attacking goal. Shazad then set up Qasim whose shot was cleared for a corner. The Vikings had one attempt before the half-time whistle went, Arnold’s effort being blocked by one of his team mates.

Goole started the second half with greater intent, pushing forward quickly, playing more in Silsden’s half, snapping into challenges and forcing the Cobbydalers to defend. However Silsden were always a threat on the break. Indeed Jagger almost completed his hat-trick five minutes after the restart when he chipped Watson from a tight angle, the keeper just managing to clear the ball off the goal line.  The confidence was oozing from Jagger, who cheekily flicked the ball up four times before volleying the ball into the Vikings area. Goole intensified the pressure on the Silsden defence. A goal looked inevitable for the home side. 

With thirty minutes left Lee saved Luke Williams follow-up after substitute Joe Fella had tested the Silsden keeper. Regan Fish missed a glorious chance before the Vikings found the net. Unfortunately the “goal” was ruled out for offside. Williams managed to weave his way into the Silsden box but the ball was cleared by Barnes. Silsden struggled to keep possession and lost their close control of the first half. They found themselves defending more and more, whilst using their pace to counter attack.

            The home side had several more chances to score especially with Fish sending over crosses into the box from the right. Substitute Shaun Heselwood headed wide at the far post as did Valladolid and Lee got down well to deny Fish. Simpkins fired over the bar and in injury time Heselwood saw his header saved. Goole, for all their possession and effort, could not score.

            Both sets of fans cheered the teams off when the final whistle went. It had been a thrilling game but the Cobbydalers took the points.

GOOLE AFC. Watson, Greasley(Heselwood 46), Arnold, Spence, Pattinson, Dacre, Fish, Walker, Parker(Fella 56), Williams(Valladolid 77), Simpkins.  Subs not used. McEwan, Pearce.         

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Gardner, McEneaney, H. Thompson(Riley 71), Airey, Barnes(c), Qasim(Billington 89), Mitchell, Jagger(Gartland 89), Shazad, Normanton. Subs. not used. C. Thompson, Illingworth, .

Referee. Mr. J. Drake. Assistants. Mr. M. Rose and Mr .C. Pepper

The Toolstation NCEFL Premier Division 2021-2022

Saturday, August 28th 2021

 SILSDEN AFC 6 v 2 HEMSWORTH MINERS WELFARE

 Qasim 2, 24, 78, Shazad 56 Normanton 70, Jagger 72

Attendance: 147

                                                                                                                                                                   

The Cobbydalers were back at the Keighley Road ground on Saturday, buoyed by their win at Penistone a week ago. Manager Danny Forrest made one change to the starting lineup, bringing in Terry Ryan for Jake McEneany at full-back. Their opponents, Hemsworth Miners Welfare, who had only two points from their opening five games, were searching for a new manager. Joint player-manager Luke Danville was in charge for the time being.

Unfortunately for the visitors, they went behind after only two minutes. Jack Normanton broke up the wing and slid the ball to Mo QASIM, who curled the ball around Daniel Morton into the Miners net. An injury to Danville minutes later saw him replaced by Andy Higgins. The Miners responded with a counter-attack but Jay Davies shot across the face of the goal. Qasim hit a low cross into the box. Joe Jagger flicked it wide but the Cobbydalers were keeping up the pressure. When Jagger then received a quick throw-in, he immediately slid the ball to QASIM to double the Cobbydalers’ lead.

Ryan then hit a cross-field ball to Jack Normanton who forced a fine save from Daniel Morton. Silsden’s pass and move football highlighted their dominance and a cross from Qasim was just too high for Jagger to head home. Frustration led to Hemsworth’s skipper Harry Viggars receiving a caution for a heavy tackle on Qasim, He was fortunate it wasn’t a red as the Silsden man needed several minutes of treatment.

Eventually, the visitors began to push the Cobbydalers back and both Arley Barnes and Sean Airey were forced to clear the danger. Viggars broke down the right and was “brought down” by Sammy Lee. The whistle went for a penalty!  It looked soft, to say the least. Kane SWINBURN halved the Cobbydalers lead.

Hemsworth were visibly lifted and Swinburn, running down the left, managed to get the ball beyond Barnes, who had been pulled out of position. Jay Davies’ shot was saved by Sammy Lee. With the Silsden full-backs breaking forwards the defence was stretched. Davies made a powerful run from the centre circle and played a one-two with Seon Ripley before hitting a powerful low shot. Lee kept Silsden in the lead with a superb save.

The Miners began the second half as they had finished the first. Swinburn hit a pin-point cross-field ball over to the right but Lewis Gardner made a superb interception. A poor clearance from Barnes allowed Swinburn another run. He slid the ball inside to Sam Tingle whose effort was tipped for a corner by Lee.

           

Eight minutes into the half, Khurram SHAZAD went on a mazy run from the centre circle. Cutting in and out, he hit a screamer into the top corner of the Miners net. 3-1. Three minutes later, Hemsworth’s left-back slid the ball to Adam Wilson. Lee managed to push Wilson’s shot for a corner. The inswinging corner caught out Lee, who could only fumble it into his own net! 3-2. Swinburn then got the better of Airey on the left and crossed into the goal area. Connor Brunt just failed to make contact with it. A misplaced pass by Shazad was intercepted by Wilson. The ball was moved to Swinburn and then to Davies, who shot over the crossbar.

However, the pressure that was being exerted by the Cobbydalers on the Miners was soon to be rewarded. With Mitchell and Hancock taking good control of the midfield and spreading the ball well, opportunities came Silsden’s way.

 Joe Jagger broke forwards but, without support, was crowded out.  A few minutes later, Mitchell sent Jagger free again. This time he had support but Normanton shot wide. A quick throw-in to Qasim saw him run down the right before crossing into the visitor’s box. NORMANTON blasted it home. Two minutes later in a repeat move, JAGGER made it five.

The movement between Qasim, Jagger and Normanton was almost telepathic. QASIM completed his hat-trick before Forrest, with Tuesday’s match at Goole in mind, brought on Gartland, Thomson and Riley for Qasim, Mitchell and Jagger.  Silsden still managed to threaten. Gartland went on a powerful run before setting up Harry Thomson. Morton saved his effort before another flowing move ended with Normanton shooting just over the bar.

There is a blank weekend ahead for the Cobbydalers due to their original opponents Sherwood Colliery being involved in the F.A.Cup

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Ryan, Gardner, Hancock, Airey, Barnes(c), Qasim(Gartland 81), Mitchell(Thomson 80), Jagger(Riley 74), Shazad, Normanton. Subs. not used. Cunningham, Illingworth.

HEMSWORTH MINERS WELFARE: Morton, Viggars(c), Wilson, Kenyon, Cadzow, Danville(Higgins 6), Ripley, Tingle, Brunt, Davies, Swinburn.  (O’Brian)

Referee: Mr L.Caggiano

Assistants: Ms M.Cairns and Mr D.McKee

The Toolstation NCEFL Premier Division

Saturday, August 21st 2021

PENISTONE CHURCH FC 0  v  2  SILSDEN AFC

Silsden AFC goalscorers: Normanton 18 & Qasim 85

Attendance: 166

 

TENACIOUS COBBYDALERS BRING HOME THE POINTS

The Cobbydalers travelled to Penistone Church’s DSM ground on Saturday hoping to notch a second victory on their travels. The home side had the “advantage” of the wind at their backs in the first half and they were soon testing the Silsden rearguard. Cobbydalers right-back Lewis Gardner broke up their first attack down the right.  Jack Normanton then broke up the left and managed to curl in a cross which was cleared by Thomas Brennan.   

Penistone should have opened their account on eight minutes when Jordan Coduri slid a ball to Nicholas Guest on the left. His cross set up Kieran Ryan but the striker wasted the opportunity.  Church continued to test the Cobbydalers’ defence. Jake McEneany cleared an effort from Guest and then Arley Barnes managed to deflect Kurtis Turner’s shot for a corner. The corner was hit to Coduri on the edge of the penalty area but the powerful shot went wide.

Silsden countered when Mohammed Qasim slid the ball to Joe Mitchell who saw his low shot cleared. Church were playing some neat one-touch football but Barnes stood firm. Silsden took the lead, against the run of play when keeper Snaith fumbled a low shot from Jack NORMANTON, who had been set up by Kyle Hancock’s perceptive defence-splitting through ball.

The home side responded immediately but Turner’s effort went over the crossbar before Shepherd headed over from close range. Hancock was involved in some neat moves up the right, aware of the options open to him before he received the ball. However, Penistone were still pressing. Shepherd should have equalised when he headed an in-swinging corner from two yards out. It grazed the crossbar!

Midway through the half, the Cobbydalers almost doubled their lead when Shazad crossed from the right. Qasim’s shot hit the base of the near post. With ten minutes left of the half, Turner was booked for simulation- his dive in the penalty area failed to trick the referee!

However, the pressure on the Silsden defence was unrelenting. Kieran Ryan and Ashley Ellis set up Guest but Barnes blocked the effort. Guest then tested Sammy Lee with a low shot. He fumbled the ball but Shaun Airey cleared the ball off the line. A minute later Lee saved low at the far post before Guest blocked a shot from his teammate Turner. Phew!!!!!!

The Cobbydalers had weathered the storm and started the second half with the wind at their backs. They forced two corners in the opening minutes of the half. Airey’s powerful header just skimmed the crossbar from the second one. A long ball caught the home defence out and Jack Normanton broke through but his shot was cleared for a corner.

Penistone continued to produce some slick football but Joe Mitchell was managing to keep them away from the Silsden area. The Cobbydalers went close to doubling their lead when Lewis Gardner’s cross-field ball was headed into the penalty area. Normanton’s header was saved. Penistone thought they had equalised when Kurtis Turner headed Daniel Howes’ cross into the Silsden net. The assistant’s flag was up for off-side!

The game flowed from end to end with Hancock’s low shot testing the Church keeper after some neat build-up play, before Mitchell broke up a threatening attack at the other end. Qasim countered with a run down the right and set up Normanton but his shot ran across the face of the goal. Jagger went close with a header.

McEneaney and Airey both blocked efforts on the Silsden goal and Sammy Lee got down to another low shot. With twenty minutes left Barnes cleared at the expense of a corner from which substitute Nathan Keighley hit a low shot which Lee saved at his far post. With ten minutes left Harry Thomson replaced Shazad.

After withstanding such constant pressure, the Cobbydalers finally settled the score when Gardner hit a short corner to Mitchell who slid the ball into the path of QASIM, who gleefully rifled the ball home. The grit and determination had paid off.

In stoppage time Normanton broke clear but his cross-shot just cleared the far post. As it was the points were the Cobbydalers.

The home supporters were shocked at the defeat after such efforts by their players. They had dominated the attacks particularly in the second half but all to no avail as the Silsden rearguard stood firm. The Cobbydalers had absorbed the pressure and made the most of their chances.

PENISTONE CHURCH FC: Snaith, Charlesworth, Young (Lovell 80), Ellis, Brennan, Shepherd, Hawes(c) Keightley 60) , Coduri, Guest, Ryan, Turner. Subs. not used. Johnson,  Hurles-Brook, Simpson.

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Gardner, McEneaney, Hancock, Airey, Barnes(c), Qasim (Gartland 92), Mitchell, Jagger(Billington 60), Shazad(Thomson 80), Normanton. Subs. not used. Ahmed, C. Thompson.

Referee: Mr J.Drake.

Assistants: Mr M.Rose and Mr C.Pepper

 

The Cobbydalers host Hemsworth MW on Saturday 28^th Sept (3pm kick-off) before travelling to Goole AFC on Tuesday 31^st (7:45pm kick-off)

On Wednesday, Sept 1^st  Stocksbridge Park Steels are the visitors to Keighley road in the FA Youth Cup, 7:30pm kick-off.

The Toolstation NECFL Premier Division
Tuesday, 17 August 2021.

SILSDEN AFC 2 v. 2 BARTON TOWN FC
Silsden AFC goalscorers: Qasim 35 & Jagger 45

Attendance: 169

COBBYDALERS SHARE THE SPOILS WITH THE SWANS

 

Following Saturday’s first points of the season away at Bottesford, manager Danny Forrest made minimal changes, only bringing in Harry Parsons to replace Matty Moses at full-back against their Humberside opponents, Barton Town.

 

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides with a strong wind at their backs and threatened the home goal as early as the first minute when a diagonal ball from centre back Davie found Curtis Bateson out wide on the left. He played the ball to Matthews whose run and low cross eluded ‘keeper Sam Lee and, in turn, Hinchcliffe at the far post fluffed his lines, the ball bouncing back into the 6-yard box before somehow bobbling safely into Lee’s gloves.

 

After Silsden had lost possession in the Barton half, they broke down the right, through Varley, despite Airey’s desperate lunge. He played the ball inside to Ben HINCHLIFFE, who coolly slotted his left-foot shot past Lee into the far corner to open the scoring in just the 5th minute. 

 

In the 11^th minute, following good interplay between Varley, cutting in from the right, and Hinchcliffe, resulted in the latter’s shot across goal being expertly pushed away by Lee for a corner.

 

A couple of minutes later Lee was called into action again, making another low diving save from Davie’s toe-poke to his right following another corner, as The Swans applied more pressure, forcing a succession of corners. Davie shot wide from another flag kick, when he should have done better, the assistant flagged for offside to spare his blushes. Skipper Barnes then blocked as Town threatened again.

 

The Cobbydalers did manage to break out and following Hancock’s free-kick, a header from Airey deep in the visitor’s box caused Davie to, inexplicably, head over his own bar to concede a corner.

 

On 17 minutes following good play from Shazad on the left,   a clever pass was played to Joe Jagger who fired a low shot in, which Swans ‘keeper Emery saved at the foot of his right-hand post, pushing around for a corner.

 

Once again the visitors came close to adding to their lead following another excellent delivery from Bateson’s corner, Davie’s free header drifting to safety.  Minutes later the flying winger fired another dangerous cross in which Lee did well to smother.

 

Hancock and Mitchell were rallying the troops and Shazad’s penetrating cross into the Town box was shovelled clear by Jones for a corner. In the 25^th minute, Qasim was fouled on the corner of The Swans box.  Hancock stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, getting the ball up and over the defensive wall but clipping the crossbar instead of rippling the net.  

 

Silsden made the breakthrough to get themselves back into the game on 35 minutes. Following a throw in on the left, McEneaney found Shazad, who flicked the ball through to Mo QUASIM. The ball was played inside to Jagger to control and play back for him to smash the ball past Emery, giving the ‘keeper no chance to level the scores.

 

Silsden were now getting on top and a couple of minutes later Jagger did well to hold the ball up before playing to Qasim, who cut in from the right.  Unfortunately, his angled shot was narrowly wide, smashing into the stanchion.

 

With half time fast approaching Riley reversed a ball into Hancock, who curled his long pass into Joe Jagger and although he was forced out wide-right, he managed to cut back inside, beat his man and get a shot in on goal. Although Emery managed to parry, the ball broke back to JAGGER, who made no mistake from close range to put Silsden 2-1 up before the break.

 

Although the locals had turned things around, the first opportunity of the second period went the way of the visitors in the 48^th minute, when McEneaney’s under-pressure back pass to Lee resulted in his clearance being blocked by Hinchcliffe, fortuitously rebounding safely for a goal kick.

 

Minutes later, following a foul on Jagger deep in the visitors’ half, Davie was sin-binned by the referee following him showing dissent against the official’s decision.  Silsden’s numerical advantage enabled them to dominate possession and during this spell, Qasim, out on the left, played a ball inside to Shazad. He, in turn, controlled it before passing for Joe Mitchell. However, his shot from outside the box drifted narrowly wide.

 

Town’s star man Bateson had had a relatively quiet start to the 2^nd half, but, just to remind everybody that he was still on the pitch, he cut in and shot, only for Barnes to bravely block the ball. The ball fell to Hinchcliffe, whose attempted overhead kick went over the bar.

 

In the 71^st minute substitute, Jack Normanton was played in on the left-hand side. He cut inside and squared the ball across goal to Jagger beyond the far post, but the target man struck his shot into the ground. The ball bounced up onto Davie’s hand before the big defender launched the ball out of The Swans box amidst vehement appeals for a penalty, which the referee duly ignored, waving play on.

 

The next minute Barnes cleared a free kick. Normanton latched onto the loose ball in midfield before playing through brilliantly to Qasim whose surging run ended with him lashing his shot over.

 

As the game entered its latter stages the visitors were starting to gain more possession, pressing forward with purpose and with just 9 minutes remaining a long ball forward on the right from deep inside the Town half found substitute Noel Burbett’s run, which looked suspiciously offside. However, in the absence of the assistant’s flag the referee waved play on and the substitute raced clear before pulling the ball across to Curtis Bateson. BATESON  beat his man on the outside and drilled a low shot past Lee on his near post to level the scores once again.

 

Both teams pressed for a winner in the dying minutes, but Jagger fired over following good work from Normanton and Qasim’s tantalising low cross minutes later didn’t get the finish it deserved for Silsden. At the other end Airey did well to block Hinchcliffe’s shot at goal as The Swans tried to finish on a high, but maybe a draw end was probably a fair reflection on the game overall.    

 

Silsden AFC: Lee, Parsons (Moses) (Gardner), McEneaney, Hancock, Airey, Barnes ©, Qasim, Mitchell, Jagger, Shazad, Riley (Normanton). Subs not used: H.Thompson & Billington.

Barton Town: Emery, Jones, Matthews, Tait, Hare ©, Davie, Varley, Simpson, Hinchcliffe, Coley, Bateson. Subs: Hemingway, Burdett, North & Jarman.

 

Referee: Mr J.Brayshaw

Assistants: Mr C.Smith & Ms D.Whitworth

NCEL Premier Division 2021-2022

Saturday, August 14th 2021.

BOTTESFORD TOWN 0-1 SILSDEN AFC

Silsden Goalscorer: Jagger 42.

Attendance: 69

 

COBBYDALERS ARE ON THE MOVE

A wave of relief washed over the Cobbydalers players, management and
fans at the end of this hard-fought away game at Bottesford as the Silsden
outfit gained their first victory of the season. It had been a
the competitive game which either side could have won, but the tenacity of
the Cobbydalers prevailed.

Manager Danny Forrest switched from a back three to a more secure back-four where centre-backs Shaun Airey and Arley Barnes were outstanding. The switch also freed up Kyle Hancock and Joe Mitchell to be more assertive in the middle of the park.

The “Poachers” were quickly out of the blocks but a four-man break ended with Jack Cross shooting wide.  Silsden’s first attack ended with
Khurram Shazad’s shot is being parried by Jordan Quibell. Matty Moses managed to break up another attack at the expense of a corner which was swung in, only for captain Mick Jones to head over the bar.

The home side, who had won their opening two games, were moving the ball about swiftly but gradually Silsden began to create some chances. Jack McEneaney slid the ball down the left to Mo Qasim who played a one-two with Shazad. Quibell saved the winger’s shot. Qasim had another effort saved midway through the half after good work by Joe
Jagger. What was pleasing for the manager was the commitment of the forwards to track back when the Bottesford forwards advanced on the
Silsden goal. They played a more assured and creative game and at a
faster pace.

McEneaney broke up the left and crossed into the goal area. Ryan Farnham cleared at the expense of a corner. Skipper Barnes was superb at the back for the Reds, breaking up the threat of the Poachers’ forwards whilst interplay between the Silsden forwards was excellent. Shazad and
Bradley Riley set up a chance for Hancock, who saw his low drive saved.

With ten minutes to the break, the Cobbydalers created several chances.
The Silsden forwards were moving the ball swiftly but, whenever they lost possession, they worked hard to deny the home side time and space.
Hancock sped up the left to by by-line before crossing into the box. The midfielder was back to his best, whether bursting forwards or spreading the play. Finally, the Cobbydalers took the lead when JAGGER beat the
Poachers keeper with a low drive.

Harry Parsons came on for Matty Moses at halftime after the full-back
was injured. He slotted in well. With Joe Mitchell busy breaking up attacks, the Silsden forwards were able to attack in numbers, moving the ball swiftly. The interplay between Khurram, Jagger and Qasim seemed as though they had played together for more than three games.

There was always an expectation that the home side would have to push forwards and they certainly played with much more urgency in an attempt to equalise, putting more pressure on all over the field.  Substitute
Ryan Moody for Bottesford broke through on Sammy Lee. The Silsden keeper parried his shot and Barnes cleared the ball. The Silsden keeper then denied Mick Jones after the Bottesford skipper had latched on to an under-hit back pass by Mitchell. Airey cleared an effort from substitute
Jordan Spence’s effort, as the ball was swung over the back post.

Four minutes from time Silsden almost made it two! Thomson hit a
a superb ball across to Jagger, who deceived his marker by letting the
ball advance to Qasim, whose wicked volley rattled the crossbar.

In the dying minutes, with the home side pushing for an equaliser,
Airey was immense in the air heading three dangerous crosses clear
before the final whistle went.

The three points pushed Silsden up the league table but more than that it gave them a boost. On Tuesday they are at home to Barton Town and away at Penistone Church on Saturday.

BOTTESFORD TOWN: Quibell, Farnham, Webster (Atkin 62), McCaffery, King,
Bryant, Johnson (Moody 56), Braithwaite, Jones, Ellender, Cross.  Subs.
Not used, Tierney, Spenser,  McCarthy.

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Moses (Parsons 45), McEneaney (Gardner 83), Hancock,
Airey, Barnes, Qasim, Mitchell, Jagger, Shazad, Riley (Thompson 78).
Subs not used. Billington, Drovi.

Referee: Mr C.Everard | Assistants: Mr W.Norris and Mr S.Kellor.

The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division 2021-2022

Tuesday, 10th August 2021

SILSDEN AFC 0  v 3 THACKLEY AFC

Attendance: 218

 

The Cobbydalers entertained Thackley for their first home league game of the new season. Unfortunately, in the third minute, Shaun Airey was injured when clearing Haigh’s cross into the Silsden box. Airey managed to continue but it was obvious he wasn’t fully recovered. Minutes later the visitors were soon on the attack but Sammy Lee managed to save Paul Whiteley’s low shot. Jake McEneaney blocked another effort on seven minutes from Ben Grech-Brooksbank.

Silsden were playing with a back three, with two wing-backs but might have been better with a flat back four, especially after Airey’s early knock. As it was, the visitors almost opened the scoring on twelve minutes when Grech-Brooksbank got the better of Lee but McEneaney cleared off the goal line.

Gradually Silsden began to create some chances with Matty Moses breaking up the right. He hit a superb cross into Thackley’s penalty area to Joe Jagger who, unfortunately, had strayed offside. Kyle Hancock then threaded a ball to Lewis Gardner but the Thackley keeper managed to beat him to the ball. On seventeen minutes Mo Qasim broke up the left but was upended by former Cobbydaler, Kristian Hargreaves. Khurram Shazad curled the ball into the visitor’s box but Hargreaves headed it clear. The ball was swiftly moved up the park, Lee dropped the initial shot and Chris LEVER slotted it home for Thackley on fifteen minutes.

            The Cobbydalers’ response was quick with Gardner exchanging passes with Qasim.  Gardner’s shot was blocked before Silsden were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, Shazad’s free-kick being saved by the keeper. Silsden continued to press with good interplay between Jagger and Qasim before Shazad’s shot was headed clear. Qasim then broke down the left and sent Shazad forwards but he delayed slightly and his curling shot went wide of the far post.

            The game then swung from end to end, although Thackley remained dominant. Waddington shot over the Silsden bar before Lee saved a low shot. Moses broke up the right feeding Jagger whose low effort was saved at the near post. At the other end, Airey was put under pressure by Lever. He managed to pass the ball back to Lee who was lucky his miss-kick didn’t fall to a Thackley player.

Moses was playing as a wing-back and, latching onto a through ball from Hancock, volleyed wide. But, with a back three, Silsden was stretched. They still created chances with Gardner setting up Jagger but his shot was just off target. Immediately the visitors broke away and Lever rattled the Silsden crossbar.

At the other end, McEneaney was dispossessed. Grech-Brooksbank broke to the by-line and crossed for WADDINGTON to tap it home. 2-0.

Five minutes into the second half, the game was virtually over. Owen MURPHY broke between Airey and McEneaney on the halfway line and outpaced the defenders to make it three to the visitors. Immediately McEneaney was beaten for pace again but Airey cleared up.

            Ten minutes into the half Thompson threaded a ball through the Thackley defence, only for Gardner to fire the ball over the bar. In sixty minutes Bradley Riley and Craig Billington replaced McEneaney and Airey. Barnes took over at the back and Moses dropped into his regular spot at right-back. Gardner pulled back too. Immediately the defence looked more secure. Qasim broke down the wing and crossed. Billington’s downward header bounced over the bar. Moses then curled over a glorious cross which Qasim headed over. Silsden looked a bit more lively in the last quarter of the game with a lot of good interplays, particularly between Barnes and Moses and between Hancock and Mitchell, serving good balls to Qasim and Jagger. They played with more speed and accuracy, but they needed to be more clinical in front of the goal.

The dilemma for Danny Forrest now is to get the balance right between attack and defence. The defence looks rather fragile at the moment with a back three and wing-backs. Moses looked good in both positions and Barnes was excellent at the back but a back four would give more stability to the team and protection for the keeper. Sadly, the manager is without Kaine for the season and Everingham for a month or two. Hopefully, Dan Illingworth will be fit sooner rather than later. On the other end, the forwards need to be sharper and more accurate when moving towards the goal.

            On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Bottesford Town before entertaining Barton Town at home on Tuesday 17 August.

SILSDEN AFC.  Lee, Moses, McEneaney (Billington 60), Hancock, Airey (Riley 60), Barnes(c), Qasim, Thompson (Mitchell 71), Jagger, Shazad, Garner. Subs not used. Drovi, Gartland.

THACKLEY AFC. Stevens-Neale, Haigh, Hunter, Whiteley, Hargreaves, Rothel, Waddington (King 75), Jones (Jackson 62), Lever, Grech-Brooksbank (Muller 67), Murphy. Subs not used. Khan, King.

Referee: Mr M.Trevethan | Assistants: Mr S.Bragg and Mr J.Barker.  

The Emirates FA Cup 2021-2022 – Extra Preliminary Round
Saturday, 7th August 2021
SILSDEN AFC 0 V 4 ECCLESHILL UNITED

Attendance: 192

 

The Cobbydalers entertained local rivals Eccleshill United in this seasons FA Cup (Extra Preliminary Round), having beaten the visitors 3-1 at the same stage last season. The visitors started confidently, keeping possession, before driving a long ball out of play. On two minutes Lewis Gardner managed to get across in from the by-line but United’s keeper, Brad Emmerson, gathered Khurram Shazad’s low shot.

United broke forwards but Luke Aldridge had strayed marginally offside. Joe Jagger latched onto a weak back-pass but the visitors’ keeper managed to gather the ball at the forward’s feet.  Mohammad Qasim then weaved his way past three defenders but was denied by Emmerson. Arley Barnes hit a long ball to Lewis Gardner but Ben Bodle managed to head it back for a corner.

Silsden, who was playing with a back-three, were then indebted to Barnes, who denied the visitors a clear opening. Eccleshill were beginning to take control of the midfield and only a magnificent save by Sammy Lee stopped them from taking the lead on thirteen minutes. The Cobbydalers response was another effort from Qasim but his shot was wide of the target. Silsden began to move the ball quickly but their next three attacks were halted by the assistant’s flag for offside. Jagger, who had been instrumental in all three, then cut in from the left. Managing to beat the United’s keeper, his shot was deflected for a corner.

Eccleshill dominated the next ten minutes, with Lee forced to make a low save from Zackary Sangster who, along with Emmerson Cox, were stretching the home defence. Thanks to the dependable Barnes, Airey and Lee, the Cobbydalers managed to deny the visitors the lead.  At the other end, Qasim and Jagger were Silsden’s best outlets, the former making a powerful run down the right, before being fouled and then having a shot blocked after some neat footwork by Jagger, who himself was denied by Emmerson.
The second half began with Silsden on the offensive. Shazad’s incisive pass found Jagger who netted the opener…..unfortunately the goal was ruled out for offside. Gradually the visitors took control of the game. Again Barnes and Airey came to the rescue to block efforts on target and Qasim went close to scoring before Emmerson saved from Jagger.

Finally, the deadlock was broken. United managed to break up the right but Silsden cleared at the expense of a corner. The ball was swung in but the unsighted Barnes headed into his own net. Khurram then set up another half-chance at the other end which was eventually cleared. On sixty-three minutes Dylan Drovi came on for Mitchell and Matty Moses replaced Harry Parsons, who had made a solid start to the season. Moses, who has been sidelined with injuries for two years, received rapturous applause from the Cobbydalers fans. Immediately Silsden gave the ball away cheaply in midfield and SANGSTER headed after the ball had hit the Silsden crossbar.

The visitors continued to pressurise and, from another corner, Sam Auty headed to ALDRICH who nodded it home with fifteen minutes left. Three-nil. Silsden was visibly tired, with the midfield unable to feed the forwards, whilst the Blues had bundles of energy. On eighty–seven minutes a through ball was unfortunately deflected by Moses and CISSA netted a fourth. Eccleshill had been tight, well-organised, fast and skilful and deserving of the victory. Cobbydaler’s manager Danny Forrest wasn’t best pleased with the Cobbydalers performance but there were some positives from the game; the return of Moses and the promise of Lewis Gardner. Qasim was inventive and Jagger was always a threat. Bradley Riley’s distribution was sound and Airey, Barnes and Parson’s were dependable. More must be expected from the experienced Mitchell and Hancock.

 

The Cobbydalers entertain Thackley on Tuesday and travel to Bottesford on Saturday 14th August.

SILSDEN AFC: Lee, Barnes, Parsons (Moses 63), Hancock, Airey, Mitchell, Qasim, Riley (Drovi 63), Jagger (Billington64), Shazad, Gardener. Subs not used. McEneany, Thompson, Gartland.

ECCLESHILL UNITED: Emmerson, Bleau, Bodle, Wade, Bradley, Laird, Cox, Day, Aldridge (Sykes 88), Carr (Cissa 34), Sangster(Auty 65), Subs not used. Aliya, Irvine, Cusack, Wilkinson.

Referee: Mr G.Greaves | Assistants: Mr F.Skootas and Mr J.Farnsworth.