THE BUILDBASE FA VASE 2019-2020. First Qualifying Round

Saturday, August 31st 2019

              NEWTON AYCLIFFE  F.C. 2  V  1 SILSDEN A.F.C.                                

O.g.24. Thexton 47.                            Shazad 66.      Att. 120.

COBBYDALERS  DENIED  BY ASSISTANT’S FLAG.     NO V.A.R. !

          The Cobbydalers travelled to Durham to face Ebac Northern League Division One side Newton Aycliffe on Saturday for the first Qualifying Round of this seasons FA Vase. The Silsden outfit had their best ever run  in the Vase last season, when they reached the third round proper, when they were beaten by semi-finalists Northwich Victoria.

          Aycliffe stood 9^th and Silsden 10^th in their respective leagues, although the home side had progressed to the next stage of the FA Cup, whilst the Cobbydalers had lost in a tense replay against Northwich Vics. Skipper Josh Kaine, who was injured, was replaced by Liam Hudson whilst Khurram Shazad returned to the starting line-up.

          It was a glorious afternoon at The Beaumont Landscapes Stadium. The Durham outfit tested the Silsden defence in the opening minutes but it was the Cobbydalers who created the first chance. Dan Illingworth slid the ball to Arley Barnes who released Mark Everingham on the right. The full-back broke up the wing and set up Aidan Kirby whose effort was just wide of the far post.

          Josh Brown broke up Aycliffe’s next attack before Dean Thexton fired over the Silsden bar. A long throw-in caught Silsden’s defence off-guard but Nick Green volleyed over from an acute angle. Shaun Ryder was denied by Illingworth before Laurence Sorhaindo cut in from the left. Unfortunately his powerful shot was into the midriff of Aycliffe keeper Adam Pickford.

          Another Silsden attack was thwarted. Johnson Ballam was finding lots of space on the Aycliffe right and it was his cross which was eventually diverted into the Silsden net off a Silsden defender. Silsden responded with a break from Everingham who fired over, before Silsden Keeper Alfie Darke made a superb save from Richardson’s header.

          Shazad hit a free kick over the bar at the other end before Ballam cut through a sloppy defence. McNamara’s dive in the box may have won an Oscar but it didn’t fool the referee! Hudson then denied Ryder at the expense of a corner, which was cleared.

          Midfield dynamo Joe Mitchell, who had broken up play several times in the first half, went close with a powerful shot before Shazad slid the ball to Kirby, who delayed his effort which was eventually charged down.

          Silsden were only a goal down at the break thanks to some solid defending. The front men hadn’t functioned as well as they might have, against a resolute defence, but the Cobbydalers were still in the game.

          Two minutes into the second half that changed. Illingworth and Barnes, who had been exchanging passes, were closed down and the ball ran to Josh Brown. Brown missed the ball and THEXTON ran in to score a simple goal.

          The Cobbydalers began to play some neat football without looking dangerous, and they started to push Aycliffe back with Sorhaindo and Shazad creating more chances. The home side were a threat on the break but Silsden were able to resist. Sorhaindo tested the keeper before Shazad headed Barnes’ cross over the bar.   Barnes then shot wide. Eventually the pressure told. Sorhaindo put SHAZAD through to net after the keeper had parried his first effort.

          Illingworth and Brown kept it tight at the back as Silsden began to apply some pressure. Sorhaindo shot over before his run up the wing five minutes later led to a chance for Mitchell, whose shot was saved for a corner. Illingworth headed wide.

          Silsden continued to pass in neat triangles without creating chances. Sorhaindo went close before Matthew Lowrie was dismissed for a reckless challenge. The game went into stoppage time Barnes shot over before Silsden “equalised”. The assistant’s flag went up! Offside!  The keeper was on the goal line…but so was an Aycliffe defender. Maybe the assistant was unsighted. Silsden protested but there was no V.A.R.!

          On a better day the Cobbydalers might have won. They have played better this season. Hopefully they can bounce back on Saturday when they face Garforth Town, before travelling to Barton-on-Humber on Tuesday 10^th Sept.

NEWTON AYCLIFFE FC. Pickford, Ballam (Pennal 78), Green, Costello Carr 40) Brown, McNamara, Barnes, Ryder, Thexton, Richardson, Read(Redford 72). Subs not used Wood, Harrison. Pickering.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Everingham, Hudson, Bentham (Wignall 84), Illingworth, Brown, Barnes, Mitchell, Kirby, Shazad, Sorhaindo. Subs not used. Hardisty-Blackwell, Higginson, Higman, Forrest.

Referee. Mr.P.Cooper.

By Jim Rosser

THE FA VASE 2019-20

          The Cobbydalers travel to Northern League side, NEWTON AYCLIFFE, on Saturday in the First Qualifying Round of the The Buildbase FA VASE. Last season Silsden had their best ever run in the Vase going out in the third round.

Silsden lie in 10^th place in the Toolstation Northern Counties East table with two wins and one defeat. Newton Aycliffe lie in 8th position with three wins and one defeat. Like the Cobbydalers they were knocked out in the Extra-Preliminary Round of the Buildbase FA Cup going down 2-0 against Northallerton Town.

The Cobbydalers started the season well with victories over Maltby Maine and Penistone Church and only went out to Northwich Victoria, last years defeated semi-finalists, in a replay before losing their home game 2-1 against Thackley.

By Jim Rosser

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

Tuesday, August 20th 2019

                                                      SILSDEN A.F.C. 1 v 2  THACKLEY A.F.C.

Kirby 28 (pen)            Normanton 41, Flaherty 65. Att. 234

CROSSBAR DENIES SILSDEN A SHARE OF THE SPOILS

The Cobbydalers, who entertained local rivals Thackley FC hoping to maintain their 100% record, fell short in the end of a pulsating match. Leading scorer Khurram Shazad was an absentee being replaced by Harrison Hardisty-Blackwell. Craig Bentham returned to the midfield.

          Silsden started with Josh Kaine breaking up the right but his cross was just overhit. The Dennyboys responded with two breaks but Dan Illingworth intercepted on both occasions.  Kaine then got on the end of a through ball but his shot hit the side netting. Illingworth was then cautioned for a rash challenge.

          Arley Barnes fed Aidan Kirby whose cross was cleared for a corner before the striker combined with Harrison Hardisty-Blackwell, who slid the ball to Laurence Sorhaindo. The angle was just too tight for him to squeeze the ball home. Silsden continued to press. Kaine’s low shot was wide whilst Sorhaindo headed Barnes’ cross over the bar. Kirby and Barnes interchanged passes before Joe Mitchell saw his shot saved by Luke Wilson.

          The Dennyboys’ first attack of note came 20 minutes into the game but Bentham snuffed out the danger. The visitors came close to opening the score two minutes later when Illingworth was dispossessed but Kieran Thompson’s cross was over the bar. When Mark Everingham failed to clear, Alfie Darke managed to gather the ball.

          Kirby then received a long ball and immediately played it across the field to Kaine. The skipper drove up the right and fired in a fierce cross shot which rattled the bar. Harrison-Blackwell chased it down but the keeper followed him and tripped him up. Penalty! KIRBY put the spot kick wide of the keeper.

          Silsden had dominated the game but that changed when Kaine was injured and had to be replaced, Liam Hudson replacing the skipper at right back. Thackley had a corner but one header was cleared and the follow up was headed wide.

          Silsden had a good break ten minutes before the interval but Sorhaindo, chasing Mitchell’s through-ball, had strayed offside. The final ten minutes of the half belonged to the visitors. Bentham cleared one effort before former Cobbydaler, Kris Hargreaves, saw his header saved by Darke.  Jack Normanton then found space behind Hudson and advanced on goal. Darke attempted to narrow the angle but NORMANTON netted the equaliser four minutes before the break. Normanton almost made it two, three minutes later but Darke made a fine save at the winger’s feet.

           The Silsden keeper was injured at the start of the second half but after lengthy treatment was able to carry on. Hudson began to push forwards down the right and the Cobbydalers played some slick football with Sorhaindo and Kirby linking well. Hudson hit a shot over the bar whilst at the other end a cross was cleared by Everingham.

          The Dennyboys then brought on two substitutes which gave them a new impetus. They pressurised the Silsden defence and, in a packed penalty area, Charlie FLAHERTY netted at the second attempt. Normanton then broke through but Darke was out quickly to deny him a second. Hunter, Flaherty and Muller created another chance only to be denied by Illingworth.

          Finally Silsden managed to break out of the defence. Mitchell slid the ball through to Sorhaindo but his effort rattled the bar. Despite receiving an injury, Sorhaindo  went close with a header and Barnes had a powerful free-kick blocked. The ball was cleared to Normanton who ran the length of the field only to shoot over.

          It had been a hard fought derby which could have gone either way. Silsden now have a ten day break before they travel to Newton Aycliffe in the FA Vase. Danny Forrest will be hoping that gives enough time for several players to recover from their injuries.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Kaine (Hudson30), Everingham, Barnes, Illingworth, Brown, Bentham (Waddington76), Mitchell, Kirby (Forrest 76), Hardisty-Blackwell, Sorhaindo. Subs. not used. Higginson. McKiernon.

THACKLEY AFC. Wilson, Thompson, Hunter, Whiteley, Basi, Hargreaves, Muller, Flaherty (Boote76), Wood (Brooksbank62), Trueman (Hines 62) Normanton. Subs not used. Mitchell, Rothell.

Referee. Mr. C. Gough.  Assistants.   Mr. A. Warner and Mr. A. Hallam.

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

Saturday, August 17th 2019

                                           SILSDEN A.F.C 2 v 1 MALTBY MAIN F.C

                                             Shazad 1, 83.                 Fairhurst 4.  

Att. 186.

                                       SHAZAD DOUBLE SEES COBBYDALERS HOME

          The Cobbydalers, making their home debut in the Toolstation Northern Counties East Premier Division, made it two wins out of two in a very even contest. The home side were without Liam Hudson and Craig Bentham, Josh Brown and Lewis Waddington being their replacements.

          The Cobbydalers couldn’t have made a better start with Khurram SHAZAD netting on thirty-seven seconds after slick inter passing between Joe Mitchell and Laurence Sorhaindo. The “Miners” responded immediately with Robert Worrall breaking clear, Mark Everingham denying him at the expense of a corner. The corner was swung over and, on four minutes, Waide FAIRHURST headed home at the far post.

          The game settled down with Silsden hitting too many long balls which caught on the wind. Brown, partnering Dan Illingworth at centre-back, denied Fairhurst before Silsden applied some pressure. Shazad’s through ball to Laurence Sorhaindo was lifted by the wind before Kaine broke up the right and crossed into the Miners’ box. Sorhaindo was beaten in the air by Joe Austin. Lewis Waddington then hit Shazad’s cross wide before Illingworth went close with a header. Shazad’s next effort was deflected for a corner.

          The Miners began to gain some control at the back, closing the Cobbydaler’s forwards down more quickly. A cross from Oscar Radford was headed goalwards by Gavin King but Darkes saved well. Austin was cautioned for a foul on Kirby. The free-kick fell to Shazad whose shot was blocked by Radford.  Brown headed wide. Kaine then broke up the right and crossed but there were no takers.

          As the half time whistle beckoned Darke did well to deny the Miners after Everingham had under-hit a back pass. Then Brown conceded a corner after Waddington had been dispossessed. Ben Algar hit the corner back to Morton who fizzed a shot wide.

          Main began to put pressure on the home defence from the restart. Patterson fired over the bar before Chipps headed wide at the far post. Worrall hit a free-kick over the bar. The Silsden defence stood firm and Mitchell became more influential in breaking up attacks and releasing the front men. Kirby worked hard and went close after Everingham had released Waddington, who slid in a low cross. Shazad was still a threat up front and he went close after intercepting a back pass.

          Sorhaindo was replaced by Wignall midway through the half. The visitors still pressed. King missed a chance before he was denied by Darke. Substitute Hopewell shot wide. The Cobbydalers, with Illingworth and Brown commanding in the air and Barnes breaking up play in midfield, withstood the pressure. Silsden’s attacks were few and far between, Everingham doing all the hard work up the wing before under-hitting his shot. Finally the Cobbydalers created an opening. Mitchell’s persistent hassling eventually paid off as he won the ball in the Miner’s half and fed SHAZAD who drove a low shot into the bottom corner.

          The Cobbydalers managed the last ten minutes well with Maltby failing to have a shot on goal until the 93^rd minute when Darke punched out a ball launched into the goal area. The final whistle went.

          On Tuesday the Cobbydalers entertain Thackley, The Dennyboys.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Kaine, Everingham, Barnes, Illingworth, Brown, Waddington (McKiernon 67), Mitchell, Kirby, Shazad, Sorhaindo (Wignall 67) Subs . not used Hardisty-Blackwell, Parchment, Higginson.

MALTYBY MAIN F.C. Pollard, Morton, Cutts, Radford, Austin, Chipps, Patterson, Worrall (Rigby 88), Fairhurst (Eades 78), Algar, King (Hopewell 78). Sub not used Moxam.

Referee. Mr. D. Dutton. Assistants.  Mr. J. Mason and Mr. L. Smith

The Emirates F.A. Cup 2019-2020. Extra Preliminary Round Replay

Tuesday, August 13th 2019

                                    SILSDEN A.F.C.  3 v 4 NORTHWICH VICTORIA      

                 Hudson 40, Kirby, 58, Shazad 66.         Doran 25,26, Kilifin 35, Connolly 86. Att. 162.

COBBYDALERS FIGHTBACK ALL IN VAIN AS VICS NET LATE WINNER

        After a late equalizer on Saturday SILSDEN bowed out of the FA Cup at the second time of asking following a seven-goal thriller at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium. Danny Forrest’s men fell to a winner four minutes from time from Northwich’s John CONNOLLY in this extra preliminary round replay.

        The Cobbydalers held their own in the opening exchanges in Tuesday night’s tie but were indebted to keeper, Alfie Darke, whose superb save in the 24^th minute kept them in the tie. Unfortunately, three minutes later, Silsden were two goals down as striker, Robert DORAN netted in the 25^th and 26^th minutes.

        Silsden’s Aidan Kirby won a free-kick on the right-hand side in the 32nd minute, but Dan Illingworth had his resulting effort blocked. Matters went from bad to worse in the 35th minute when Thomas KILIFIN made it 3-0 to the visitors when he lobbed home goalkeeper, Darke. Last year’s FA Vase semi-finalists were well on top. Fortunately, Liam HUDSON gave Silsden a ray of hope five minutes from the interval, after he was fed following a quick free-kick.

        The Vics peppered the Silsden goal in opening stages of the second half of this pulsating cup tie but Darke and his defenders held back the tide. Gradually the pendulum in this replay looked to be swinging back in Silsden’s favour as they made it 3-2 after 58 minutes. Striker Aidan KIRBY, who had earned Silsden a replay at Northwich in the original tie on Saturday, converted a penalty, after being fouled himself.

        It was set up for a grandstand finish as Silsden continued to press forward. Lawrence Sorhaindo fired over the bar before and Kirby’s strike partner, summer signing Khurram SHAZAD, made it 3-3 in the 66th minute, going on a mazy run before beating two men and firing an effort into the top corner of the net from 20 yards out.

        Northwich were rattled but both teams pressed for a winner before CONNOLLY struck late following a bit of pinball in the Silsden area. Danny Forrest came on for the last five minutes in a bid to force an equaliser. Sorhaindo had a final chance in the 89th minute but Taberner, the Northwich keeper, blocked his fierce shot before the he saved a header from Illingworth.

        Despite their best efforts, it was all in vain as Silsden crashed out after four minutes injury time.

        Silsden will look to bounce back from their cup exit when they entertain Maltby Main in the Cobbydale Construction Stadium on Saturday in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division and then Thackley at home on Tuesday 20th August.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Hudson, Barnes, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, McKiernon (Forrest 85), Mitchell, Kirby, Shazad, Sorhaindo. Subs not used Hardisty-Blackwell, Brown, Wignall, Parchment. (Waddington 77). Sutcliffe –Vetch

NORTHWICH VICTORIA F.C.  Taberner, Camozzi, Barski, Winder, Kenny, Wilson, Toner, Clarke, Doran(Fleming 76), Kilifin, Connolly.    Crowther, Grundy. Subs not used Henry, Fitzgerald.

The Emirates F.A. Cup 2019-2020. Extra Preliminary Round

Saturday, August 10th 2019

                                                                                                                                                                                             NORTHWICH VICTORIA V SILSDEN A.F.C.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Clarke 19, 57                                  Kirby 14, 90+2.  Att. 188.

                                                                                                                                                                                      KIRBY’S LATE SPOT KICK KEEPS THE DREAM ALIVE

            The Cobbydalers travelled to Wincham Park to face Northwich Victoria in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates F.A. Cup. The Vics have a rich history in the FA Cup, reaching the second round on many occasions, and even reaching the third round in the 2005-06 season, only to be defeated by Sunderland  3-0 at the Stadium of Light. Last season they defeated the Cobbydalers in the third round of the FA Vase, eventually being defeated in the semi-final on penalties. They started the present League campaign with a win and a draw.

            The Cobbydalers, buoyed by their win at Penistone last week, started positively, moving the ball on the floor as the strong wing blew in their faces, and keeping possession with some slick one touch football. Early on, Mark Hudson slipped the ball to Josh McKiernon who turned and fed Aidan Kirby who saw his low shot saved. Khurram Shazad was soon creating problems for the home defence before Barnes was forced to clear after Robert Doran had slid the ball to Brandon Barski.

            Silsden responded with Shazad passing the ball to Kirby who shot over the bar. Silsden were looking dangerous up front. Meanwhile Joe Mitchell, the all-action midfielder, was breaking up any advances into the Silsden half.  It was no surprise when the Yorkshiremen took the lead on fourteen minutes. It was all down to Shazad who managed to set up KIRBY, who, with his back to goal, back–heeled the ball into the net.

            Straight from the kick-off Joe Camozzi was put through by Harvey Whyte but Alfie Darke made a fine save. Shazad curled a left footer before Silsden conceded a corner. Matty CLARKE rose above the Silsden defence to head home. Mitchell then blocked a shot from Harvey Whyte. Craig Bentham made a timely interception before setting up Kirby who shot wide.

            Ryan Winder was pulling the strings in the Vic’s midfield but Mitchell’s crunching tackle broke up another break. The ball was moved to Shazad who appeared to be pulled back when advancing on the goal. Darke was saved by the post when Winder’s shot shook the far post. Barnes and Mitchell broke up another attack before, on the stroke of half time, Laurence Sorhaindo hit the side netting from a tight angle.

            The initiative swung in the Vics’ favour at the start of the second half. Mitchell conceded a free kick which was swung in to Robert Doran who headed against the post. Left back Mark Everingham then swung over a dangerous cross which hung in the air but Northwich cleared the danger.  After Darke had saved from Crowther, CLARKE netted his second to give the home side the advantage.

            Kirby tried a speculative effort from forty yards out which went wide and Mitchell’s shot from outside the penalty area was easy for Taberner. Kaine denied Robert Doran before Sorhaindo was denied by Barski’s goal-line clearance.

              Ben Wignall replaced McKiernon. Then Everingham advanced deep into the hosts half. He had a golden chance but his effort was well wide. Waddington then came on for Sorhaindo and his pace and control tested the home defence. Dan Illingworth came on with eight minutes left to add some muscle and height up front but the Reds were then hampered when Wignall pulled a muscle.  

            Silsden had to gamble. Kaine and Barnes both broke up counter attacks before Barnes had a shot blocked and Shazad fired over the bar. The game went into stoppage time. Silsden pressed. The penalty area was packed with bodies. A shot came in; the whistle went, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.  KIRBY kept his cool to force a replay. PHEW!!

            The replay is on Tuesday night before Silsden entertain Maltby Main on Saturday and then Thackley on the following Tuesday.

NORTHWICH VICTORIA F.C..  Taberner, Camozzi, Barski, Winder, Kenny, Wilson, Whyte(Connolly 26), Clarke, Doran, Crowther(Toner 68), Grundy(Fleming 76) Subs not used Henry, Fitzgerald

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Hudson(Illingworth 82), Everingham, Kaine, Barnes, Bentham, McKiernon(Wignall 64), Mitchell, Kirby, Shazad, Sorhaindo (Waddington 77). Subs not used Hardisty-Blackwell, Brown, Wignall, Parchment.

Referee. Mr. L. Corrigan.  Assistants. Mr. J. Milburn and Mr. J. Smith

Following Silsden’s 2-1 victory over Penistone Church on the opening day of the season, we caught up with goal scorer Aidan Kirby and got his thoughts on the performance.

“Last Saturday was a great buzz for the lads to get our first win of the season when many had written us off. I think we showed a real togetherness and desire to go and win the game that had been lacking in pre-season.”

Kirby was also confident of the team’s ability, from defense to attack:

“I don’t think 2-1 did us justice, it could have been four or five and the defense was fantastic. They didn’t deserve to concede with the last kick of the game as they had been solid all game. They do play well within their unit.”

The forward has also cast his eyes towards the rest of the season, after opening his account for the campaign:

“It was great to get my first goal of the season and I’m hoping there will be many more to come.
I feel more and more hungry this year to go and score more goals as it is something I need to work on, but I’m looking forward to a tough game in the Cup on Saturday.

It was a lovely little through ball from Khurram and I just had to put the finishing touch onto it.”

Khurram Shazad scored the opening goal of the game last Saturday and both lads will be hoping to take their form into Saturday’s FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round against Northwich Victoria.

The Cobbydalers got their season off to the perfect start on last Saturday as they beat Penistone Church 2-1 but they face a stern test in their next game, an FA Cup extra preliminary round fixture against Northwich Victoria.

Victoria have a rich history in the FA Cup, reaching the second round on many occasions, and even reaching the third round in the 2005-06 season, only to be defeated by Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.

This means that Danny Forrest’s men will have to be on top form on Saturday, but Forrest remains confident that he has the squad depth to be able to have a decent go at footballs oldest cup competition:
“We are going to need a squad this season and I’m confident I have 16 or 17 lads who can all step in.”
This game will also be a chance for Silsden to prove themselves against an opposition that they know fairly well.

“Northwich finished fourth in our league last year. In my opinion, they were a class above. They knocked us out of the FA Vase last year, beat us in the league at their place and we drew with them towards the end of last season.”

The lads will be hoping to build on last weekends good performance, whilst also hoping to impress the gaffer who will be looking at solidifying his starting xi for league fixtures.

Kick-off at Wincham Park is 3pm and all support would be greatly appreciated by the staff and the players!

Up the Sils.

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

Saturday, August 3^rd 2019

                         PENISTONE CHURCH F.C. 1 v 2 SILSDEN A.F.C.                                             Lovell 90.                                Shazad 22  Kirby 85.    Att. 207

COBBYDALERS OFF TO A FLYING START IN NEW LEAGUE.

            The Cobbydalers travelled to Penistone Church to kick-start their account in the Northern Counties East League. Penistone had finished last season as the runners-up to Worksop Town but, over the close season, they had lost six of last-seasons’ squad. The Cobbydalers had finished last season in mid-table but had not had a happy pre-season. For this opening fixture they were without centre back Dan Illingworth,  Josh Brown and Matty Moses.

            On paper it looked a tough opener for the Cobbydalers but Manager Danny Forrest had instilled in his squad the need to keep possession and play as much football on the ground, especially considering the height advantage of the home side. Ryan Johnson stood head and shoulders above the Silsden attackers and he was always a threat at set pieces. Fortunately Cobbydalers’ keeper Alfie Darke was his match in the air.

            After some early possession by the Cobbydalers, Penistone’s Luke Aldridge went close following some swift passing, then Nathan Keightley broke down the left but shot across the face of the Silsden goal. Arley Barnes hit a shot from 30 yards out which cleared the home cross bar before Josh Kaine’s positional play denied the home side, catching them offside on two occasions.

            Laurence Sorhaindo combined well with Khurram Shazad before unleashing a dipping shot which Chris Snaith did well to tip over the bar. After an interception by Joe Mitchell, the ball was moved to Sorhaindo down the right. He slid the ball into the Church penalty area to SHAZAD, who drove the ball home to give the visitors the lead on twenty-two minutes. Three minutes later Mitchell hit a glorious pass out to Aidan Kirby on the right. Kirby’s shot was well saved by Snaith as the Cobbydalers moved the ball with confidence.

            Penistone then applied some pressure but Josh McKiernon cleared the danger. The home side then wasted two good chances, Ash Ellis and Callum Lee’s efforts lacking direction. Sorhaindo then broke between two defenders and fed Mitchell, but the mid-fielder’s shot went into the side-netting. Penistone pressed but they lacked the composure in front of goal and only in the final minute of the half was Alfie Darke called upon to punch a dangerous cross clear.

            Silsden almost doubled their lead early in the second half. Right back Liam Hudson broke forwards and cut inside before slipping the ball to Shazad, who had moved out to the wing. He crossed the ball low to Kirby whose extra touch gave the defence a chance to clear. At the other end, Barnes showed his versatility with some excellent defending. Ten minutes into the half Liam Hudson again broke forwards slipping the ball to McKiernon. McKiernon’s reverse pass found Sorhaindo but Snaith managed to smother his shot.

            The home side began to put more pressure on the Cobbydalers defence but, after Luke Aldridge had shot wide, Darke made a fantastic save to deny Keightley. Silsden then broke with Kirby setting up McKiernon but his shot lacked venom. Back came the home side. Darke was swiftly off his line to thwart Firth before Barnes’ timely interception broke up another attack. Keightley fired wide.

            Eventually Silsden almost netted a second. Mark Everingham slid the ball to Shazad who side stepped his marker. His powerful shot beat Snaith but rebounded off the far post. Penistone pushed their tall centre half forwards. Kaine and Barnes were pressurised by the long ball in the air but, whenever they were beaten, Darke was on hand to punch clear. Finally, the Cobbydalers got their second five minutes from the end. McKiernon broke forwards and slid the ball to Shazad. A dip of the shoulder created space to slide the ball to KIRBY who blasted the ball home.

            Penistone still put pressure on the Silsden goal area. Darke was put under enormous pressure and finally a goal came in stoppage time, Lovell netting after a scramble on the goal line, with Darke and the ball ending in the net! The final whistle went immediately after the restart.

            The Silsden side might have been dwarfed by their opponents but they used their nous to keep the ball on the turf and to keep possession when under pressure. Barnes was superb as a stand-in centre back and Darke commanding in the goal. The slick movement of the forwards tested the back four of Penistone. It was a fine start to the campaign.

            Next Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Northwich Victoria in the Buildbase F.A. Cup. Last season the Silsden outfit suffered a heavy defeat in the league in Cheshire and then were knocked out of the FA Vase by the eventual, semi-finalists. It will be a tough test.

PENISTONE CHURCH. Snaith, Lee, Young, Ellis, Johnson, Lovell, Howes, Firth, Keightley, Barlow(Kemp 73), Aldrich(Mundy73). Subs not used. Cadzow, Whittaker, Law.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Hudson, Everingham, Kaine, Barnes, Bentham, McKiernon, Mitchell, Kirby(Forrest 88), Shazad, Sorhaindo(Parchment 88). Subs not used. Higginson, Waddington, Hardisty-Blackwell.

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