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

Saturday, February 12th 2022

SILSDEN AFC  2 v 0 STAVELEY MINERS  WELFARE                           

Normanton 32. Bradshaw 59. Att. 130

WELSH AND HIS DEFENDERS KEEP STAVELEY AT BAY

It’s windy! It must be Saturday! For the fourth Saturday on the run the wind made conditions difficult. The visitors to “The OFFICE INTERIORS” stadium were Staveley Miners Welfare, the in-form team in the League with a run from the start of the year of six victories and one defeat! Goals for 23, goals against 7. That said, the Cobbydalers have drawn away at two of the top three, Grimsby Borough and Garforth Town. Silsden face second-placed Eccleshill United away next Saturday!

Danny Forest played a similar team as a week ago, retaining Kyle Welsh in goal but bringing in Mark Everingham at left back in place of Lewis Gardner. The Cobbydalers played “against” the wind in the opening half, although the wind was very unpredictable, swirling and strong. A drop in the wind after the kick off saw Brad Riley set up Jack Normanton. Trojans keeper saved low down. At the other end Carlton Pownall made two interceptions to deny the visitors a shot on goal, before Cody Prior rifled in a low shot, which Welsh did well to save. Silsden tried to keep the ball on the floor, with some short passes, whilst Staveley tried to use the wind. Arley Barnes headed a free-kick clear and Welsh made another fine save on fifteen minutes.

Normanton was injured following a dangerous tackle, then Bradshaw was pole-axed with a clearance in the Trojan’s box. Tyler Dunne wasted a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead, slipping the ball wide of the far post, before Welsh saved his next effort. With fifteen minutes gone, Khurram Shazad created two openings but both caught on the wind, curling back from the penalty area. Both Barnes and Jake McEneaney were called upon to break down attacks, aided by the experienced pairing of Joe Mitchell and Kyle Hancock in the midfield, who broke up several attacks to release the Silsden front men. After neat football from Shazad, the opener for the Cobbydalers came after thirty-two minutes when NORMANTON netted after his first shot had been parried by Rio Alberry.

The response was immediate with a break down the right. Ewan Catt saw his attempt saved by Welsh. Further shots from Declan Howe and Jack Dillingham were blocked. A rare sortie forwards saw Hancock shooting wide, before Bradshaw set up Khurram who cleared the bar. With five minutes of the half remaining, Dillingham crossed into the Silsden area. Both Howe and Dunn wasted good chances. With the half-time whistle beckoning, Silsden almost made it two. Normanton rattled the bar and Bradshaw’s follow-up hit the far post!

Staveley started the second half with increased determination but McEneaney and Hancock broke up attacks. Ten minutes into the half, Normanton was sent down the right. The ball was crossed into the danger area. Alberry fumbled the ball and BRADSHAW made it two. Despite the setback, the Trojans still created half chances. McEneany cleared twice as the visitors used the wind to push forwards. A back pass from Barnes caught the wind and looked to be heading for the net but Welsh tipped the ball over the bar.

McEneaney then blocked an effort from Prior before Welsh slipped whist saving a Dillingham low shot. McEneaney cleared. With twenty minutes left, Welsh made a brilliant save from Charley Oglesby at close range. It wasn’t to be the Miner’s day. Substitute Tomas Poole brought another outstanding save from the Silsden keeper. Riley and Normanton, who had done so much running, were replaced by Lewis Gardner and Finn Donovan. Gardner’s pace took him up to the by-line. He crossed to Shazad who shot just wide of the far post. If anyone deserved a goal, at the other end, it was Howe. A brilliant dribble past three defenders ended when he fired over the Silsden cross bar. It wasn’t the Trojan’s Day.

SILSDEN AFC. Welsh, Pownall, Everingham, Hancock, Barnes(c), Riley (Gardner 75), Mitchell, Bradshaw, Shazad, Normanton (Donovan 75) Subs not used Moses, Illingworth & Hudson.  

STAVELEY MINER WELFARE. Alberry, Blakely, Claxton(Clay 36), Oglesby, Jones, Langton(c), Dillingham(Thompson 84),  Prior, Howe, Catt, Dunne(Poole 84). Subs not used. Grant. Linley.

 

 

Referee. Mr. T. Lishman.  Assistants. Mr. D. O’Regan and Mr. N. Haycock

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

Saturday, December 4th 2021

THACKLEY TAKE THEIR CHANCES IN LOCAL DERBY

THACKLEY AFC 4 v 0 SILSDEN AFC

Grech-Brooksbank 21, 28. Waddington 44, Sinfield 65.              Att. 103

           Silsden travelled to near neighbours Thackley on Saturday. The Dennyboys were one point above the Cobbydalers having played three games more. The pitch, which had passed an inspection at lunch time, was perfectly playable.

           The opening exchanges saw one team attack and then the other, the first clear chance coming when Joe Mitchell conceded a free-kick on the edge of the Silsden penalty box. Fortunately the spot-kick was wide of the far post. Frankie Sinfield then tested Sammy Lee from outside the area, the Silsden keeper diverting the ball for a corner. It wasn’t long before Silsden got in the game with Mo Qasim and Mitchell exchanging passes. Qasim’s shot was cleared for a corner, which Dan Illingworth headed over the bar. Kyle Hancock then threaded a ball through the defence and Qasim was on it in a flash. His low shot was deflected for a corner.

           The Cobbydalers were pushing forwards but the Dennyboys were always a threat on the counter. Lewis Waddington fired wide of Lee’s far post and the Silsden keeper comfortably tipped Waddington’s next effort round the post. Josh Bradshaw tested the Thackley keeper before Jack Normanton broke through to fire the ball goalwards. Hargreaves managed to clear the shot with his goalkeeper stranded.

           Finally the deadlock was broken with Thackley taking the lead on twenty-one minutes. A corner was partially cleared to the edge of the area. Ben GRECH-BROOKSBANK rifled it into the top corner despite Lee getting a hand on it. Silsden were unfortunate not to equalise a minute later.  Brad Riley crossed the ball into the Thackley area. Normanton saw his header parried and his follow-up saved by Luke Wilson. Seven minutes later the Dennyboys were two up with GRECH-BROOKSBANK’s shot deflected off Illingworth leaving Lee stranded.

           Two-nill! Thackley had had three good chances, the Cobbydalers had had five! Unbelievable Geoff! The home side were slicker on the ball. Lee managed to deny Grech-Brocksbank his hat-trick after he had out-paced Illingworth. The problem was not the back four but the lack of protection with Mitchell and Hancock overrun in midfield. Silsden did have one more chance to pull one back before the break but the home defence stood firm. Two minutes before the break Lewis WADDINGTON made it three after he broke through.

           With a three-nil cushion the Dennyboys, superbly marshalled by Hargreaves, could pack their defence and break when the chance arose. Both Bradshaw and Riley failed to make an impact on the game, as did Khurram Shazad when he replaced Riley.  Frankie SINFIELD made it four for Thackley on sixty-five minutes when he got the better of Barnes. The game was virtually over!

           To their credit Normanton and Qasim worked hard to create openings. Normanton drove one effort into the side netting and had another powerful drive saved and Qasim went close with a low shot. On the run of play four-nil probably flattered the home side and had Silsden been a little more clinical in front of goal it might have been a different story.

           Next Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain Bottesford at the earlier kick-off time of 1.00pm!

THACKLEY AFC. Wilson, Marsh, Hunter (Lever 75), Whiteley(c), Haigh, Hargreaves, Waddington, Jackson, Murphy, Grech-Brooksbank (Ibrahimi 72), Sinfield. Subs not used. Diamond, Poole.

SILSDEN AFC Lee, Everingham, Moses (Gardner 74), Hancock, Illingworth, Barnes(c), Qasim, Mitchell (Thompson74), Bradshaw, Riley (Shazad 58), Normanton. Subs. not used. Airey, Forrest.

Referee. Mr. D. Hague. Assistants.  Mr. Luke Smith and Mr. Anthony Tierney.

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

Saturday, November 27th 2021

RILEY’S BRACE GIVE SILSDEN THE EDGE

            SILSDEN AFC 4  V  2  HANDSWORTH F. C.                                  

Riley 12, 44, Normanton 18,  Bradshaw 47.         Reece 70, Howarth 78.      Att.155.

           After a barren run with only two draws in the last five games, the Cobbydalers finally produced a super performance to warm their supporters on a bitterly cold day. Only two Premier division games took place on the day, credit to the work which has made the Keighley Road pitch one of the best in the league. The visitors, Handsworth, in fifth position, had beaten Silsden 4-2 on the opening day of the season. Unlike the Cobbydalers, whose history goes back to 1904, the Ambers were only founded in 2011 as Worksop Parramore before becoming Handsworth Parramore in 2014. The Silsden outfit had two changes with Illingworth and Hancock returning.

           The Cobbydalers took the initiative from the kick-off with Jos Bradshaw taking the ball down on his chest. He was denied by a swift intervention from the visitors’ keeper Alfie Hayes-Daubney. Two minutes later Bradshaw burst up the right and crossed to Jack Normanton, who saw his effort strike the post. Mo Qasim hit the rebound over the bar.

           The Ambers’ Jamie Austin then tried a speculative shot which Sammy Lee dealt with comfortably. Silsden countered with Brad Riley sliding the ball into a packed penalty area after a slick turn. Two minutes later Joe Mitchell set up RILEY who hit a screamer into the top corner of the visitors’ net. Five minutes later it was two nil.  A throw-in on the left found Bradshaw who immediately sent NORMANTON in the clear. He lobbed the ball over the visitors’ stranded keeper.

           From the restart Handsworth’s Richard Tootle sent Kane Reece through but his shot cleared the Silsden bar. However, the Cobbydalers confidence was growing. Qasim crossed to Riley, who should have had a pot at goal. Normanton then burst up the wing and crossed to Bradshaw who slid the ball to Qasim. His shot was cleared for a corner.

           Finally the visitors settled, to create some chances. Mitchell Dunne crossed from the right to Matthew Sykes on the left who attempted to curl the ball over Lee. The keeper tipped the ball over. The corner was cleared. Silsden’s next attack broke down and Jamie Austin chased a long ball. Lee was out of his area in a flash to clear the danger. A slick move down the right led to a corner for the visitors. Illingworth cleared before breaking down another attack with a crunching tackle.

           As the half-time break approached Bradshaw was just beaten to the ball by the Daubney who conceded a corner. Normanton curled the ball over. The visitors’ defence failed to deal with it and RILEY, with his back to goal, twisted to rifle it into the net.

           Matty Moses, who replaced the injured McEneany at the break, was soon breaking up the wing. A superb cross into the box found BRADSHAW, who made it four. Barnes played a one–two with Riley who hit his shot over the bar. Silsden were rampant. Mitchell hit a cross-field ball down the right. Qasim, who was on it in a flash, cut in along the by-line and slid the ball to Hancock who shot over the bar.

           Hancock was injured on sixty-four minutes and was replaced by Khurram Shazad. Up until that point the defence had looked secure with Mitchell and Hancock, in midfield, dealing with any threats from the Ambers. However the visitors threw caution to the wind. A long ball over the Silsden defence was headed home by Kane REECE on seventy minutes. Lee made a fine save to deny substitute Leon Howarth and then gathered a dangerous cross from the right.

           The Ambers netted a second eight minutes later when substitute HOWARTH curled the ball over Lee from outside the penalty area. 4-2! Having conceded late goals in recent matches, the Cobbydalers had to dig deep to keep the Ambers at bay. They still created chances on the break with both Qasim and Normanton going close. When Dunne broke clear for the Ambers on the left he lacked support.

           The final whistle went. There were a lot of positives in the game for Danny Forrest, especially the form of Brad Riley who looked sharper and more threatening and Josh Bradshaw, who is becoming a dangerous leader of an attack which is thrilling to watch!

           Next Saturday the Cobbydalers are on the road, but only to near neighbours’ Thackley.

SILSDEN AFC.   Lee,   Everingham,  McEneaney (Moses 46),   Hancock (Shazad 65){Gardner 88}), Illingworth. Barnes, Qasim, Mitchell, Bradshaw, Riley, Normanton. Subs not used. Forrest, Fenton.

HANDSWORTH Mackie, Tootle(Smith 62), Fewkes, Paylor, Roebuck, Sykes(Howarth), Reece, Austin, Teasdale(Baldwin 83) , Dunne. Subs not used. Essen, Bagnall.

Referee. Mr. A Williams. Assistants. Mr. K.J. Smith and Mr. D McKee.

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