The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020

Tuesday 28^th January 2020.

       SILSDEN AFC 2 v 0 ATHERSLEY RECREATION          

  Foley 72, Sorhaindo 81.                                                         Att. 82.

COBBYDALERS SECURE MORALE-BOOSTING WIN

          Silsden entertained Athersley Recreation at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium on Tuesday. After a day of heavy rain showers, it looked as if there might have been another postponement but the surface was fine. Once again a strong wind from the west was the main problem for the teams.

          Athersley prop up the table, having only won 2 and drawn 3 of their first 21 games. However, after a dreadful start to the season, they have improved if not so much in points at least in the manner of defeats. In their first eight games, which were all lost, the goal count was, scored 2, conceded 48. In their ninth game they won 3-2 at Bottesford Town. After 21 league games their present goal difference is minus 59.

          After a run of four defeats it was important that the Cobbydalers picked up some points against the league’s bottom team. Still without several first choice players, Danny Forrest re-signed Mark Trueman to add some experience to the team and gave under 18’s player, Connor Thompson his debut at left back.

          The visitors played “with the wind” in the first half but, with the long ball catching on the wind, it wasn’t much of an advantage. The “Penguins” had the first attack but the first chance came to Silsden after Thompson crossed but Josh McKiernon headed over.

          Dan Illingworth then slid the ball to Laurence Sorhaindo. His first touch saw him break forwards but he was halted by a defender. Athersley then wasted two opportunities, misreading the strength of the wind.

          Silsden tried to open up the visitor’s defence and to maintain possession but neither McKiernon nor Danny Riley could get enough power on their shots. A counter attack followed but super defending by Kaine denied the visitors.

          Both teams tried to master the conditions but too often the wind won. When Silsden were under pressure Kaine was supreme at the back and Trueman cleared up in mid-field with composure, nothing flashy, just skillful reading of the game, taking the sting out of attacks and maintaining possession.

          The security at the back seemed to strengthen the front men`s resolve with Sorhaindo testing defenders on several occasions with his quick footwork and McKiernon moving into good positions.

          With five minutes left before the break Athersley broke forward in a four-man move, with Amon Salmons crossing to Ben Walker who headed over. Left back Gregg Kidd hit a screamer but the bounce and the wind took it wide of the target. In the final minute of the half Sorhaindo skipped past two defenders in the visitor’s box before being denied by a superb tackle from Jack Shepard.

          Silsden were soon on the attack after the interval.  Sorhaindo  broke forward  before being denied again. Barnes had a shot saved and Riley another, which was cleared for a corner. A number of skirmishes led to several bookings (handbags basically) before Shane Kelsey took things further and was dismissed. Finally, the opener came with Trueman’s corner being headed home by right back Miles FOLEY.

          A mention here must be made of the young left back Connor Thompson who had won the corner. With Mark Everingham’s injury, Silsden had struggled to find a full back who would support the attack as well as giving them another option. Thompson started off the move which eventually led to Silsden’s second goal, fully deserved, by SORHIANDO on 83 minutes. Athersley did make a last effort to pull a goal back but there was Kaine to clear the ball.

          A vital win for the Cobbydalers, who entertain Handsworth on Saturday. The Ambers are one point below Silsden, having played five games fewer.

SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Foley, Thompson, Kaine, Illingworth, Trueman, Barnes, Mitchell, Sorhaindo, McKiernon (Luke Hudson 64), Riley (Britton 64). Subs not used. Bentham, Forrest, Fairlie.

ATHERSLEY RECREATION F.C. Snaith, Briscoe, Birks, Miller, Shepherd, Bucknall, Purcell (O’Connor 88), Walker (O’Brien), Kelsey, Swinburn, Salmons. Subs. not used. Hutchinson, Wordsworth, Slater.

Referee. Mr. J. Waters.    Assistants. Mr. R. Coller-Booth and Mr. G. Greaves

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020

Saturday Jan 25^th 2020.

SILSDEN AFC 0 v 2 KNARESBOROUGH TOWN FC

Att. 267.                       Anderson 29, Heath 74.

BUMPER CROWD FOR “BIG JOHN” BUT COBBYDALERS STRUGGLE

          A bumper crowd were at the Cobbydalers Construction Stadium to celebrate all the work done for the club by the recently deceased John McNulty. The programme had memories about John, a Liverpool fan,  and the players came onto the field to “You’ll never walk alone” before a minute’s applause took place.

          Once again the Cobbydalers were without key players as they failed again to score against a team below them in the table. Their home record now reads 3 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats, goals for 14 (7 of which were in one game) and goals against 19.

          Knaresborough were soon on the attack breaking down the left.  Silsden conceded three free kicks in the opening five minutes, Jack Carr wasting one but Rob Youhill hit a dangerous one across the Silsden goal area but no teammate could get a touch on it.  Youhill was a constant threat down the right sending over another dangerous cross before Silsden’s first attack.

          Luke Hudson hit a ball up the left to Matthias Britton who cut across the goal before seeing his shot blocked. Back came Town with Dan Illingworth heading clear at the expense of a corner. Some neat football between Jack Powis, Youhill and Jack Carr led to nought before Colin Heath had a shot blocked.

          Riley shot over the bar as he slipped, after good work from Britton. Knaresborough again broke down the left and Hudson was fortunate not to receive a caution for his fourth foul in the opening quarter. However Youhill swung over the free-kick and Greg ANDERSON headed in the opener on twenty-nine minutes.

          Knaresborough’s defence were not averse to breaking up play with some heavy tackles, which went unpunished, Riley coming in for most of them. At the other end Higginson parried Jack Carr’s effort. Silsden’s Britton cut in and forced a fine save from Dom Smith with five minutes left of the half before Mitchell set him up again but he was closed down.

          As the half came to an end, Lawrence Sorhaindo slid the ball to Riley who brought a fine save from Smith. Chances came at both ends, Illingworth and Hill struggling to clear a cross, Knaresborough failing to take advantage. At the other end, Riley shot wide stretching to reach Britton’s cross.

          It was easy to see why both sides are struggling near the bottom of the table, as too many passes went astray and half chances were squandered. Mitchell set up Britton for a header but the keeper gathered easily.

          Forrest came on to try to add a spark to proceedings but Town’s back line  of five were closing down quickly.  They almost netted a second but Carrs’ free-kick bounced on the Silsden crossbar. Four minutes later the visitors took total control, Colin HEATH powerfully heading a second from a Youhill’s free-kick.

          There was a late response from the Cobbydalers with Forrest setting up substitute Luke Hudson, whose shot hit the side netting. Barnes and Illingworth, up for a corner, were denied by Smith before Luke Hudson hit the side netting in stoppage time.

          The recent defeats have left the players lacking in confidence. With two more home games in the week, Forrest will be praying for the speedy recovery of his injured players but also a response from the rest of the players, who need to be more proactive in both defence and attack.

          On Tuesday Silsden entertain fourteenth placed Handsworth.

SILSDEN AFC Higginson, Foley, Liam Hudson, Barnes, Illingworth, Hill, Taylor(Forrest 66), Mitchell, Sorhaindo, Riley(Fox 76), Britton( Luke Hudson).Not used Thompson, McKiernon

KNARESBOROUGH Town FC. Smith, Powis, Kidd, Thirkell, Anderson, Cook, Youhill, Parkes, Heath, Carr, Milson. Subs used. Walker 65, Donoghue 65, Bromley 77). Not used. Dugdale.

Referee. Mr. M. Bacon.  Assistants.  Mr. C.  Brown and Mr. S. Wright.

THE JOHN MCNULTY MEMORIAL MATCH

Saturday, 25^th January 2020 at the

COBBYDALE CONSTRUCTION STADIUM

Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

SILSDEN AFC V KNARESBOROUGH TOWN FC

          The Cobbydalers’ home League game on Saturday will a celebration of the long service given by the recently deceased JOHN EDWARD McNULTY who passed away on December 24^th after a short illness. John and his family have long associations with the club with his son Sean now The Clubs’ Chairman.

          John was born in a gypsy caravan in Worth Village in 1941, one of seven children. John himself played rugby league as a youngster although his father had played for Stoke City before the war. John’s father was in Malaysia in World War Two where he developed malaria.

          It was John’s marriage to Sandra Mitchell , a mill worker in Silsden which brought him to “Cobbydale” where the couple married in 1962. She lived in a back-to-back house in Aire View but the married couple first lived in Woodside Road before moving to Gloucester Avenue. John worked initially as a drayman, then at Attersley Foundry and then Fletchers Mill but he was best known in Silsden, in his later years, as the man who kept the streets in pristine condition

          Sean was born in 1964. John was a massive Liverpool fan but, when Sean was four, he wanted a Man. United kit for Christmas. A red shirt was bought and Sean’s mother stitched “7” on the back of it, the number of George Best! Sean’s brother, Jason, was born 1950 and as they grew up     the lads began to get involved in football, Sean making his debut for Steeton Juniors at the age of 14 before playing for Cobbydalers at 18 in The Craven League.

          When John retired at 60, he then got involved with the Cobbydalers where Jason played as well. Sean and Anne’s sons Danny, Andy and Josh and Jason and Michelle’s sons, Matthew and Joe, all played at Silsden in their teens. While his sons were playing, John was often put “in charge of the boys”.  On one occasion Sean was playing but the lads were not in sight. Eventually John, who had been watching the game, found them stuck in the top of a tree. He eventually managed to coax them down. At another game the boys disappeared again. There was no sign of them. Sean, the keeper, had to leave the pitch. (In the days before substitutes someone else had to go in the goals whilst Sean searched for his sons!) He eventually found them, locked in a car boot of a Ford Escort! John enjoyed the game! Sean returned to his goal area!

          However, John took the lads everywhere on Saturdays and Sundays, watching them progress from the juniors to the seniors.  His grandsons have played in the County Amateur League and the North West Counties and are now involved with Silsden Whitestar. They all related interesting stories of their granddad at his funeral.

          Just as John had looked over Silsden when he was working, he took enormous pride in his role as the groundsman at Silsden. His pitches were immaculate although he did have some battles getting rid of moles, and sometime youngsters playing in the goalmouths! One look from John and all was sorted! Sean has now taken over the pitches and takes as much pride of them as his dad.      

          John’s funeral was held in St. James Church on January 10^th. Sean read a poem and Jason, Danny, Andy and Josh all gave interesting and humorous stories about their dad and grandad, some of which included quips about Man United.

          Perhaps John will have the last laugh! His coffin was carried out by his sons and grandsons to “You’ll never walk alone”. He might be looking down from heaven with a giant smile “if” Liverpool win the title!

          The match on Saturday will be a “pay-what-you-want” event when everyone at the club can “Thank John Mac” for his services to the Cobbydalers.

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020

Saturday Jan 18th 2020.

GARFORTH TOWN 3 v 0 SILSDEN AFC

Barker 27, Marshall, 41, Leach 45 Att. 168

SOME POSITIVES FOR WEAKENED COBBYDALERS

The Cobbydalers travelled to Garforth for the return fixture, having won their corresponding home game 7-1. Silsden were without the experienced Barnes, Illingworth, regular left back Everingham and Ben Higginson in goal. Eighteen year olds Jake Fairlie (goal) and Daniel Hill (centre back) were among a young side.

At the start of play the Miners were three points ahead of the Cobbydalers in the table. The game started brightly for Silsden with Lawrence Sorhaindo just being closed down after a weaving run by Matthias Britton. The young Silsden keeper was soon in the action, superbly saving Dan Coupland’s header after Joe Colley had crossed from the right.

Josh Kaine was then injured before Sam Barker had two shots, the first being blocked and the second clearing the bar. Charlie Marshall then shot narrowly wide as the Miners had some good possession. Silsden finally broke out, managing to keep the ball but without creating any chances.

Eventually Joe Mitchell slid a ball to Chris Wademan who was in a 50 yard chase with Charley Wrigley, the Miner’s defender eventually taking the sting out of Wademan’s effort. Kaine and Josh Brown kept the home side at bay before Sam BARKER opened the scoring with a screamer from twenty-five yards out.

Sorhaindo set up Wademan five minutes later but the shot cleared the bar, having struck a defender. From the resulting corner Brown headed Mitchell’s corner over the bar. The Silsden forwards, with their backs to goal, tended to try to keep the ball when there was the need for someone to break through the Miner’s rearguard or cut down the flanks. It was too easy for the Garforth defenders.

With five minutes left before the break Brown cleared Lee Turner’s corner before thwarting another attack but he was injured in the challenge. A mix-up between Kaine and Liam Hudson let in MARSHALL to notch the second. Silsden broke forward from the restart but the ball was cleared up field to Britton. Garforth counter attacked and Charlie Marshall’s pace took him though the Silsden defence and his cross set up Sam LEACH to make it three.

Craig Bentham replaced Brown at the interval. Sorhaindo for the Cobbydalers and Turner for the Miners drove efforts over their opponents crossbars before Garforth began to dominate. Fairlie, in the Silsden goal made a superb save to deny Turner’s powerful header and then the follow up.

The Cobbydalers tried to make some progress but there was little movement off the ball to stretch the home defence. The Miners were in control but fortunately the Silsden back four managed to block several efforts whilst Fairlie was secure in the goal.

Danny Riley and Shazad replaced Wademan and McKiernon. The former, who was at Silsden several years ago, has been playing in the USA and Spain, brought some pace and movement to the Cobbydalers but they were well chaperoned by the home defence. Kaine was then injured and, for a short period, the Cobbydalers were down to ten men.

Mitchell was still trying to drive the team forwards and he went close with a left foot shot late in the game. Foley hit a good ball down the right to Sorhaindo who forced a corner but the Miners were still in control.

The crowd gasped as the skipper James Beaton, hit an audacious effort from his own half which hit the Silsden post. Then, after another attack was broken up by Hill in the dying minutes, Sam Barker was denied by the woodwork.

Next Saturday the Cobbydalers are at home to Knaresborough Town who are five points below the Cobbydalers with a game in hand. Forrest will be hoping for some good news on the injury front.

The game on Saturday will be “A TRIBUTE TO JOHN McNULTY”, a club legend who died on Christmas Eve 2019. It is a “Pay what you want” day.

GARFORTH TOWN. Wells, Beaston, Leach, Coupland, Wrigley, Denton, Marshall (Silva 65), Williams, Barker, Turner (Wyatt 85), Colley.

SILSDEN AFC. Fairlie, Foley, Liam Hudson, Kaine, Brown ( Bentham 45), Hill, McKiernon (Shazad 64), Mitchell, Sorhaindo, Wademan (Riley 64), Britton, Subs not used, Taylor, Luke Hudson.

Referee. Mr. D. Guest. Assistants. Mr. L. Bramley and Mr. R. Bissett.

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-20
Saturday 11^th January 2020

SILSDEN AFC  0   v.  3 BARTON TOWN FC
Att. 186.     Richardson 9, Burdett 43, North 62.

COBBYDALERS UNABLE TO MASTER THE GALE

          The Cobbydaler were playing their first home game since November 16^th , having had their only home match in that period postponed. With a spirited performance last time out at promotion hopefuls Hemsworth M.W., they were hoping to cheer up the divisions’ largest crowd of the day.

          In the last fortnight  manager Forrest had lost right-back  Jay Benn who has been offered an 18 month contract at Halifax AFC (with the Cobbydalers best wishes), Aidan Kirby who has joined Campion, Mark Everingham for a month with hamstring problems and Dan Illingworth, who is hoping to be fit for next Saturday. In the meantime Forrest has signed 20 year old Myles Foley who had had a spell at Ossett United, and Dan Hill, who has returned after trying his luck at Hyde United.

          In the reverse fixture in September the Cobbydalers had lost 3-0 and also lost the services of keeper Alfie Darke, who is still receiving treatment.

          Silsden, who were playing against a very strong wind in the first half, almost took an early lead. Matthias Britton received the ball from the kick-off and threaded it through to Lawrence Sorhaindo. The striker broke forwards and slid the ball to Britton who was halted on the edge of the Barton penalty area.

          The visitors responded immediately with Ellis Barkworth breaking down the right flank and crossing into the Silsden box. Waide Fairhurst rose above the defence to head powerfully but Ben Higginson, in the Silsden goal, denied him with a superb save. Some neat two-touch football saw the Cobbydalers advance forwards but the ball was cleared up the field. Hinchliffe broke down the left and crossed into the box. Jack RICHARDSON head home the opener on nine minutes. 

          Silsden were then fortunate not to concede a second when an in-swinging corner bounced on the Silsden crossbar. The Barton skipper was then injured and had to be substituted before Ben Hinchcliffe blasted over from eight yards out.

          Silsden broke  clear with Sorhaindo getting to the edge of the Barton box on the right. Keeper Sam Riches advanced but Sorhaindo slid the ball across to the unmarked Britton. The winger had time to kill the ball and slip it into the net. Unfortunately his shot cleared the crossbar of the unguarded goal!

          As the wind increased, the pattern of play became fragmented.  Liam Hudson tried to set up one attack before Sorhaindo sent Khurram Shazad through, but he had strayed a tad offside. Khurram then sent Sorhaindo through but Riches was swiftly off his line to block the striker’s effort.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Danny North fired over the Silsden bar having been set up by Barkworth. It had been a golden opportunity to take a two goal lead which would have made it hard for the Cobbydalers to come back.       However the visitors did make it two, two minutes before the break. Left back Neil BURDETT broke down the left and squeezed past Kaine on the goal line before driving home from a narrow angle. Sorhaindo did his best to pull a goal back before the break but was denied by Matty Plummer.

          The second-half! The wind strengthened, the rain came down horizontally, control was difficult  for the attackers who overhit too many passes or gave defenders too much time to get behind the ball.  Joe Mitchell worked tirelessly in midfield but the forwards couldn’t master the conditions. Chris Wademan came on for the ineffective Shazzad, neither player being able to match their best, and McKiernon replaced Jake Taylor.

          Mitchell set up Sorhaindo whose effort was blocked by the keeper before Barton broke forward.  Chris Salt drove the ball forwards. No Silsden player spotted the danger and substitute Danny NORTH slid in a third on sixty –two minutes.

          Mitchell and Barnes worked hard to set up attacks, but only Sorhaindo offered any kind of threat, the keeper denying him on two occasions. Josh Brown went close in the dying minutes and Riches tipped a Sorhaindo header over the bar.

          Forrest was disappointed with the result but also with the lack of intensity of some of his players. Barton managed the dreadful conditions much better than the Cobbydalers!

SILSDEN AFC Higginson, Foley, Hudson (Fox 73), Kaine, Brown, Barnes, Taylor (McKiernon 57), Mitchell, Sorhaindo, Shazad (Wademan 57), Britton. Subs not used. Bentham, Hill.

BARTON TOWN Riches, Barkworth, Burdett, Salt, Hare, Plummer, Milison (Cooper 74), Disley (North 18), Fairhurst, Hinchcliffe (Rogerson 82), Richardson.

Referee. Mr. W. Davis. Assistants. Mr. A. Soneye and Mr. D. Burton.

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020

Saturday Dec. 28^st 2019.

                                                                                   HEMSWORTH  MINERS WELFARE  3 v 2 SILSDEN AFC

                                                                                   Viggars 8, 67, Carroll 76.                        Brown 45,  64.    Att. 133

                                                                                   COBBYDALERS GIVE SECOND-PLACED HEMSWORTH A SCARE

          The Cobbydalers travelled to second-placed Hemsworth Miners Welfare on Saturday hoping to end the decade on a high. As it turns out they took the promotion hopefuls to the wire in a compelling game which swung one way and then the other.

          Danny Forrest was forced to make two changes with Dan Illingworth and Liam Hudson unavailable. Luckily Mark Everingham had recovered from injury and the experienced Craig Bentham returned to the starting line up.

          Roared on by a raucous, partisan crowd The Miners were swiftly on the offensive, Josh Brown having to concede a corner in the second minute.  Brown headed clear before Arley Barnes broke up another attack. Silsden were pushed back with an onslaught of high balls. Mark Everingham conceded another corner. The ball was swung in, centre-back Harry VIGGARS headed onto the post before blasting home the rebound from close range.

          Silsden responded with a break down the left where Lawrence Sorhaindo cut in before moving the ball to the right where Jake Taylor’s cross was headed clear. Hemsworth counter-attacked at pace but Silsden keeper Ben Higginson dived at the feet of Luke Hogg to deny the Miners a second. Declan Parker picked up the clearance and got the better of Barnes before shooting over. It was probably the only time the skipper was beaten in the whole game!

          Silsden, who had survived the first onslaught, began to take the game to their opponents. Khurram Shazad managed to get down the right before pulling the ball back to edge of the area, to Craig Bentham who shot narrowly wide. This was followed up by some slick passing down the left which ended with Miners’ keeper Jordan Greaves saving from Sorhaindo.

          The Miners continued with incisive balls hoping for some knock-ons but the Silsden defence held firm with Brown dominating in the air and Barnes clearing up any loose balls. The Cobbydalers began to open up the home defence with some slick pass-and-move football. Jay Benn cut in from the right to set up Khurram who saw his effort go narrowly wide of the far post. Bentham then released Matthias Britton who was fouled by Viggars. The free kick was saved before Viggars brought down Taylor whose free-kick was comfortably saved. Another cynical foul on Britton broke up another attack but the centre-back somehow avoided a yellow card!

          Hemsworth counter-attacked but Everingham blocked Hoggs’ effort at the expense of a corner before the Cobbydalers broke forwards, Bentham twice shooting wide. Sorhaindo then brought a superb save from Greaves before a foul by Bentham led to the first booking and a free-kick, Barnes headed clear but Owen Wildblood and Ryan Carrol combined to create a chance.

          With five minutes left of the half, the Cobbydalers played the ball across the back in a series of fifteen passes before they broke swiftly. Britton sent Shazad free but his shot was cleared. Joe Mitchell, who had been immense in midfield, then held up Ripley, and Benn made two telling tackles. Superb interplay between Mitchell and Britton freed Sorhaindo, who was on the penalty spot. The striker hit the ball cleanly but Greaves made a point-blank save, at the expense of a corner. The ball was swung in and BROWN headed in the equaliser, on the stroke of half-time, to the dismay of the home fans.

          Silsden broke forwards from the restart but Britton was dispossessed and Hemsworth broke down the right. The ball was crossed from the by-line but Higginson saved Ripley’s header. The game was nip and tuck with Silsden matching the efforts of the home side. Jones wasted a chance after a good delivery from Carroll before Everingham went close after a slick move down Silsden’s left.

          Following another break down the left, Shazad brought a superb save from Greaves at the expense of a corner. BROWN rose above everyone else to head the Cobbydalers into the lead. (Khurram was then knocked out by a point blank clearance and replaced by Chris Wademan).

          Unfortunately, three minutes after Brown’s goal, the centre-back was dispossessed trying to shield the ball out conceding a corner. The ball was swung in and VIGGARS headed the equaliser. The initiative swung in Hemsworth favour but Tiana wasted a glorious chance. The Miners pressed but Mitchell broke up the attack before launching the next Silsden attack. Back came the Miners, Higginson making two telling saves to keep Silsden in the game.  But the third goal finally came for the home side. Ryan CARROLL managed to get the better of a tussle with the exhausted Mitchell, fifteen minutes from time to make it three.

          Hemsworth kept up the pressure. Higginson made a fine save to deny Luke Hogg and Barnes and Brown broke up another attack. Everingham headed clear as Silsden broke down the right through Mitchell who crossed to Taylor. His shot was volleyed wide. The final whistle went!

          It had been a superb game, flowing from one end to the other. There was some thrilling football from both sides. Silsden demonstrated that the gap between the top and mid table is not vast with probably their best performance of the season.

          Next Saturday the Cobbydalers are without a game! with three the following week!

HEMSWORTH M.W. Graves, Wildblood, Jeff, Paylor, Viggars, Cass, Carroll, Hogg, Ripley(Wilson 80), Jones( Tiani  54), Parker

SILDEN AFC. Higginson, Benn, Everingham, Bentham, Brown, Barnes, Taylor, Mitchell, Britton(Kirby 80), Shazad(Wademan 65), Sorhaindo(Fox 80).Subs not used.  Anani, Parsons.

Referee. Mr. D. Smith. Assistants.  Mr. W. Gray and  Mr. W. Booth.

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020

Saturday Dec. 21^st 2019.

THACKLEY A.F.C. 2 v 2 SILSDEN A.F.C.

  Basi 36, Asa Mitchell 66.           Sorhaindo 12, Britton 37.   Att.180

HONOURS EVEN IN ENTERTAINING DERBY

          The Cobbydalers made the short trip to Dennyfield on Saturday when only half of the Premier Division games went ahead. The pitch was heavy but fans were at least treated to a game after a prolonged period of disruption to the fixture list.

          The Dennyboys were soon on the attack with Asa Mitchell firing wide from the edge of the penalty area. Silsden responded with a quick break down the right but keeper Luke Wilson was able to gather the ball on the line. Half chances came at both ends, Jay Benn shooting wide at one end before Thackley broke clear, Jack Boyle cutting across the penalty area before also shooting wide.  

          Silsden were prepared to keep possession until an opening arose, Brown releasing Matthias Britton. Former Cobbydaler Kris Hargreaves was caught out and Britton slid the ball to Laurence SORHAINDO to slot in the opener from eight yards. Silsden began to push the ball about with aplomb. Sorhaindo set up Khurram Shazad but his low shot was saved by Wilson.

          Jay Benn was next to test the Dennyboys’ defence with a run down the right. Playing a one-two with Joe Mitchell, the youngster cut inside before driving the ball over the bar with the outside of his boot. Thackley’s only advance forward was a free-kick, Ryan Basi heading wide. Sorhaindo was proving a real threat. He released Jake Mountford but the youngster was forced wide after he slipped.

          Finally, midway through the half, Thackley began to gain some control. Jack Normanton sped onto a long ball up the left but the Cobbydalers’ keeper Ben Higginson was swiftly off his line to make a great save. Shazad was back to break up another attack.

          Silsden pressed down the flanks but it was Thackley who had the next chance, Dan Illingworth denying Asa Mitchell with a crunching tackle. Silsden were then caught out from a corner, A “Cruyff” turn by Boyle created another chance for Thackley but Josh Brown blocked the first effort and the second hit the side netting. Brown then denied Asa Mitchell with a sliding tackle.         

          Finally the Denny Boys got the equaliser. Ryan BASI, having moved into Silsden box for a corner, curled his effort towards the top corner of the Silsden net. It was as if the game had gone into slow-motion with Higginson rooted to his line as the ball spun past him and into the top corner net.

          Within a minute Silsden were back in front. Britton broke from the halfway line, slid the ball to Sorhaindo, who cut in along the byline to hit a low cross. BRITTON was there to blast it home. Brown twice blocked efforts from the Dennyboys whilst Sorhaindo was denied a second goal on the stroke of half time.

          The Thackley were first to show in the second half but Eisa Faulding overhit his cross wide. Silsden responded with Shazad releasing Sorhaindo who set up Britton. His shot lacked venom and Thackley broke quickly, Asa Mitchell shooting wide.       

          Gradually the Dennyboys gained the initiative and the Cobbydalers were relieved when Higginson made a superb single hand save to deny James Rothel. At the other end Joe Mitchell fired over from outside the box before Sorhaindo was pulled back on the edge of the area by Basi. The defender was lucky not to be cautioned and Silsden were unfortunate not to have a penalty without the benefit of VAR! Unfortunately Sorhaindo, the Cobbydalers best forward, was injured and was replaced by Aidan Kirby.

          Before Silsden had settled the Dennyboys broke forward, ASA MITCHELL hitting a screamer into the top corner to level the scores. Silsden responded with Shazad and Britton combining to set up Barnes but the skippers shot cleared the crossbar. Shazad then cut across the box from the left beating two players but he ran into trouble. He then set up Britton but Wilson was quickly off his line to smother the ball.

          With fifteen minutes left the Dennyboys looked more likely to get the fifth goal but both substitute Matt Hall and Normanton wasted clear chances as players tired on the heavy pitch. Hall’s cross provided Broadbent with a good opportunity but he headed just wide. Silsden substitute Chris Wademan tracked back to retrieve the ball before setting Khurram free. His shot was wide of the target as the final whistle went.

          The points were shared in an entertaining game after a very disrupted few weeks. Hopefully the next game on Saturday 28^th December, away at second-placed Hemsworth Miners’ Welfare, will go ahead as planned.

          Finally the club send Best Wishes to all their Sponsors and Supporters for a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

THACKLEY FC Wilson, Faulding, Hunter, Whiteley, Basi, Hargreaves, Ibraimi(Sibanda 75), Rothel, Mitchell (Hall 70), Boyle (Broadbent 65), Normanton. Sus not used.Murphy and Poole

SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Benn, Hudson, Barnes, Illingworth, Brown, Mountford (Wademan 75), Mitchell, Britton, Shazad, Sorhaindo (Kirby 63). Subs not used Bentham, Kaine, McKiernon.

Referee.Mr. J. Rhodes.  Assistants. Mr. M. Brownsett and Mr. D. Holbrook

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020

Saturday Dec. 7th 2019.

BOTTESFORD TOWN 1 v 3 SILSDEN A.F.C.

Att. 47.         Bowskin 46.                    Hudson 22, Sorhaindo 42, 57.

YOUNGSTERS BENN AND TAYLOR ON FIRE

          The Cobbydalers maintained their recent form with a 3-1 win at Bottesford on Saturday, with goals from Liam Hudson and Laurence Sorhaindo who netted a brace.

          Silsden started without Josh Kaine, who pulled out at the last minute with sickness, with Hudson slotting in at the back. Town were soon on the attack but Ben Higginson gathered Jack McMenemy’s cross to launch a Silsden attack. Jay Benn released Jake Taylor down the right, who played a one-two with Khurram Shazad before seeing his curling shot saved.

          Town’s Tom Johnstone then sent Wayne Graves free down the left but the ball was cleared down the right, Aidan Kirby heading Jay Benn’s cross over the bar. Town went close on their next sortie forwards but Dan Illingworth managed to clear the danger.

          Gradually the Cobbydalers began to assert themselves with youngsters Benn and Taylor opening up the Town defence with pace and precision. Sorhaindo was on the end of one cross but slipped in the act of shooting before Kirby netted but was flagged offside.

          The opening goal came from a Silsden corner. Keeper Birch spilled the ball and HUDSON fired it in from close range. From the restart Bottesford had a corner but Tom Johnstone headed wide. Joe Mitchell was busy tracking back to protect the defence  when the Silsden defensive line was breached, but a twenty-five yard effort from Jack Bowskin was just wide of the mark.

          The game swung one way then the other but when Shazad put Sorhaindo through only a sharp response from the Town keeper denied Silsden a second.  

          On thirty minutes Mark Everingham, who has been superb at left-back this campaign pulled a hamstring. He was replaced by Josh Brown.

          Silsden, with Benn and Taylor opening the defence, began to take control. Kirby went close with a header and Benn with a shot before Khurram saw two efforts blocked. Kirby broke down the right and crossed to Taylor, who saw his effort graze the far post before Mitchell sent a defence-splitting pass to Shazad who curled his shot wide.

          Silsden were almost punished for their profligacy when Barnes failed to clear. McMenemy reached the byline and slid the ball goalwards, where it struck the near post before rolling along the goal line with the Silsden defence helpless. Luckily it rolled out of play past the far post.

          Immediately Silsden punished the home side. The referee played a good advantage after a break by the Cobbydalers was partially halted. Kirby broke on goal to set up SORHAINDO for a tap-in.

          The second half began with Kirby breaking down the left before playing a one-two with Shazad. Unfortunately the angle was too tight for him to squeeze the ball home. Bottesford’s keeper hit a long ball which caught the wind. Jack BOWSKIN lashed it home from twenty-five yards out.

          Silsden withstood some pressure before they restored their two-goal cushion. Barnes sent Hudson down the right, he crossed and Birch fumbled, and SORHAINDO stabbed it home.

          Town’s skipper was then sin-binned for ten minutes and Silsden began to take control. Kirby’s cross found Barnes who saw his shot saved before Shazad fired wide. Benn and Taylor continued to open up the home defence as Town started to hit long-balls which got caught on the wind. The Cobbydalers defence just shielded the ball dead.

          Shazad was replaced by Matthias Britton who immediately released Wademan, who had come on for Kirby, but he was closed down. Silsden denied the home side any more opportunities to seal three points.

Next Saturday The Cobbydalers entertain Athersley Recreation at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium K.O.3pm

BOTTESFORD TOWN. Birch, Cranidge, Cross, Ridley, Johnstone, Cook, Bowskin, Pembleton  (Hudson 85), Boulton (Abdullah 47) Spencer (McMenemy 75), Graves. Subs not used Train, Leaning

SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Benn, Everingham (Brown 30), Hudson, Illingworth, Barnes, Mountford, Mitchell, Kirby (Wademan 61), Shazad (Britton 61), Sorhaindo. Sub not used. McKiernon.

Referee. Mr. L. Watson.  Assistants. Mr. T. Beck and Mr. D. Sutton.

Image courtesy of Rob Barraclough