The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Cup Round 3. 2019-2020

Tuesday, Nov. 26th 2019.

BRIDLINGTON TOWN 2 v 3  SILSDEN A.F.C.                      

Hutchinson 4, Danby 42.           Britton 7, Wademan 9, Shazad 54.    Att. 104

HIGGINGSON’S SAVES KEEP CUP DREAM ALIVE

          The Cobbydalers trip to the seaside on Tuesday night didn’t start well for the visitors as keeper Ben Higginson fumbled a low cross in the fourth minute, which allowed Mark HUTCHINSON to put the home side in the lead from two yards out. The Cobbydalers response was swift with two goals in three minutes. However, after an equaliser just before the break, the Cobbydalers re-took the lead. Higginson was to go on and make two superb saves in the second half which sealed the victory for the visitors.

          Danny Forrest took the opportunity to ensure that squad players were able to get some game time in the League cup, with some senior players on the bench. The opening goal, set up by the impressive Matthew Broadley, was quickly nullified as the Cobbydalers pushed the Seasiders back. Khurram Shazad brought a fine save from James Hitchcock at the expense of a corner. Hitchcock pushed Dan Illingworth’s header for another corner which was cleared.

          Bridlington broke up the right with Broadley reaching the by-line before crossing into the goal area. Ryan Cooper reached the ball first but he shot wide. From the goal kick the ball was flicked on to Matthias BRITTON who eased his way past two defenders to drive the ball in the bottom corner of the Bridlington net. Two minutes later Mark Everingham broke up the left, beating three defenders, before releasing Chris WADEMAN who slid the ball home.

          Ryan Cooper saw a chip deflected for a corner and then Everingham blocked Lewis Taylor twice before Broadley curled an effort wide. After some good Silsden possession Britton shot over the Seasiders bar. There then followed a period of sustained pressure from the home side. Josh Brown cleared one effort before Broadley’s twenty-five yarder cleared the bar. Set up by winger Broadley, Brett Agnew shot wide.

 Jake Taylor hit two left-footers over the Seasiders’ bar after some slick work by Shazad. Higginson saved another effort from Broadley. With three minutes left before the interval Joe DANBY curled the ball in to the top corner for the equaliser. Everingham prevented Bridlington going ahead a minute later, heading Broadley’s shot of the line.

          Good interplay between Wademan and  Shazad saw the former almost putting the Cobbydalers ahead early in the second half.  Keeper James managed to gather his shot at the second attempt. The keeper had no chance when SHAZAD, having been released by Everingham, curled the ball over  from wide on the left for the goal of the match.

          Laurence Sorhaindo and Aidan Kirby then replaced Shazad and Britton, the former heading over the bar with his first touch. At the other end Higginson managed to flick a deflected header over the bar before Hutchinson was denied by an even better save by the Silsden keeper, who managed to tip Jack Bulless’ close-range header onto the crossbar.

          Jake Taylor hit two efforts over the Bridlington bar in the final stages as the Cobbydalers managed to dominate possession. It had been a highly entertaining game, with good skills shown by both sides and played on a superb surface……rich entertainment for the crowd.

      On Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain Hemsworth Miners’ Welfare. K.O. 2.00pm.

BRIDLINGTON TOWN. Hitchcock, Lewis(Bowsley 71) , Danby(Jordan 56), Taylor, Bulless, Cooper, Broadley, Adams, Hutchinson, McFadyen, Agnew. Subs. not used. Greening,  Norfolk, Jenkinson.

SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Benn, Everingham, Bentham, Illingworth, Brown, Taylor, Liam Hudson, Britton (Kirby 60), Shazad (Sorhaindo 60), Wademan(Barnes 77). Subs. not used. Kaine, Mitchell.

Referee. Mr. M. Wright. Assistants. Mr. M. Cottingham and  Mr. A. Turner. 

Chris Wademan is well known around the Cobbydale Construction Stadium. His pace and quick feet as a forward has been known to keep the Cobbydaler’s support on the edge of their seats at times. We thought we’d get to know the Silsden veteran a tad more.

You’re one of the longest serving players at the club Chris, what is it that’s made you want to stay at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium?

I really enjoy it, there’s always been a lot of my mates down there so no need to go elsewhere.

You recently had a spell out in Australia, how did that opportunity come about and how did it go?

I went over in 2014 for a season and absolutely loved it so when I got the chance to go again I jumped at the chance.

What are your thoughts on the current campaign, and how do you think we can finish the season?

I think our league position isn’t reflective on how good our squad is. We’ve been playing well but not getting results but saying that we’re now on a five game unbeaten run so hopefully that can continue.

Who is your footballing hero, past or present, and why?

Wayne Rooney, always loved how hard he worked and he scored goals for fun.

Who’s the best trainer in the current squad?

Probably Mitch (Joe Mitchell), always sets a high standard and works hard.

Who in the squad has the best skills?

Khurram Shazad, try playing against him on a Tuesday at Goals.. its a nightmare.

Who’s worse off when it comes to a 100 meter sprint?

Liam Hudson.. poor lad

Who in the team would you want having your back in a physical confrontation?

Big Brian Blackwell

Where can you see the club being in the next 5 years?

We’ve got a great set up, great manager so why not the Northern Premier League.

Do you have any interests out side of football?

I’m a bit of a Call Of Duty nerd.. no good at it like.

Who in the squad would you set up a business with, and what would the business entail?

Tough question. Probably a modelling company with Craig Bentham. Best looking guy in non-league football.

It’s been a frustrating campaign thus far for Silsden full-back Matty Moses, who has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines. We caught up the with Moses, for an update on his condition.

What’s the extent of your injury Matty, and how did it come about?

I damaged my PCL (ligament in knee), shouldn’t have really gone in for the tackle I did, but my eyes just lit up at the thought of a goal, so I got there just before the keeper which caused a collision. I’m hoping to get the result of an MRI this week to help clear things up.

How do you feel the season is progressing, and where can you see us ending up? 

We obviously would like more points than we have at this stage, but at the minute we’re currently unbeaten in five games and a good run will see us climb right up that table.

What do you miss the most about participating with the squad?

Obviously playing, but also being in and amongst the lads during training I miss. I’ve spent the majority of my time with Conner and the other injured lads.

When can we expect to see you in action again?

Honestly I’m not sure at this stage, hopefully the scan results won’t be too bad, and can get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

How do you feel about the challenge of breaking back into the side again?

It will be difficult. We do have a strong squad with a lot of quality, but I need to concentrate on getting fit first so I’m available to help the team where required.

The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-20
Saturday, 16 November 2019.

SILSDEN AFC 2   v.   1 ECCLESHILL UNITED
Taylor-Mountford 62, Ndlovu 69 og.             Hey 10.                     Att. 203

 

         VALUABLE DERBY WIN AS UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES

 

         Silsden secured a valuable and long overdue 3 points against Eccleshill United in another keenly contested local derby to ease the Cobbydalers up into mid-table in a titanic battle.

 

Eccleshill started brightly early on, looking dangerous on the break, however the first clear chance fell to the locals, but Laurence Sorhaindo couldn’t get sufficient contact on Khuram Shazad’s corner from the left, his sliced shot spinning away and as the ball was re-cycled into the box Dan Illingworth scuffed his shot for ‘keeper Moorhouse to gather easily.

 

In the 10th minute the ball was crossed into the Silsden box from the left by Nicky Boshell to Eli HEY who controlled before dispatching his angled right foot shot past Higginson into the far corner to open the scoring for the visitors.

From the re-start Silsden should have levelled when Aidan Kirby was put through the middle one on one with the Eagles’ ‘keeper, but Moorhouse got a toe end to his shot to deny the equaliser.

 

But it was the visitors who carried the threat in the first period and Illingworth did well to head clear skipper Lewis Sugden dangerously probing free kick from out wide on the right.

 

Then Higginson did well, diving high to his left to claw away Boshell’s goal- bound shot from the right hand corner of the box, with Kaine’s header clearing the danger to prevent the Eagles from extending their lead.

 

In the 20th minute though as Silsden tried to get back on terms, Shazad played a superb ball in from the right for Illingworth to power his header goal-wards, but Moorhouse made a great save plunging to his left to parry away and keep his goal intact.

 

Then after some scrappy play down Silsden left the ball broke to Sorhaindo deep in the visitors box, but he went to ground under Moorhouse’s challenge and was harshly booked by referee Reeves for simulation.

 

Again Eccleshill always looked dangerous on the break and a long through ball down the middle found Hey in acres of space, but his tame shot was comfortably gathered by Higginson.

Then Irving’s header from the left hand side of the box diagonally to the far post found Brown on his heels and unable to convert what looked like an easy opportunity.

 

On the half hour mark though, following a foul on Taylor-Mountford on the edge of the box, Shazad shot from the resulting free kick was easily fielded by Moorhouse.

 

Eccleshill continued to dominate and in the 43rd minute Brown crossed the ball over from the right, the ball taking a wicked deflection to loop up and over and was bundled in by Hey at the far post, only for it to be chalked off courtesy on the liners flag for offside, in what was the last meaningful action of an action packed first half.

 

After a half time “rocket” from manager Danny Forrest the Cobbydalers came out with much more purpose and in the 55th minute threatened to get back on terms when following some good interplay down the left, Silsden were awarded a free kick. Mark Everingham fired the ball in low to the near post area, but Moorhouse did well to block with his legs to clear, despite his vision being obscured by his defenders.

 

The locals were then rewarded when a back pass was intercepted by TAYLOR-MOUNTFORD on the right, who coolly controlled before dispatching his low angled right foot shot into the far corner to level the scores on 62 minutes. A minute later Illingworth bravely blocked as the Eagles tried to restore their lead.

 

Then Shazad’s flag kick was headed downwards into the ground by Sorhaindo, the ball bouncing up and over the visitors bar. Silsden continued to create more pressure when Illingworth’s long throw on the right was headed out by Toulson, but only as far as Barnes whose left foot volley from the edge of the box flashed over the bar.

 

Silsden were further rewarded for their pressure though when, following some neat interplay down the left hand side involving Everingham and Shazad, the ball was played to Sorhaindo who controlled and cut into the box before playing a dangerous low ball into the six yard box, which the covering NDLOVU in his attempt to clear deflected into his own goal to put the Cobbydalers 2-1 in front.

 

Eccleshill responded and after good play down their left the ball was cut back to former Cobbydaler Ndlovu whose low shot from the corner of the box beat Higginson but hit the foot of his left hand upright to deny him making amends for his earlier indiscretion.

 

With the clock running down and the visitors pressing hard for an equaliser Kaine thwarted Hey, expertly dispossessing him as he threatened to go through on goal, but this time Silsden were not to be denied the full 3 points from a pulsating game which left the bumper crowd fully entertained and manager Danny Forrest mightily relieved.

 

         On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to second-placed Staveley Miners Welfare before the long journey on the following Tuesday to Bridlington Town in the League Cup.

 

Silsden AFC:

Higginson, Liam Hudson (Brown), Everingham, Kaine ©, Illingworth, Barnes, Taylor-Mountford(Britton), Mitchell, Kirby (Wademan), Shazad, Sorhaindo. Subs not used: Luke Hudson & Blackwell

Eccleshill United:

Moorhouse, Bleau, Kaba, Sugden ©, Toulson, Omolokun, Ndlovu, Irving (Staunton), Brown (Hussain), Hey, Boshell Subs not used: Stor, Woodward

 

Referee: Mr M Reeves

Assistant: Mr D Chisnall

Assistant: Mr J. Rigby

Arley Barnes has built up a solid reputation at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium, his energetic performances from centre midfield have secured his place as a solid fans favourite. We caught up with Barnes to get to know his thoughts on the current campaign, and more!

You’ve been at Silsden for four years now Arley, what is it that’s made you want to stay?

It’s a good club to be around, I just feel we have a very close knit group here so it’s hard to really think about leaving.

What attracted you to the club initially?

Without a doubt it was the gaffer Danny Forrest which persuaded me to join. I could see his passion and where he wanted to take the club, and I wanted to be a part of that.

How do you feel we can finish the season, given it’s been a tough start?

I think we will start climbing the table soon, we’ve not had the best start, we all know that, but I believe the results will start to come. We just want to finish as high as possible.

What are your interests outside of football?

I just like spending time enjoying life with the people I love.

Who is the footballer you admire the most, past or present?

Lee Bowyer, what a guy.

Which football team do you support?

Leeds United

Who at Silsden has the worst banter?

There’s a few lads with terrible banter to be fair, so I wouldn’t like to single anybody out.

Who moans the most in the dressing room?

Now this is a simple one. Has to be Mitch (Joe Mitchell). Loves to moan about anything and everything.

Who’s the funniest in the squad?

Wadey (Chris Wademan) is a funny lad, always up to something.

Finally, who in the squad would you pick for your five-a-side side, and why?

In net it’d be Alfie/Ginner.

Josh Kaine – Strong, quick defender but can also turn into Nani when needed.

Joe Micthell – Energetic and strong, loves a shoulder drop and a reverse pass.

Khuram Shazad – Unbelievable feet – would get in any 5-a-side team.

Laurence Sorhaindo – Great feet, very awkward to play against, and knows where the back of the net is.

 

 

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

Tuesday, Nov. 12^th 2019.

AFC MANSFIELD 2 v 2 SILSDEN A.F.C.

                           Duggan 45, Webster 49.                 Sorhaindo 55, Everingham 89.   Att. 50

COBBYDALERS SHARE THE POINTS AFTER SECOND HALF COMEBACK

       The Cobbydalers made their first ever visit to The Forest Town Arena to take on AFC Mansfield on Tuesday night. The home side were quickly out of the blocks with Ross Duggan coming close to earning the Bulls an early lead, but he couldn’t squeeze his low drive into the bottom corner from a tight angle, instead firing wide.

 

         The Cobbydalers looked dangerous on the break, and Jordan Annable did well to block two efforts on goal from Laurence Sorhaindo after some excellent interchanges between Luke Mountford and Khurram Shazad.

 

         Jack Warner was the next to come close for the Bulls and on the end of a dangerous in-swinging ball by Tom Slone his headed connection sent the ball looping just over Ben Higginson’s bar.

 

         Duggan’s second half-chance of the game saw him neatly bring the ball onto his favoured foot, but his low effort was well stopped by Josh Brown, who along with Illingworth, were winning the aerial battle.

 

         Danger man Duggan had the ball in the net after a swift turn in the Silsden penalty area but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside a team-mate was deemed offside and directly in the line of fire. 

 

         However, on the stroke of half-time, the Bulls finally edged ahead, as McGuire’s thumping half-way line header allowed DUGGAN to chase down and win the ball off Josh Kaine before slotting underneath Higginson.

 

         AFC then started the second half just how the finished the first, and Brandon WEBSTER scored his third goal in four games when his 20-yard speculative volley looped over the Silsden ‘keeper, who was three yards of the goal line.

         The Cobbydalers pulled a goal back six minutes later, when Laurence SORHAIDO found the net as he took advantage of AFC’s inability to clear Illingworth throw-in into the penalty area. Brown almost brought the game level instantly, but he glanced a free header wide from ten yards.

 

         Just minutes after coming on for Duggan, Grant Ryan should have restored the two-goal cushion but squandered a one-on-one as Higginson’s leapt to his left to keep his effort out.

         With five minutes left to play, Silsden were left scratching their heads after a slick move involving Mitchell, and Everingham saw Sorhaindo chest the ball perfectly for Kirby, but the strike struck the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.

 

         However the visitors did eventually draw level, as Mark EVERINGHAM slotted a free-kick under AFC’s four-man wall who all jumped in unison, into the bottom corner with just one minute of normal time remaining.

 

         Silsden’s Luke Hudson, who had only just come on for the visitors, was shown a straight red card in injury time having spent only four minutes on the pitch: his altercation leaving a Mansfield player on the ground holding his head.

 

         Danny Forrest was delighted with the response of his players after going two-nil down. “There were some very good performances all round and we try to move the ball swiftly on the wet surface. Duggan was a constant threat but we managed to keep him in check. We might have snatched a victory late on but a draw was probably a fair result.

        

        

AFC MANSFIELD. | Warhurst (GK), Mears, Slone, McGuire, Annable, Darker, Warner, Wilson, Duggan (Ryan 75′), Buxton (C), Webster

Unused subs | Lucas, Dawson, Stancliffe (GK)

SILSDEN AFC. | Higginson (GK), Brown, Everingham, Kaine (C), Illingworth, Barnes, Taylor-Mountford (Blackwell 76′), Mitchell, Kirby (Hudson ?’), Shazad (Wademan 76′), Sorhaindo

Silsden make a long trip south-bound this Tuesday evening, as they take on AFC Mansfield at the Forest Town Stadium.

The hosts head into the game on the back of a poor league run, managing just 1 point from their last 5 games. They have however managed a couple of cup victories, overcoming Maltby Main on penalties, and Long Buckley with a 3-1 triumph. They find themselves 5 points behind The Coybbdaler’s in 19th.

Danny Forrest’s men however look to build on the back of two great back-to-back performances against Albion Sports. Our recent encounter at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium ended 1-1, with the away tie the week before ending in somewhat of a 3-3 thriller. In each game Silsden proved to be masters of their own downfall, and failed to capitalise on crucial chances to secure the points.

A win for Silsden will see them climb to 12th in the league, and level on points with both Goole FC and Albion Sports, who occupy 11th and 10th place respectively.

The North East Counties Football League Premier Division 2019-20 Saturday, 9 November 2019.

SILSDEN AFC 1 v 1 Albion Sports

Taylor-Mountford      Chippendale

22                               88

HT: 1-0

Att. 125

COBBYDALERS FRUSTRTED AS LUCK DESERTS THEM

An unusual fixture allocation pitched Silsden against Albion for two local derbies in successive weeks following them sharing 6 goals the previous week at Farsley Celtic.

Silsden started the game on the front foot with slick possession football which left their visitors chasing shadows in the early stages, and as early as the 3rd minute caused Albion problems down the right, Khurum Shazad beating his man to get to the bye-line before pulling the ball back but top scorer Aidan Kirby’s shot was blocked by Albion’s skipper Matthew Nebard and the subsequent follow-up was cleared to avert the danger.

Despite the locals bright start Albion showed their quality with a fine ball from Chigumira out to the right hand side for Lyn to put a dangerous cross deep into the Silsden box which Kane did well to clear. Then in the 8th minute Albion played a quick throw in on their right into Javan Benjamin, whose angled shot was brilliantly parried away by Silsden custodian Ben Higginson and the rebound going to the Albion player whose follow-up shot was cleared off the line superbly by the covering Josh Brown, who slid across to clear a certain goal.

Following this though, Silsden dominated possession and in the 17th minute had a good chance when a high ball into the box was headed down by Kirby to Shazad, who pulled the ball back unselfishly, but the resulting shot from Kirby was again blocked to frustrate the Silsden marksman.

The locals were rewarded though in the 22nd minute, when Mark Everingham brilliantly collected a ball cutting in from the left in midfield and fed an incisive pass out right to Jake Taylor-Mountfield who exchanged passes with Shazad before cutting inside in the Albion box onto his left foot and curling a superb left foot shot beyond Smith into the far top corner to deservedly open the scoring for Silsden.

In the 28th minute after good interplay down the left hand side, the ball was played into Kirby, who slid the ball in between the two Albion centre back for Shazad’s

intelligent run, but the through ball was smothered by the on-rushing Smith in the Albion goal.

Silsden had a further opportunity after 35 minutes, when a ball won in midfield was played through to Laurence Sorhaindo who ran onto in into the box, but pulled his shot agonisingly wide of the far post.

Silsden continued to dominate and create chances and in the 39th minute after some good play down the left side, Everingham raced clear and fired a dangerous low ball across, but ‘keeper Smith responded well at his near post parrying away, albeit into a dangerous area but there was no Silsden player on hand to capitalise.

Minutes later in a rare Albion break down the right, Simmi OyeBanji fired his angled shot wide of the far post.

Albion started the second half brightly, playing some neat and tidy football and enjoying much more possession in an attempt to get back into the game. But it was Silsden who threatened to increase their lead when a good ball played out to the right found Taylor-Mountfield whose angled shot was cleanly handled by Smith in the Albion goal.

Although Albion enjoyed the lion’s share of possession they failed to create anything meaningful in the final third until the 54th minute when Lyn played a dangerous ball left footed into the Silsden box from the left, but the ball drifted wide. Then minutes later Everingham’s interplay with Shazad on Silsden’s left led to him cutting in and curling his shot low and beyond the far post as Silsden started to regain control again.

Around the hour mark Silsden started to go through the gears and create openings at will, the best of which was down the right with Taylor-Mountfield forcing another fine save from Smith diving low to his right to parry away as Silsden threatened to increase their lead.

In the 67th minute Silsden were awarded a free kick on the right for a foul on Taylor-Mountfield which Shazad took, playing a superb ball deep into the Albion box for Brown, but he failed to get enough contact onto his diving header to spurn the opportunity with the goal at his mercy.

Kirby was foiled by a superb last ditch tackle by Nebard following a great through ball from the tireless Barnes. And then Taylor-Mountfield had a shot saved by Smith and his follow-up fell invitingly to Kirby with the goal gaping, but he blasted his shot over when he should have scored.

Albion were then reduced to 10 men when left back McGahan, who had already had a yellow card was dismissed following a disputed decision.

Manager Danny Forrest threw on a couple of substitutions late on the try to secure all 3 points with fresh legs up front, but Albion still had a threat and following a free kick in the 80th minute the ball broke to centre back Pashley who smashed his shot at goal but Higginson did well to parry the ball away and Silsden’s defence cleared the danger.

Minutes later after good interplay down Silsden’s left between Everingham and substitute Matthias Britton, the ball was played to Wademan who jinked inside but screwed his shot wide. Then Brown’s towering header from Mitchell’s corner kick looped over the bar as the Cobbydalers threatened again.

However in the last minute of the 90 Albion were harshly awarded a free kick on the left hand corner of the Silsden box for a foul against Brown that was a perfectly good tackle. Substitute Jordan Chippendale struck his free kick low, which took a wicked deflection off the defensive wall up and beyond the helpless Higginson to level the scores against the run of play.

As Silsden pressed to get their noses back in front in added time things could have been even worse for the locals, as Wademan was dispossessed in his own half the ball was fed through to Albion’s Luke Aldrich, but his shot was fired straight at Higginson who handled competently.

Silsden battled to the end though and it was Albion who were hanging on with some desperate challenges late on, but they managed to see the game out for a share the spoils for the second successive week.

Silsden AFC:

Higginson, Brown, Everingham, Kaine ©, Illingworth, Barnes, Taylor-Mountfield (Fox), Mitchell, Kirby (Wademan), Shazad(Britton), Sorhaindo. Subs not used: Hudson & Blackwell.

Albion Sports:

Smith, Fernando, McGahan, OyeBanji, Pashley, Nebard ©, Lyn, Benjamin, Aldrich, Chigumira, Jannah. Subs: Ahmed, Holmes, Ousemane, Chippendale & Shaw.

Referee: Mr l Hible

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

Saturday, Nov. 2^nd 2019.

               ALBION SPORTS FC 3 v 3  SILSDEN A.F.C.

Janneh43, 48 Aldrich 61.                          Kirby 11, 66. Barnes 58.  Att.96

PULSATING LOCAL DERBY ENDS ALL EVEN

          The Cobbydalers made the short trip to “Throstles Nest” for their encounter with Albion Sports, who were three points clear of the Silsden outfit at the start of play. Only six matches involving the Tool Station teams went ahead after heavy rain but the pitch, although greasy, was perfectly playable.

          The Cobbydalers, buoyed by their last result, a win away at Knaresborough Town, started brightly with Aidan Kirby sending Mark Everingham up the left. His cross was gathered by the “Lions” keeper, Matthew Smith. Marko Basic then broke down the right. His cross was cleared for a corner. Everingham, as he did throughout the game, was always a threat up the left gaining a free kick on five minutes. The ball was swung over to the far post where Dan Illingworth saw his header saved by Smith.

          After being forced-back early in the game, Albion made some advances, playing the ball out of defence with confidence. Fortunately Arley Barnes was there to snuff-out any danger. Silsden took the lead on ten minutes when Basic slid the ball to Joe Mitchell who cut it back for KIRBY to fire it home on eleven minutes.

          The Lions response was immediate with Cameron Lyn cutting in from the right to fire in a low shot which Ben Higginson saved.  With both sides moving the ball swiftly on the wet surface, the fans were treated to some slick football, although Everingham’s shot over the bar wasn’t quite the finish that Khurram Shazad’s through ball deserved. Jake Taylor-Mountford then cut across the penalty area, feeding Shazad, whose effort was just wide of the far post.

          The Lions then began to move the ball with more urgency and only failed to equalise when Higginson finger-tipped Marcel Chigumira’s snapshot over the bar, midway through the half. After a Silsden breakaway was cleared, Higginson was on hand to punch clear, after a slick move involving Lyn, Chigumira and Luke Aldrich gave the later an opening. The Lions pushed forwards again with some skilful football but twice Barnes was on hand to clear the danger.

          Albion were pressing hard and Illingworth and Josh Brown were forced into hurried clearances. Silsden were restricted to the odd breakaway but the home side were on top and it was no surprise when they netted the equaliser minutes before the break. Playing some slick, one-touch football, they broke down the right before Lamin JANNEH levelled the score.

          Two minutes after the restart the Lions went in front. The ball broke loose in the Silsden area. Higginson made a fine save from Luke Aldrich on his goal line but couldn’t quite grasp the wet ball and JANNEH tapped it home. Two-One down, the Cobbydalers pushed forwards. Illingworth headed over the Albion bar before Kirby fed Barnes, who curled in a shot which was deflected into the keeper’s arms. Basic set up Taylor-Mountford, who saw his low shot saved before Barnes’ header was cleared off the goal-line for a corner.  Shazad swung it in and BARNES headed in at the far post.

          Three minutes later the Lions were back in front. Kaine was caught in possession trying to dribble the ball out on the edge of the box. ALDICH rifled the ball home.  However it only took the Cobbydalers five minutes to net the equaliser. It was a skilful move. A short corner was fed back to Everingham. He slid the ball to Shazad who swiftly moved it on to Basic. The ball was crossed to the far post where Illingworth back-heeled the ball to KIRBY who slid the ball home.

          Neither side wanted to settle for a draw and both sides had chances. Taylor-Mountford beat two defenders before seeing his shot cleared for a corner. Albion’s Lyn shot wide before substitute Jordan Chippendale was denied by Taylor-Mountford.

          At the other end, Kirby twice fired over the bar, whilst Basic brought a super save from Smith with a curler. Kirby had a chance to settle the game in the dying minutes. Unfortunately he was falling back as he tried to complete his hat trick.

          The points were shared, probably a fair reflection of the game which had been highly entertaining. The teams meet again next Saturday at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium.

ALBION SPORTS FC Smith, Carlton, McGahan, Oyebanji, Pashley, Nebard, Lyn(Chippendale 85), Maltby, Aldrich, Chigumira(Farnhill 71), Janneh. Subs not used. Fernando, Holmes, Benjamin.

SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Brown, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Barnes, Shazad(Britton 71), Mitchell, Kirby, Basic, Taylor-Mountford(Fox 79). Subs. not used. Hardisty-Blackwell. Wademan, Bentham.

Referee. Mr. M. Coles. Assistants. Mr. F. Greenwood and Mr. A. Murphy.

Saturday 2cnd November – KO: 15:00

A trip to Throstle Nest is next up for the Cobbydalers, with a big game away at Albion Sports tomorrow.

Danny Forrest’s men will find themselves well rested after the postponement of their home tie against Bridlington last week, and will look to build on their last outing, a 4-2 victory away at Knaresborough Town.

Albion come off the back off two wins, and two clean sheets, as they overcame Ollerton in the cup, and Maltby Main in a league clash.

The hosts sit in 11th place, and whilst Silsden find themselves in 16th place, there is only a three point gap between the two sides.

Gaffer Danny Forrest is relishing the challenge however, and is hoping to capitalise on a good mood within the camp

“We’re really looking forward to the game against Albion, it’s another one which should create interest locally. We were very good last time out versus Knaresborough, we showed plenty of grit and steel which married up nicely with our quality on the night.

To have last Saturday’s game called off was frustrating but it has allowed us some time to work on the training ground and the lads’ attitude and application has been brilliant. There’s been a positive atmosphere. It’s all about converting that tomorrow and getting ourselves on a run. Albion are a strong side and it will be a tough away day but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

For those Cobbydaler’s looking to make the short trip, tap the following address into your sat-nav:

Throstle Nest, Newlands, Farsley, LS28 5BE