The Cobbydalers are back in action this evening as we welcome Eccleshill United to the Cobbydale Construction Stadium. The game will see Danny Forrest’s men take on another local team following games with Albion Sports and Thackley AFC in the last week.

The Eagles will be in high spirits following an impressive 3-1 victory over Maltby Main. Despite falling behind early on in the game goals from Luke Aldrich, Alex Laird and Jonny Irving in the second half secured a comeback victory for tonight’s visitors.

Silsden AFC are also coming in to tonight’s game on the back of a victory following Christopher Wademan’s late strike to secure the win vs Thackley AFC.

Jonathan Irving is currently the Eagles top scorer with 4 goals in 8 games so far in league and cup.

Eccleshill United find themselves in 11th place with 10 points from their 9 games, Silsden AFC sit in 14th place with 9 points from 7 games.

Following the FA statement released earlier today this will be the last match action for the Sils till December at the earliest.

Please come down and show you support, tickets are £6 for adults. £3 for concessions, free entry for under 10’s when accompanied by an adult. We are also offering a 50% discount on match day prices for season ticket holders of all Premier League, EFL and National League clubs.

Those unable to attend can follow the match on our Twitter page.

The FA have confirmed that the Toolstation NCEL, along with the rest of “non-elite” football in England, will be suspended from this Thursday (5th) as part of the UK Government’s announcement on new national COVID-19 restrictions.

The new restrictions are set to last four weeks until Wednesday 2nd December, 2020.

A statement from the FA released on Tuesday morning said:

As a result of the UK Government’s new national COVID-19 restrictions, and subject to Members of Parliament voting tomorrow [Wednesday 4 November 2020] and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS], the impact on ‘non elite’ football in England will include the suspension of the following during this period:

• All fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];
• All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];
• All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;
• All fixtures and training for The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;
• All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;
• All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.

Our aim is to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues in the NLS and WFP and the County Football Associations [CFAs] to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required.

Further updates on fixtures and dates for the 2020-21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, FA Youth Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase will follow in due course.

Re-starting football at these levels has taken substantial determination and commitment from stakeholders across the game and we would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions. However, health and wellbeing remain the priority, so it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national COVID-19 restrictions during this period.

We remain in dialogue with the DCMS, leagues, competitions and CFAs and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England following the debate in the House of Commons tomorrow.

To read the full statement click the link below.

https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/nov/03/non-elite-football-statement-031120

The Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division 2020-2021

Saturday 31st October 2020

THACKLEY AFC 0 v 1 SILSDEN AFC

Thackley AFC Goalscorers: N/A

Silsden AFC Goalscorers: Wademan 86

Attendance: 202

HALLOWEEN TREAT FOR COBBYDALER’S FANS

 

After a period of heavy rain the Dennyboys’ pitch was deemed fit to play on.  In fact the strong wind that was forecast never materialised and the play flowed from end to end. Both teams were in the lower half of the table, with Thackley having won only one in eight of their league games and Silsden only winning two out of six.

The big surprise in the Cobbydalers’ team was the inclusion of left-back Carlton Parnell, who had had to be carried off towards the end of the midweek game against Albion sports. Harry Thompson came in for Chris Wademan.

The Dennyboys had the better of the opening exchanges with Luke Robinson looking sharp. Their first real chance came from their second corner but Chris Lever headed wide. Four minutes later a superb tackle by Parnell denied them the opener.

Thackley keeper Luke Wilson managed to punch a free-kick clear before Leon Hurles-Brooks appeared to have been pulled back in the Dennyboy’s area. The whistle never blew. A high foot on Mark Simpson resulted in a caution and a free-kick. Simpson took it but it was tipped for a corner by Wilson.

Silsden began to take control with some patient passing but there was little penetration until Barnes slid a ball through to the back post where Whiteley cleared for a corner. Thomson made a good contact with the ball but his effort just cleared the bar.

The best spell from the home side came midway through the half, with Lewis Waddington curling in three crosses from the left. The Thackley forwards failed to capitalise with Luke Robinson going the closest to opening the score.

Hurles-Brook then produced some magic. His through-ball to Simpson ended with the striker hitting the side-netting. Interplay with Khurram Shazad came to nought, with a right-foot curler whizzing past the far post. Shazad then threaded a ball through to Hurles-Brook but he couldn’t quite get a touch on it.

With Mitchell patrolling the midfield the Cobbydalers continued to force Thackley onto the back foot. Barnes hit a ball over to the left where Pownall had made a strong run. He reached the edge of the penalty area but his shot cleared the bar.  Two dips of the shoulder by Liam Hudson and a shimmy to the left ended with another effort missing the target.

Five minutes before the break the Dennyboys claimed a penalty. Lewis Waddington hit at low ball which struck Barnes’s hand. Ball to hand! No pen! Shazad managed to weave himself into the opposition’s packed penalty area but he was crowded out.

Silsden continued on the front foot at the start of the second half. Hurles-Brookes broke ahead of three chasing defenders but ran out of steam on the heavy pitch. Another effort was saved by Wilson, who also denied Thompson.

Thackley’s Grech-Brooksbank set up a counter-attack which was cleared by Airey. The Silsden forwards were linking up well but the killer touch was missing.

After being on the back foot for much of the game, Thackley might well have taken the lead when Chris Lever headed down to Luke Robinson but he sliced his effort wide. The home side kept up the pressure and, after Kaine had broken down one attack, Robinson headed wide.

As the players tired, chances came at both ends. Thomson became more involved setting up Pownall. Nut-megging one defender, the full-back was halted in the act of shooting. Kaine was on hand at the other end, as the Silsden defence was stretched.

Simpson was replaced by Wademan with fifteen minutes left and Ollie Russon came on for Thompson. However Silsden were indebted to Darke, who denied Robinson the opener, with his feet when the forward was in the clear. Robbie Fox came on for Shazad.

Finally, five minutes from time, the stalemate was broken.  Silsden broke down the right, catching out a stretched Thackley defence. The ball was crossed in to the Thackley box.  Initially blocked, the ball reached Fox who missed it, but there was WADEMAN at the back post to rifle it home.

Silsden substitute, Russon fired high over the Thackley bar. The Dennyboys still had time to equalise but Kaine blocked Grech-Brooksbank’s low shot in the final minute to deny them a share of the spoils.       

Danny Forrest and his team were delighted with the result moving the Cobbydalers up the table. “It was a hard-fought game in energy-sapping conditions. We certainly created several good chances but one-nil was enough to give the lads and fans a lift”

On Tuesday the Cobbydalers entertain Eccleshill United. It may be the last game for a while!

 

THACKLEY AFC: Wilson, Whiteley, Hargreaves, McGuire, Haigh, Jones (Kasongo 56), McCuster-Butcher (Dimuka 63),  Lever (Broadbent 84), Robinson, Grech-Brooksbank, Waddington.

Subs not used: Muller, Marsh.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Darke, Barnes, Pownall, Kaine, Airey, Hudson, Hurles-Brook, Mitchell, Simpson (Wademan 75), Shazad (Fox 84), Thomson (Russon 75).

Subs not used: Maltby, Parsons.

 

Referee: Mr.S.Clayton

Assistants: Mr.K.Haycock and Mr.M.Leadbeater

We are delighted to announce we are now officially a Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club!

Kick It Out is English football’s equality and inclusion organisation.

Working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change, Kick It Out is at the heart of the fight against discrimination for everyone who plays, watches or works in football.

A small independent charity, the ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ campaign was established in 1993 in response to widespread calls from clubs, players and fans to tackle racist attitudes existing within the game. Kick It Out was then established as a body in 1997 as it widened out its objectives to cover all aspects of discrimination, inequality and exclusion.

 

The Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division 2020-2021

Wednesday 28th October 2020

ALBION SPORTS 2 v 1 SILSDEN AFC

Albion Sports Goalscorers: Donovan 31 & Facey 42.

Silsden AFC Goalscorers: Simpson 50.

Attendance: 131

SIMPSON MAKES HIS MARK BUT ALBION PROVE TOO STRONG

 

The Cobbydalers travelled to Throstles Nest for their first game in ten days. Silsden welcomed new signing Mark Simpson from Liversedge. Simpson was once described as “one of the best forwards in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division” and is Garforth’s record goal-scorer. The Lions welcomed back former skipper Aran Basi.

The kick off was delayed for fifteen minutes for the white lines to be remarked after a heavy downpour. Silsden were soon on the attack and Chris Wademan was unlucky not to open the scoring on four minutes when he was sent through by Simpson, but his low shot hit the post.

The home side then took control, pushing Silsden back. Sam Bradley headed a corner wide before Harry Parsons mistimed a tackle. Fortunately Sean Airey thwarted the following attack. Simpson then sent over a dangerous cross but Declan Lambton gathered comfortably.

Joe Mitchell was booked for pulling back an opponent and, following the free-kick, Andrew Cooper rattled the Silsden bar. The pressure continued and twice Kaine was called upon the clear the danger. When the ball was cleared, it was worked up to Jake Maltby. Maltby had two half chances but failed to pull the trigger.

Darke then denied Finn Donovan, who had chased down a through ball. Maltby became the second Silsden player to be booked! Midway through the half, Khurram Shazad almost levelled the score. With a dip of the shoulder and a shimmy to the left, he curled in a low ball which evaded Lambton’s dive only to hit the far post.

The Lions countered but, after a crafty dummy by Kieran Suddards, the full back’s final ball was off target. Albion kept up the pressure and Cooper slid a ball through to DONOVAN to open the scoring. The goal was followed by full-on attacking from the Lions. Cooper set up Facey but Darke’s strong hand denied him at the expense of a corner. The keeper punched the incoming ball away before again saving from Facey.

The Lions worked even harder to open up the Cobbydalers. Darke made an even better save, diving low to left. A brief break forwards by the Cobbydalers relieved the pressure but Shazad’s free-kick was blocked by the defensive wall. The ball was launched forward and Kaine was beaten by FACEY four minutes before the break.

On the stroke of half-time, Mitchell stole the ball from Spencer Gordon and hit a through ball to Wademan. Left-back Kieran Suddards’ perfect tackle ensured the home side kept their two-goal cushion at the break.

Danny Forrest replaced the young full-back Parsons at half-time with Carlton Pownall, who was unfortunate not to start after impressing at Maltby Main. Harry Thompson came on for Jake Maltby. Silsden looked more balanced and, after Kaine blocked a shot from Flaherty, the Cobbydalers began to attack. Shazad won a corner on the left and curled it to the far post where SIMPSON headed it home.

Mitchell then slipped a through ball to Thompson but his shot was charged down and the Lions countered. Kaine denied Peters at the expense of a corner. The ball was curled in. Darke gathered, only to be challenged illegally by Aran Basi who was cautioned.

Thompson became more influential in the middle of the park, setting up Shazad, who hit a low shot wide of the far post. Shazad then created a half chance for Hurles-Brook, who cut inside, but his shot was blocked. Thompson almost broke through the Lions’ defence but was closed down. Robbie Fox, who came on for Wademan, worked hard to create some openings but the experienced defenders held firm. With Silsden striving hard, throwing men forward, they were always susceptible to the counter attack.

Four minutes from time Albion broke clear and only a superb tackle from Pownall to retrieve the ball denied them a third. But in doing so he sustained a serious leg injury which necessitated him being carried off. Silsden finished with ten men. A tough encounter against a strong outfit.  Silsden were indebted to Darke for keeping them in the game.

The Cobbydalers travel to Thackley on Saturday before entertaining Eccleshill on the following Tuesday.

 

ALBION SPORTS: Lambton, Suddards, Heaton, Gordon, A.Basi, Bradley, Peters (Ross 68) Cooper, Facey, Flaherty (K.Basi, 57),Donovan.

Subs not used; Jopp, Schofield, Doyle.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Darke, Barnes, Parsons (Pownall 45), Kaine, Airey, Maltby (Thompson 45), Simpson, Mitchell, Wademan (Fox 68), Shazad, Hurles-Brook.

Subs not used: Hudson, Foley.

 

Referee: Mr.M.Findlay

Assistants: Mr.J.Whelan and Mr.C.Pepper

We are on the lookout for a talented photographer to join our Media Team here at Silsden AFC. The role will see you attend home and away matches throughout the season, whilst there may also be some club/community events that need to be covered during the course of the campaign.

As we understand people will have other commitments we will also be flexible and adaptable to help accommodate the successful individual.

Roles would include but not limited too:

• Match Day Photos
• Staff/Player Photos
• Stadium Shots
• Club/Community Events

Photos would be used across the clubs social media platforms, match day programmes, website, etc.

The successful individual would need access to their own equipment, please note this is a voluntary position.

To apply please email us at: silsdenafc@gmail.com

Simpson signs for the Sils

 

Silsden AFC manager Danny Forrest has further strengthened his squad with the signing of Mark Simpson. Simpson joins the Sils from fellow NCEL side Liversedge.

Between 2014 and 2017, Simpson’s goal record for Garforth Town was incredible and he was one of the best forwards in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division. Simpson is the record goalscorer for Garforth and if he can score as frequently for the Cobbydalers he will prove to be a very popular player amongst the fans.

On joining the club Mark had this to say –  “I’m really excited to join Silsden. After speaking to the manager it was quite clear this was the best place for me to get back to my best and get regular playing time, he knows how I play and told me exactly how I’d fit into his system.”

“I’ve spoken to a couple of friends about the club and manager and they’ve only had good things to say so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

“I’ve trained once and straight away you can there is real quality in the team so there’s no reason we shouldn’t be pushing into the top 8 in the league. Personally I’ve hit the 30 goal mark twice before in this league so I’d like to get as close to that as possible.”

Silsden AFC manager Danny Forrest was equally delighted with the signing and gave us his thoughts – “I’m obviously delighted that Mark has chosen to join the club. He’s a proven player at this level and I’m proud we’ve been able to attract someone of his calibre.”

“There’ll be a settling in period but I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running and once he becomes more and more familiar with the environment and his teammates we’ll see his confidence grow and I’m sure we can help to get the best from him.”

Thank you to Liversedge for their professionalism and handling of the transfer.

Great to have you on board Mark, welcome to Silsden AFC.

Silsden AFC Girls look to build for the future 

 

Silsden AFC Girls U16’s football team continue to go from strength to strength, they are now in their fourth season together and have had a great start to the campaign in the West Riding Girls U16 Second Division, where they remain unbeaten. The team has scored a staggering 20 goals in their opening three games of the league campaign, this includes wins over Rothwell Town & Scarborough Ladies as well as a 5-5 draw vs Farsley Celtic.

The girls team is managed by FA Level Two Coach Liam Best and Paul Evans, who continue to build on the success of previous seasons; this has included two cup semi-final appearances in two consecutive years, narrowing missing out on a final appearance, after losing 2-0 to Bradford City Girls FITC last season, in the previous season they were also runners up in the second division.

The work doesn’t stop there though and the team continues to develop and improve week by week. The team are always on the lookout for new recruits and would welcome interest from current Year 10 and Year 11 girls in and around the area. Any players who are keen to develop their skills in a competitive but fun environment.

Our club prides itself on being a friendly Charter Standard club, with high standards of child welfare and close links to the local community in which many of its players, staff and fans live.

Silsden AFC Girls U16’s are currently sponsored by Dalec, a locally-based electrical contractor and Skipton Health and Fitness.

Anyone looking to join the team should contact Liam Best by emailing liambest007@gmail.com

The Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division 2020-2021

Saturday 17^th October 2020

MALTBY MAIN FC 1 v 0 SILSDEN AFC

Maltby Main FC Goalscores: Hill 16

Silsden AFC Goalscorers: N/A

Attendance: 147

 

COBBYDALERS HELD AT BAY BY MINERS

 

The Cobbydalers, who travelled to Maltby on Saturday, welcomed back Alfie Darke in goal whilst Myles Foley came in at the back, replacing the injured Dan Illingworth. A visit to the old Yorkshire coalfield is never easy but the Cobbydalers were unfortunate not to take a share of the points. Unlike the wide open spaces at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium, the “miners” pitch is narrow with a definite slope, which the home side tried to exploit in the first half.

Darke was soon in the action, denying Jed McGowan in the opening minutes. Two minutes later he managed to gather Luke Fletcher’s “cross-cum-shot” from the right wing.  The game was being played largely in the Silsden half on the downslope side. Joe Mitchell broke up one attack and then Sean Airey headed a corner away. Darke made a fine save to his right but was unable to gather the ball.  Jonathan Hill burst forwards but Airey blocked his follow-up.

The Miners continued to dominate possession and inevitably notched the opener when Fletcher hit a deep cross from the right and HILL headed it home at the back post in a packed goal area. With more game time behind him Darke might have saved it, but a minute later he dived at the feet of the marauding Mitchell Dunne to deny the Miners a second. It seemed at this point that it would be a goal fest for Maltby.

Josh Kaine then blocked Jonathan Williams’ low shot before the Cobbydalers finally settled. With Airey employing his experience and positioning, Miles Foley found Joe Mitchell, who slid the ball up the wing to Jake Maltby. His powerful shot cleared the bar.

Jake Maltby began to provide an outlet but Khurram Shazad came closest to opening the Cobbydalers’ account with a curling effort which James Pollard saved. At the other end Kaine was put under pressure as the miners chased the ball down. He managed to clear it but when it was swung into the box, the skipper’s dangerous high boot resulted in a penalty. Darke dived skilfully the right way as Fletcher spot kick hit the post. This proved to be a turning point with Silsden taking more control.

Silsden were still put under pressure but they were gradually coming more into the game. Wademan, who had seen little of the ball in the first thirty minutes, managed to latch onto Leon Hurles-Brook’s through ball. His powerful shot was deflected wide. Silsden called for a penalty but the referee judged it to be “ball-to-hand”.

Mitchell made a telling challenge as Hill cut in and Hurles-Brook’s deft touch led to another half chance. As the half-time break approached a perfect tackle by Myles Foley denied Steven Powell, before Airey’s foresight caught the Miners offside.

Silsden began the second half on the offensive, with Mitchell managing to spread the ball about. Barnes fired over the bar before Shazad shot wide and Wademan hit the side netting. A long hopeful ball from Foley wasn’t cleared and Hurles-Brook followed in. Pollard saved on the goal-line. Wademan went close.

The Miners hadn’t been much of a force up front in this half, but Darke made a fine save low to his right as Dunne broke forwards. Silsden countered with a curling ball in from Khurram. The ball was deflected goalwards but well saved by Pollard. Harry Thompson came on for Wademan and Carlton Pownall for Parsons.

Airey and Pownall were both cautioned for pulling back attackers as Silsden threw men forwards. When the Miners did breakaway, Foley and Barnes made timely interceptions. Pownall began to prove a threat down the left with power and pace, hitting a “screamer” narrowly wide. With ten minutes left on the clock, Hurles-Broke hit a superb free-kick to the far post. Foley burst in but his header was narrowly wide. Robbie Fox came on for Shazad and his pace caused problems but Silsden just couldn’t get that vital goal. Twice the Miners broke forwards to the edge of the penalty area and twice they were denied by Darke.

It had been a compelling match with the Miners just shading it. The home fans were relieved when the final whistle went. The Cobbydalers now have a free week with the next game being away at Albion Sports on Wednesday 28^th Oct. followed by a trip to Thackley on the following Saturday.

 

MALTBY MAIN FC: Pollard, Cutts, McGowan (Smith 62), Morton, Austin, Beatson, Fletcher, Williams (Chipps 74), Hopewell (Nagi 58), Dunne, Hill.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Darke, Barnes, Parsons (Pownall 64), Kaine, Airey, Foley, Maltby, Mitchell, Wademan (Thompson 64), Shazad (Fox 72), Hurles-Brook.

Subs not used: Hudson, Morgan.

 

Referee: Mr.C.Rose

Assistants: Mr.C.King and Mr.R.Langdon

The Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division 2020-2021

Tuesday 13th October 2020

SILSDEN AFC 4 v 3 KNARESBOROUGH TOWN

Silsden AFC Goalscorers: Hurles-Brook 26 & 86, Wademan 33, Airey 40

Knaresborough Town Goalscorers: Walker 47, Ward 50, Carr 72 

Attendance: 147

 

LATE WINNER SEES SILSDEN HOME IN FEISTY DERBY

The Cobbydalers entertained Knaresborough Town on Tuesday hoping to bounce back after being knocked out of the FA Vase by Guisborough Town on Saturday. Danny Forrest brought in Dan Illingworth for his first start, surprisingly  playing the defender as a target man. Josh Kaine partnered Sean Airey at the back and Arley Barnes moved to right back.

The pitch, after a day of heavy rain, played well, with both sides looking for quick breaks. Silsden were the first to show, Illingworth having a header cleared and Barnes seeing his cross clear the bar. Khurram Shazad then sent Jake Maltby clear but his shot was blocked. The pace was much quicker than on Saturday. Leon Hurles-Brook cut in from the wing but his shot lacked venom. Chris Wademan then produced the power but his screamer cleared the bar.

After six minutes of pressure Jack Carr fed his skipper but the low shot was comfortably saved by Ben Higginson.  Silsden were keeping possession in midfield but could not penetrate the Town defence, well marshalled by the experienced Dan Thirkell and Greg Anderson.

Brad Walker had two efforts after neat build-up play but the play then became rather frantic, with both defences on top until Kaine conceded a free-kick and a yellow card on twenty minutes. Town’s left-back Phil Milsom broke down the left and a deft back-heel gave Callum Ward a chance. His effort went agonisingly wide.

The opening goal came on twenty-six minutes. Mitchell managed to find some space and curled the ball into the Knaresborough box. Illingworth beat the keeper in the air and HURLES-BROOK blasted it into the net.

Town responded immediately on the restart. A superb through-ball was latched onto by Callum Ward but Higginson made a fine save with his feet. Illingworth headed the resulting corner clear. A minute later Illingworth hit a superb through ball behind a defence, which had pushed up to the half-way line. WADEMAN ran through to slide the ball under the advancing keeper.  Unfortunately, Wademan soon saw yellow for a late tackle!

Maltby then put Khurram Shazad through but his left-footer was blocked. It mattered not a jot. On forty-minutes Shazad slid a corner to Maltby. Drilling the ball into the goal area, AIREY made it three with a tap-in.

The second half saw Knaresborough push forwards but Silsden were dangerous on the break. Shazad hit a through ball to Wademan but his shot was cleared. Jack Carr then cut in from the left but Airey blocked his path with a crunching tackle.

Five minutes into the second half, however, a powerful run by Town’s left-back Phil Milsom saw him reach the byline and cross into the Silsden box. Brad WALKER fired it home. Three minutes later a long ball from the back found Callum WARD in acres of space. He buried the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

The game became frantic with several reckless challenges. Gregg Anderson and Joe Mitchell were cautioned for dangerous tackles before the  players managed to concentrate more on the ball than their opponents. Maltby broke down the right and fed Wademan but his shot was wide. A similar move led to Shazad testing the Town keeper. Parrying the ball, he just managed to gather it as Wademan was about to pull the trigger.

After some cool defending by Kaine, he was injured by Wards dangerous challenge. Then Illingworth was clattered. The game went on with the Silsden man lying in agony. Eventually the whistle went and Illingworth was carried off. Robbie Fox replaced him.

Kaine, who was carrying a knock, was unable to chase down his man. Josh Wick broke down the left and slid the ball into the path of Jack CARR, who hit the equaliser home on seventy-two minutes. 3-3!

Danny Forrest decided to substitute Robbie Fox for Illingworth.  It would turn out to be a master-stroke! Immediately he burst through a defence which was tiring in the heavy conditions. His pace caused problems sending a ball out to Barnes, who shot narrowly wide.

At the other end Knaresborough won a corner. They brought the centre backs up into a crowded penalty area. Kaine headed clear. Wademan and Maltby were replaced by Harry Thompson and Lewis Morgan.

Fox, who was a great outlet for the Cobbydalers, was chasing down every ball, pressurising the visitors’ defence. With five minutes to go, HURLES-BROOK ran forward and, with a great finish from the edge of the area, made it 4-3!. The visitors launched the ball forwards and packed the Silsden area but the Cobbydalers held them at bay until the dying minutes. A free-kick was launched into the Silsden box and eventually into the Silsden net. The assistant’s’ flag was raised for an infringement. Offside! Silsden broke away and Hurles-Brook almost netted a fifth! That would have been tough on the visitors!

On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Maltby Main.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Higginson, Barnes, Parsons, Kaine, Airey, Illingworth (Fox 68), Maltby (Morgan 80), Mitchell, Wademan (Thompson 80), Shazad, Hurles-Brook.

Subs not used: Foley, Hudson.

 

KNARESBOROUGH TOWN: Stevens-Neale, Powis, Milsom, Thirkell, Anderson, Cook, Carr, Parkes, Ward, Walker, Wicks (Harris 71).

Subs not used: Bedford, Lee, Edmondson.

 

Referee: Mr.A.Williams

Assistants: Mr.R.Downey and Mr.G.Paterson