The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying round.

Saturday 10th October 2020

SILSDEN AFC 3 v 5 GUISBOROUGH TOWN

Silsden AFC Goals: Shazad 33 & 83, Mitchell 85

Guisborough Town Goals: Holdsworth 12 & 43, Coleman 30, 57 & 70

Attendance: 215

 

COBBYDALERS LATE FLOURISH NOT ENOUGH

The Cobbydalers faced Northern League Guisborough Town on Saturday in the Second Qualifying round of the F.A Vase. Danny Forrest was forced to make one change from the team that beat Goole last week. Centre forward, Antony Brown, who was unavailable, was replaced by Chris Wademan. Leon Hurles-Brook came in for Robbie Fox, who was on the bench.

 

The opening minutes saw both sides breaking forwards but neither side could produce a killer ball or a finish. A free-kick from Barnes was a tad too heavy before Khurram Shazad’s neat dribble gave him half a chance, but he delayed his shot and was closed down.

 

Guisborough responded with Mason McNeill dribbling down the left, only to send his cross over the bar. Facing the wind, the Cobbydalers were forced to concede two corners which Sean Airey managed to head clear. Joe Ferguson wasted another opportunity before Wademan broke up the right, his cross, however, failing to reach a teammate.

 

The opening goal came for the visitors when a swift counter attack caught the Cobbydalers defence on the back foot. Brandon HOLDSWORTH   chased a long ball down. Rounding Ben Higginson in the Silsden goal, he gave the Priorymen an early lead on twelve minutes.

 

There were some good moments from several of the Cobbydalers’ players but too often there was a lack of co-ordination. Wademan and Hurles-Brook broke up the left but the final ball was too heavy. Then Shazad combined with the overlapping Harry Parsons. Shazad’s final shot was high over the bar. Similarly Joe Mitchell cut in from the right but his shot lacked power. The midfielder had another chance two minutes later after another overlap by Parsons. His effort, from the edge of the penalty area, cleared the crossbar.

 

Silsden were punished for their profligacy on thirty minutes. The defence had pushed up but were caught out when Holdsworth chased down a long ball.  Higginson managed to parry his shot but Sonni COLEMAN followed up to make it two for the visitors.

 

Mitchell was working hard in midfield to create some openings and, after a good run, he found SHAZAD, who hit a peach of a curler into the Borough net. Running through the centre, Mitchell raced to the edge of the box for a through-ball but was halted in the act of shooting. Wademan then ran onto a pass from Leon Hurles-Brook, cut inside his marker and hit low shot which Jaan Yaqub managed to save.

 

 Five minutes before the break, Mitchell hit a screamer but Yaqub made an even better save at full stretch! After all the pressure they had withstood, the Priorymen broke away. Holdsworth latched onto a lovely ball from Josh Rowbotham. He slid the ball to Coleman, who missed the proverbial sitter! Silsden had been warned! A minute later Coleman opened up the defence, again sliding the ball to HOLSDWORTH to make it three.

 

The opening exchanges of the second half were scrappy before Shazad began to shine. A mazy run from the halfway line saw him weave his way past four defenders. He shot powerfully but was denied by a fine save from Yaqub. His next effort was over the bar after good work by Hurles-Brook.

 

After all the pressure once again the Silsden defence were caught missing. Matthew Garbutt swung over a free-kick into the Silsden box. The unmarked COLEMAN headed in the fourth.

 

Silsden’s best outlet was Shazad.  Cutting in from the left, he managed to create some space but his final shot was not strong enough. Hurles-Brook was unlucky when he ran through the middle of the defence only to see his shot hit the cross bar. Harry Thompson replaced Jake Maltby, who had been less effective than against Goole. Coleman almost netted his third but was denied by a fine save from Higginson…..that is for five minutes! He completed his hat-trick on seventy minutes. 5-1!

 

Dan Illingworth came on for Wademan for his first start of the season as a target-man and Robbie Fox replaced Hurles-Brook. Fifteen minutes from time Close was sent off reducing the visitors to ten. Immediately Silsden began to press forwards. Hurles-Brook had a shot saved. Illingworth, “putting-himself–about!” in the goal area, helped Silsden to pull one back, SHAZAD finding the bottom corner on eighty-three minutes. Two minutes later MITCHELL curled one in at the far post.

 

The Cobbydalers needed to gamble but were caught on the break by Mason McNeill. He shot wide. Barnes, at the other end, almost hit a fourth for Silsden but his shot was inches wide. The final whistle went. Guisborough were into the next round.

 

What of the Cobbydalers? Danny Forest will be looking for some consistency in his team as the season progresses. The problems at the back are not just the back four.  It is a matter for the whole team to defend better whether it is in their own half or in their opponents.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Higginson, Pownall, Parsons, Maltby (Thompson 63), Airey, Foley, Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan (Illingworth 71), Shazad, Hurles-Brook.

Subs not used: Kaine, Hudson, Fox.

 

GUISBOROUGH TOWN: Yaqub, McAvoy, Ward, Garbutt, Guru, Rowbotham,  Holdsworth (Selby 56), Young (Close 49), Ferguson, Coleman, McNeill,

Subs not used: Steavens, Wood, Parfitt, Onions.

 

Referee: Mr.A.Hakimy

Assistants: Mr.N.Haycock and Ms.E.Taylor

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

Saturday 3rd October 2020

SILSDEN AFC 3 – 2 GOOLE AFC

Silsden AFC Goals: Shazad 29, Brown 42, Dacre 75 (own goal).

Goole AFC goals: Younis 26, Schofield 33.

Attendance: 135

 

NEW BOYS SETTLE IN WELL AS SILSDEN PROGRESS

 

With a growing injury list, Danny Forrest brought new signings into the team. Jake Maltby, who is dual registered with Farsley Celtic, is a young ball-playing midfielder, and full back Harry Parsons, the under 23’s captain. Young Robby Fox stayed up front on the left and Ben Higginson came in for Alfie Darke in goal. Darke’s injury doesn’t look as serious as first thought.

 

The pitch had been in perfect condition in the morning but persistent heavy rain made the surface tricky at kick-off time.

 

Joe Mitchell is now back to full fitness and early in the game he released Khurram Shazad up the left. His cross was headed goalwards by Fox but Matt Zaniewski, in the Vikings’ goal, flicked the ball over the bar. The corner was swung in and Myles Foley appeared to be dragged to the floor but no penalty resulted. Four minutes later Joe O’Neill pulled Antony Brown back when clear. Penalty! 

 

The Silsden striker hit his spot-kick over the bar! Brown almost made amends immediately, sweeping up the left. A sweet turn inside the full-back was followed by him cutting outside the keeper. Unfortunately his shot was cleared off the goal line. Goole attacked immediately and then Silsden replied, but on twenty-six minutes with the Cobbydalers stretched, Anees YOUNIS broke through to put the Vikings one up.

 

Gradually Silsden settled with Maltby anchoring the midfield allowing Mitchell and Arley Barnes the freedom to break forwards to support the attack. Barnes saw a superb cross punched clear by Zaniewski before Higginson denied Josh Schofield at the other end.

 

Three minutes later the Cobbydalers were level. Pownall hit a long ball up the left to Shazad. Cutting inside the full-back, SHAZAD hit the ball home to level the scores. After a below-par performance last week Shazad was back to his best! Barnes, who was enjoying the freedom he was given, hit a superb ball up to Brown, who turned inside his marker, only see his low shot saved by the Goole keeper.

 

Young Parsons, who had an excellent game and showed great maturity, was caught out for the only time by Jayden Sandhu. Luckily his cross was cleared for a corner. However Silsden were caught out when the ball was played back to Younis, who curled it in for SANDHU to tap it home at the far post. Goole pressurized the Silsden defence. Higginson denied Reggie Waud with low save to his right and then Sandhu hit the side netting.

 

Five minutes before the break Shazad latched onto a through ball from Foley. He cut back to set up Barnes whose shot just cleared the bar. Another run of pace and persistence saw him cut in from the by-line before finding Antony BROWN, who fired home the equaliser.

 

With Maltby spreading the ball left and right, both Barnes and Mitchell were able to support the forwards. Barnes set up Shazad early in the half to send Brown free but the striker delayed his shot and was closed down. A flowing move from right to left and back again emphasised the growing confidence of the Cobbydalers. Goole’s Waud headed over before some composure from Parsons sent Barnes free.

 

The attack was broken up before Shazad hit a cross field ball which was pulled down by Pownall, who had broken  down the right. His cross was met by Brown but his header was wide. Maltby began to produce some delightful through balls but gradually the pitch became heavier with pockets of standing water in places.

 

Chris Wademan came on for Brown, who had worked tirelessly chasing down defenders. Wademan’s pace troubled the visitors and eventually his cross was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate DACRE. A superb tackle by Parsons denied Vickings’ substitute Tawheed Ahmed before a penetrative break away between Barnes and Shazad ended with the later seeing a shot saved. Wademan set him up again but his next effort cleared the bar.

 

In the dying minutes Goole threw defenders forwards for a corner. The in-swinger hit the cross-bar and fell to the feet of Schofield at the far post. The ball bounced off him onto the post and slid agonisingly along the goal line before being cleared by Airey.  Phew!!!! The Cobbydalers held out for the three points.

 

Forrest was delighted with the performance as much as the result. “The new lads fitted in really well showing composure and maturity. With Mitchell back in the team and Shazad back to his best we looked much more attractive and dangerous.”

 

Next Saturday The Cobbydalers entertain Guisborough Town in the Buildbase F.A. Vase, second qualifying round. The teams have met once before, in 2009, when Silsden were beaten 5-6. Silsden’s scorers were Longley, Ryan (2), Simpson and Barraclough. 

 

SILSDEN AFC: Higginson, Pownall, Parsons, Maltby, Airey, Foley, Barnes, Mitchell, Brown (Wademan 74), Shazad, Fox (Hurles-Brook 66).

Subs not used: McKiernon, Russon, Thompson.

 

GOOLE AFC: Zaniewski, Pattinson, Emery, Coates (Woodward 55), O’Neill, Dacre, Sandhu, Schofield (Barrett 89), Waud, Fennel, Younis (Ahmed 63).

Subs not used: Stuart, Kitchen.

 

Referee:Mr.G.Hoggarth

Assistants: Mr. J.Hislop and Mr.L.Caggiano

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

Saturday 26th September 2020

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR 6 – 2 SILSDEN AFC

Yorkhire Amateur Goals: Foggarty 7 & 52, Moke 27, Naidole 43 & 55, Flynn 76 (pen).

Silsden AFC Goals: Airey 29, Brown 56 (pen).

Attendance: 85    

 

 

IMPRESSIVE AMMERS DOMINATE COBBYDALERS

 

The Cobbydalers travelled to the Southerns Stadium on Saturday following their narrow defeat on Tuesday at Garforth Town. Danny Forrest was able to name an unchanged side against the Ammers, who had topped the league table (having played a game more than most teams) with two wins out of two, a 1-0 win at Mansfield and a 7-1 victory at Bottesford.

 

Silsden had a chance in the opening minutes but Khurram Shazad wouldn’t trust his right foot and was closed down. The Ammers Daniel Naidole then headed a cross from the right wide. Roy FOGARTY hit a screamer into the roof of the Silsden net to open the scoring.

 

The Ammers began to move the ball swiftly across the pitch and Mark Everingham managed to clear a dangerous cross before Myles Foley blocked another effort from Foggarty. After Matthew Dempsey had shot wide, Leon Hurles-Brook drove the ball to Shazad but his effort was off target.

 

The home side began to produce some clever pass-and–move football, particularly down the left. The intensity was forcing the Cobbydalers back but Darke saved from Daniel Naidole and Foley headed clear at the expense of a corner. The ball was moved up the right but McKiernon turned inside and was caught in possession. The tricky Casey Stewart wove in and out of three defenders but his shot lacked power.

 

Foley made a good interception but the pressure eventually told, Fernando MOKE ending a four-man move on twenty seven minutes. Two minutes later Silsden pulled one back when a free kick was launched into the Ammies area. Foley headed it goalwards and Shaun AIREY headed home.

 

McKiernon was dispossessed too easily in his own half but both Foggarty and Moke were denied by Darke. The Ammers movement and accurate passing at pace was a joy to watch but the Cobbydalers made it too easy for them.

 

Shazad was a shadow of his best and Lewis Morgan was unable to have any impression on the game after some promise shown at Garforth in midweek. As a result the defence were always under pressure. Moke shot narrowly wide three minutes before the break but NAIDOLE netted a third on the stroke of half time with a superb left-foot volley. Kaine, after some treatment at half-time, was replaced by Carlton  Pownall.

 

Silsden broke forwards down the right but McKiernan’s cross was over hit. Brown then laid the ball back to Shazad but once again he delayed his shot which was then blocked.

 

The slow decision-making of the Cobbydalers mid-fielders and forwards made it easy for the home defence and, as the wind strengthened, the Ammers extended their lead. Darke was left isolated and after two fine saves he was finally beaten when he failed to hold FOGGARTY’S low shot.

 

Two minutes later Naidole netted a fifth after he broke through unchallenged. The hard working Antony Brown pulled one back a minute later from the penalty spot after he had been upended by the Ammers’ skipper.

 

Joe Mitchell replaced McKiernon and immediately began to take some control of the midfield. His energy took him into the Ammers’ penalty box and, moments later, he was back defending in his own penalty area, emphasizing the need for more determination around the park from the Cobbydalers.

 

Everingham then managed to get a ball through to Mitchell but his cross was just too heavy for Brown. Mitchell was fired up but his passion led to him conceding a penalty fifteen minutes from time. FLYNN made it six. Six minutes later the ball was threaded through to Hurles-Brook on the edge of the Ammers box but a slight delay saw him closed down.

 

In the dying minutes Silsden’s troubles multiplied Airey was struggling with a knock and then Darke was involved in a collision with Flynn. It looked like a serious injury. The keeper had spent almost a year on the side-lines following a similar situation at Barton last season. Silsden were reduced to ten men. Everingham was injured and he limped off. Morgan went in goal as Silsden were reduced to nine.

 

Put into context, in one of the opening games last season the Cobbydalers had lost at home to the Ammers five-nil. The Ammers were rampant on Saturday but last year Silsden bounced back and when they travelled to the Southern’s stadium they got a creditable draw with a late equaliser from Wademan. The injury list is a problem but hopefully some players will return from injury to strengthen the squad. If Darke’s injury is serious Forrest has a ready replacement in Higginson.

 

Next Saturday Silsden entertain Goole.

 

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR: Trenerry, Smith, Henry, Sharry (Dean 56), Dempsey, Kellock, Priestley, Moke, Foggarty (Flynn 68), Naidole (Crawford 59), Stewart.

Subs not used: McCahlaw and Dixon.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Darke Kaine (Pownall 45), Everingham, Barnes, Airey, Foley, McKiernon (Mitchell 63), Morgan, Brown, Mitchell, Shazad (Drovi 74), Hurles-Brook.

Subs not used: Russon, Hudson.

 

Referee: Mr.M.Corbally
Assistants: Mr.P.Saunders and Mr.J.Farnsworth

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

Tuesday 22nd September 2020

GARFORTH TOWN 1 – 0 SILSDEN AFC  

Garforth Town Goals: Lazenby (83)

Silsden AFC Goals: N/A

Attendance: 118

 

COBBYDALERS SUCCUMB TO LATE WINNER

The Cobbydalers travelled to Garforth for their opening League game of the season. Danny Forrest named an unchanged side after Saturday’s FA Vase victory over Garstang. The pitch was dry and players had to adjust to a high bounce and a cross-field wind throughout the
game.

The Miners were quickly on the attack with Sam Barker sprinting down the left, only to see his cross headed clear by Josh Kaine. Karl Fitzgerald then fired over the bar after Myles Foley had failed to clear a through ball. This was followed by a superb cross from Jack Lazenby but Fitzgerald headed wide.

A strong run by Charlie Marshall down the right, ended with a timely interception by Foley, who then set up Silsden’s first attack on seventeen minutes. Josh McKiernon slid the ball to Anthony Brown who broke up the right before crossing to Khurram Shazad. His progress was halted by two defenders.

Skipper Lazenby then curled in a free-kick which bounced just wide of the far post. Midway through the half the Cobbydalers had their first clear chance. Brown broke up the left and crossed to Leon Hurles-Brook but Toby Wells denied him the opener with a low save to his right.

The Miners were thwarted by a superb save from Darke. Kaine broke up another Garforth attack before Shazad hit a cross to Brown but the striker delayed his shot which was easily blocked. Shazad then took matters into his own hands but his rising drive just cleared the bar.

Throughout the half the Cobbydalers defence was well marshalled by Sean Airey. His composure gradually spread to his fellow defenders and both Mark Everingham and Kaine made telling breaks up the flanks, which came to nought, however, against a strong home defence.

It looked like the defenders would ensure that the game would be goalless at the break. It was! But Silsden needed some luck to keep a clean sheet. McKiernon was dispossessed deep in his own half. Barker stole the ball and cut across the box, only to fire wide!

The fortunate McKiernon had another escape after his pass back to Airey was intercepted. The ball was slid through and ended in the net…..but the assistant’s flag was raised. Offside!!!!!

Silsden responded with Hurles-Brook sprinting up the wing before cutting across the penalty area. His shot was narrowly wide. Garforth countered but Barker’s shot was easy for Darke.

On sixty minutes Silsden saw three efforts blocked in the goal area after a corner was whipped in by Shazad. McKiernon, Hurles-Brook and Brown all saw efforts scrambled off the goal line.

The Silsden midfielders hadn’t been as effective as on Saturday and Trueman replaced Morgan with twenty-five minutes still to play. Immediately Trueman began to find space, which enabled him to spread the ball around to expose the home defence. He sent a through-ball to McKiernon but once again the shot was narrowly wide.

Half chances came at both ends with Kaine and Foley both blocking efforts at one end and substitute Dyllan Drovi, just off target at the other end. Finally the deadlock was broken, seven minutes from time, when Jack Lazenby netted after the home side finally managed to get behind Airey.

Silsden strove for the equaliser but the home defence held their nerve. The Miners almost got a second in a late breakaway, being denied by Darke, before Everingham went as close as anyone to netting an equaliser in the dying seconds.

On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Yorkshire Amateurs. The Ammies were in third place in the table late in the season but the Cobbydalers snatched a point off them with a late stunning equaliser from Wademan.

 

GARFORTH TOWN: Wells, Leach (Smith 75), McGahan, Lazenby, Fitzgerald,
Marshall, Coupland, Burton, Turner (Colley 80), Barker.

Subs not used: Mayall, Davison, Silva.

 

SILSDEN AFC: Darke, Kaine, Everingham, Barnes, Airey, Foley,
McKiernon (Wademan 87), Morgan (Trueman 67), Brown,
Shazad (Drovi 74), Hurles-Brook.

Subs not used: Higginson, Hudson.

 

Referee: Mr.D.Holbrook
Assistants: Mr.J.White and Mr.M.Rose

The Buildbase FA Vase 2020-2021 1^st Qualifying round.

Saturday 19^th September, 2020

 SILSDEN AFC 3 v 1 GARSTANG F.C.

Brown 26, Hurles-Brook 21, 57.        Maddox(pen) 90.  Att. 115.

COBBYDALERS MARCH ON IN THE VASE

            Following last Saturday’s heavy defeat to Bootle in the Emirates FA Cup, Silsden had a chance to atone in the FA Buildbase Vase on Saturday when Garstang FC visited The Cobbydale Construction Stadium.

          The Cobbydalers had Alfie Darke back in goal and Lewis Morgan started in midfield in place of Joe Mitchell. Immediately the game was stopped for a head injury to skipper Josh Kaine who eventually recovered.

          Silsden attacked up the left with Everingham pushing forwards but the ball was quickly cleared. Jacob Salisbury burst down the left and crossed to the right where no-one had dropped back to cover for Everingham. Fortunately Darke was on hand to save  Salisbury’s shot. The Silsden keeper was busy again as the visitors broke forwards after a Morgan’s free kick had been cleared.

          Darke was in the action a few minutes later just managing to gather a through-ball on the edge of his box with Reece Barrett breaking forwards for the Lancastrians.

          Gradually Silsden settled with slick inter-play between Khurram Shazad and Antony Brown ending with Leon Hurles-Brook heading over. Sean Airey then went close with a header from a Kaine free kick, before Brown drove the ball just wide of the far post after running onto a cross-field ball from Shazad.

          The Silsden forwards began to move the ball at pace and Shazad crossed the ball to HURLES-BROOK who cut back inside to give the Cobbydalers the lead on twenty-one minutes. Five minutes later Kaine hit a glorious ball up the wing to BROWN who turned inside across the penalty area before hitting a left footer wide of the Garstang keeper.

          Silsden were well on top. Everingham sent Morgan through but his flick was just wide of the post. Garstang responded but Myles Foley denied  Barrett one opportunity whilst Kaine broke up another attack.

          Silsden were content to keep possession at the back until an opening occurred and then attack on the break. In a five-minute spell before the break, a neat turn by Brown sent Hurles-Brook down the left but his cross was too deep. A minute later, Hurles-Brook shot wide before Brown’s low effort was deflected for a corner. It was swung in and a dummy by Morgan gave Brown another chance. His volley was wide.

          Silsden might have gone in four goals to the good but, at two-nil, the visitors were still in the game. The pattern of play was much the same at the start of the second half and, with a little more precision, the Cobbydalers might have netted two more. Garstang did have the odd break away but first Morgan and then Everingham broke up promising attacks.

          Ten minutes into the half Silsden got a third. Hurles-Brook  cut up the wing and crossed to Brown but the weight on the pass was too heavy. When Brown reciprocated via an astute ball to McKiernon, HURLES-BROOK netted his second. Morgan almost made it four but he dragged his shot wide.

          Silsden had controlled the game for fifteen minutes before Garstang had a chance, Martin Grundy firing Jonathan Hothersall’s cross over the bar. Hothersall then flicked the ball to substitute Daniel Squires but Airey cleared the danger before Darke saved a Hothersall volley.

          Chris Wademan and Daniel Drovi came on for Shazad and Brown and immediately Silsden were on the attack again. Wademan broke forwards onto a cross from Drovi on the wing but, from two yards out, he ballooned the ball over the bar.

          The visitors responded with a break which was cleared by Everingham before setting up Hurles-Brook at the other end. He was denied his hat-trick by Kellett in the Garstang goal.

          Garstang finally looked like opening their account on eighty-minutes but Darke denied Barrett with a superb save. As the clocked ticked down, Darke made another superb save from substitute Andrew Murphy. He was finally beaten three-minutes into stoppage time by Sam MADDOX’s penalty, although the decision to award it was strange as none of the Garstang side appealed for it!

                    

          The Cobbydalers entertain Guisborough Town who beat Washington 3-0 in the second qualifying round.

          In the meantime Silsden travel to Garforth Town on Tuesday and Yorkshire Amateurs on Saturday.

         

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Kaine, Everingham(Pownall 76), Barnes, Airey, Foley, McKiernon, Morgan, Brown(Drovi 66), Shazad(Wademan 66), Hurles-Brook. Subs not used. Higginson, Hudson, Russon, Bentham.

 

GARSTANG FC. Kellett, Birch, Nagy, Grundy, O’Connor, Hanslip, Salisbury(Squires 51), Akrigg(Maddox 62), Barrett, Hothersall (Murphy 63), Sailor. Subs not used. Ross, Dewhurst.

 

Referee. Mr D. Grant

The Sils squad has been further strengthened with the addition of numerous new faces in recent weeks.

Central defender Shaun Airey returns to the club alongside creative midfielder Harry Thompson. Both have had long stints away from the club and come with vast experience of the level.

Full back Carlton Pownall joins after a recent spell at Shelley FC, also joining the Sils is young winger Dyllan Drovi who has impressed significantly during pre season. Finally Leon Hurles-Brook joined the club last week after a productive four years at Campion FC respectively.

Manager Danny Forrest had his say in the new additions:

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we’re absolutely delighted to get Shaun and Harry on board. They’re both highly thought of at the club and there’s a lot of people who are happy to see them back in red. Shaun has shown his quality throughout pre season and we’ve already seen what an exciting addition Harry is in the short time he’s been with us. They’re both well respected by the rest of the group which has made it easy for them to integrate.

Harry Thompson during his 1st spell at the club

Carlton is a great lad, he’s an athletic and competitive full back who has plenty of ability. He’s a great addition and has the right attitude and characteristics we look for in a player.

Dyllan is a young and exciting attacking player who has been very impressive during pre season. We’re positive Dyllan will go on to fulfil his potential with us but he knows it will take hard work and patience. He certainly has all the tools and we’re all looking forward to seeing him develop with us.

Finally we’re delighted to have Leon with us, he’s made a great start to his Sils career and has already shown the quality he possesses. He has a platform to build on, he brings some balance to the squad with his great left foot and gives us more in the final third.”

Leon Hurles-Brook

The Emirates F.A. Cup 2020-2021.   Preliminary Round.

Saturday 12^th September 2020.

  SILSDEN AFC  2  v  5  BOOTLE  FC

                                                                                                                                                Hurles-Brook 14, Shazad 48           Connelly 14, Peterson 22, 42, 52,   Hodkinson 63.    

                                                           Att. 211.

        After a victory in the Extra-Preliminary Round at Eccleshill, the Cobbydalers were rewarded with a home tie against Bootle. That said, Silsden’s record against the Merseysiders in the NWCFL was dire, without a victory.  Indeed Bootle’s last visit to Silsden ended with them winning seven-nil, although few of the present squad had been involved in those games. Keeper Ben Higginson came in for Alfie Darke (ill) and Liam Hudson for Josh Kaine.

          The opening exchanges were scrappy with a series of fouls by both sides. Joe Mitchell sent Arley Barnes through on five minutes but the skipper’s shot was off target. Gradually Bootle began to test the Silsden rearguard with left back Michael Carberry breaking down the left. Silsden’s Leon Hurles-Brook then skipped down the left but, after cutting inside, he was forced wide and the move came to nought.

          The visitors took the lead on fourteen minutes when John CONNOLLY curled the ball into the top corner.  A minute later it was all-square with HURLES-BROOK cutting back to the left and firing his shot inside the near post.

          Silsden then responded with both full backs being involved. After Hurles –Brook had had a cross cleared, left back Mark Everingham broke forwards and crossed beyond the Bootle penalty area. Right back Liam Hudson managed to kill the ball and shoot. His shot  hit the goal stanchion. Unfortunately the defence was stretched and the speedy Tom PETERSON broke through for a second.

          Three minutes after Trueman had gone close with a free-kick, the visitors were reduced to ten men when Blues’ skipper, Liam Loughlin, was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Barnes.

          The Blues had to adjust, relying on breakaways where the pace of Peterson was a constant threat. Silsden striker Antony Brown looked Silsden’s best outlet, first having a low shot saved by Jones and then being brought down on the edge of the penalty box. The defensive wall did its job before another yellow card was shown to the visitors. After failing to get a clean header on Trueman’s free-kick, Brown broke clear but shot wide of the near post.

          Another  yellow card followed for Bootle, who were throwing bodies on the line. Barnes released Hurles-Brook down the right but he wasted his cross. Three minutes before the break, PETERSON, who had just been cautioned, outpaced a disjointed Silsden rearguard to put the visitors 3-1 up.

          The second half started with Hudson breaking down the right. He was closed down and Bootle broke away. Fortunately Mitchell, who had spotted the danger, managed to clear the ball. Two minutes later, Khurram SHAZAD hit a shot from thirty yards out. A wicked bounce gave Jones no chance. 2-3!

           Four minutes later Silsden were caught out on the half-way line again. Left-back Michael Carberry broke forwards, PETERSEN keeping pace with him, tapped home the cross with the defenders in his wake.

           A corner for Silsden was curled in by Trueman and was headed  over by Barnes before another Bootle breakaway was halted by Higginson’s head ten yard out of his area. Mitchel curled an effort over at the far end before Ben HODKINSON cut inside Everingham  at the far post  to make it five-two.

Carlton Pownall came on for Hudson and immediately went close, his shot landing on the roof of the net. Another cross from the right by Pownall and one from Everingham went begging.

          There were half chances at both ends. Silsden threw caution to the wind and might have conceded more to the ten men, which with four minutes to go became nine when man-of the match Tom Peterson was dismissed.

          Next week the Cobbydalers entertain Garstang in the FA Vase. In the meantime Manager Danny Forrest and his management team will have much to mull over.

SILSDEN AFC Higginson, Liam Hudson( Pownall 62) , Everingham, Trueman, Airey, Foley, Barnes, Mitchell(Morgan 74), Brown, Shazad(Wademan 74),  Hurles-Brook. Subs. not used. Thompson, McKiernon, Fox.

BOOTLE FC. Jones, Richards, Carberry, Hoy, Cartwright, Connolly(Brandon 71), Hooper, Loughlin, Peterson(Coulton 88), Perry, Hodkinson(Pomeyie).

Referee. Mr. L. Caggiano.   Assistants. Mr. L. Atkinson  & Mr. T. Crossland

The Emirates F.A. Cup 2020-2021. Extra Preliminary Round

Tuesday, 1^st September

                                                Eccleshill Utd 0-3 Silsden AFC                                                                                   

  Britton 40, Brown 47. 51.

COBBYDALERS DOMINANT IN F.A. CUP

The Cobbydalers travelled to local neighbours Eccleshill for their first competitive game of the season, the 2020-21 F.A. Cup extra Preliminary Round.

          Eccleshill were on the attack from the kick-off and Alfie Darke, in the Silsden goal, was forced to make his first save from Luke Aldrich in the opening minute. United pushed Silsden back and both Josh Kaine and Myles Foley had to block goal-bound efforts. Foley was booked in the ninth minute as the Cobbydalers were pinned in their own half.

          Silsden then began to settle and Mark Trueman saw a shot blocked before United broke forwards with Somali Cisse almost catching Darke out.

          Gradually Trueman began to control the midfield. When Joe Mitchell broke up the left, he managed to slip the ball to Khurram Shazad. It took two defenders to halt the Silsden man at the expense of a corner. Instead of driving the ball into the box, it was slipped back to Trueman who curled the ball to Foley who saw his volley go agonisingly wide of the far post.

          The Eagles were looking dangerous as they broke forwards but the Silsden defence, marshalled superbly by Shaun Airey, held them at bay. Mitchell hit a low shot on target at the other end but, on too many occasions, Silsden were hitting straight balls from the back which were easily cleared by the home defence.

          With ten minutes left before half-time, Matthias Britton broke clear, as the home defence had all pushed towards the half way line. Brad Emmerson, in the home goal, denied Britton with an outstretched leg. Three minutes later he was thwarted again.  However, BRITTON finally got his reward on 40 minutes when he headed home Joe Mitchell’s cross.

          With the half time whistle imminent, Airey made his only mistake of the game but Talent Ndlovu could only shoot into the arms of Darke.

          Two minutes into the second half Silsden were two up. A superb run up the right from Britton ended with a pin-point pass to Antony BROWN, who cut back across the six yard box before hitting in a low shot.

          Four minutes later BROWN ran onto a cross from Shazad to slam the ball home at the near post to make it 3-0. Immediately Brown had a chance to complete his hat-trick but shot wide before Shazad saw an effort saved.

          The home side were shell-shocked and, to make matters worse, Aran Basi was sent off on sixty-four minutes. Brown then set up another chance for Britton but his effort was off target before Foley was denied by a superb save by Emerson.

          Silsden were still determined to attack but almost paid the price for over-committing men forwards. However substitute Marcel Chigumira shot wide at the other end before he was denied in the dying minutes when Alfie Darke tipped his thunderbolt onto the bar.

          The Cobbydalers will entertain Avro or Bootle in the Preliminary Round on Saturday, September 12^th.

ECCLESHILL UNITED. Emerson, Bleau, Buchanan, Taylor, Omolukun(Owen 54), Basi, Ndlovu(Chigumura 60), Staunton, Aldrich, Irvine.                                                                                       Sub. not used. Mohammed, Garber, Kaba, Anjom, Josiah.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Kaine(Pownall 78), Everingham, Trueman, Airey, Foley, Barnes, Mitchell(Liam Hudson 88), Brown(Antony), Shazad, Britton(Wademan 78).                       Subs not used. Higginson, Morgan, Fox, Drovi.

Referee. MR, J. Phillips.

 

Photograph courtesy of Daniel Kerr (Twitter – @DKkaptured)

Although uncertainty remains around the start of the 2020/21 season, NCEL clubs were allowed to register players from yesterday (Wednesday 1st July). Manager Danny Forrest gave us an update on how the Cobbydalers are shaping up, with the majority of last season’s squad returning for the 2020/21 campaign.

---

Goalkeepers Alfie Darke and Ben Higginson both return – Alfie, having suffered a serious knee injury last season comes back fully fit, while Ben will be looking to pick off where he left off last season ending the campaign in fine form.

---

Captain Josh Kaine stays for his fifth season and is fast approaching 200 appearances for the Cobbydalers, whilst fellow defenders Dan Illingworth and Mark Everingham will continue their invaluable contribution in to a fourth season. Connor Thompson and Myles Foley who have been brilliant since joining also commit to the Cobbydalers for the 2020/21 season.

Josh Brown returned to the club last season after a four year absence, but unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury back in February. Matty Moses is edging closer to a return after 11 months out. Both will be supported through their rehab by club physio Conner Docherty and we can’t wait to see them both back in contention.

---

Midfielders Arley Barnes, Joe Mitchell, Liam Hudson and Josh Mckiernon all stay, Mark Trueman and Kyle Hancock who both returned to the club towards the end of the 2019/20 season are back with the Sils for next season.

---

Going forward, Chris Wademan will continue in to a 10th year as a player for the club and attacking midfielder Khurram Shazad will look to continue his dazzling form in to the 2020/21 campaign. Matthias Britton who ended last season with a fantastic performance at Handsworth, Luke Hudson and Will Storrie all return. Promising youngster Robbie Fox will be looking to build on last season’s breakthrough while Luke Brooksbank will be hoping to make an impact after coming through the U23 set up. Danny Riley continues his affiliation with the club before a planned venture to the USA – whenever that may be!

Check back in the coming days and weeks for further squad updates including news of some new additions!