BIG MATCH PREVIEW: THE COBBYDALERS VS NOSTELL MINERS WFC

We take a break from league action tomorrow evening as we play hosts to NCEL
Division One outfit Nostell Miners WFC at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium.
The Cobbydalers picked up what was a “well earned point” said Manager Danny Forrest
on Saturday, against high flying Yorkshire Amateurs in the league and will hope his side
can can put in another spirited performance on Tuesday night and progress to the 5th
round of the NCEL League Cup by defeating the NCEL Division One outfit.

The Cobbydalers got to this stage of the competition by winning 3-2 away from home
against a very good Bridlington town side, with the goals coming from Matthias Britton,
Khurram Shazad and the weekends goalscorer Chris Wademan.

As for the visitors, Nostell were also 3-2 winners in the 3rd round and beat Harrogate
Railway Athletic after a late winner and will be hoping to try progress to the next round,
it is set up to be a very good game with both sides hoping to progress to the Quarter Finals.

LEAGUE POSITION AND FORM

After a big point picked up on the road against Yorkshire Amateurs on Saturday, the Sils
currently sit 13th in the NCEL Premier Division, the Sils have also picked up 7 points
from 9 in the last 3 games and will come into the game feeling confident after the good
run they are currently on, they have also won their last 2 home games. As for the
visitors, Nostell are currently 11th in the NCEL Division One and last time out they drew
1-1 at home to Dronfield Town. Nostell come into the game off the back of 2 draws and
and a defeat from their 3 previous league outings, and a break from league action could
pave the way for them to try get back to winning ways, with the visit to the Cobbydale
Construction Stadium, and a place in the NCEL League Cup Quarter Final at stake.

THE MANAGERS THOUGHTS

When asked about the result at the weekend and after picking up some decent results
as of late, Manager Danny Forrest said “From our point of view it’s a case of more of the
same, the attitude has been brilliant and we’ve seen a real togetherness which has
earned us some decent results”

On the thought of having a cup run, Manager Danny Forrest also said “we’d love a
good cup run just as much as any other team, so we’ll be doing all we can to try and
progress to the next round.”

When asked about the availability of players available for selection, Manager Danny
Forrest said “unfortunately we’re missing Myles Foley and Connor Thompson as they
are cup tied, but it just opens up a chance for somebody else to stake a claim and give
the staff some selection headaches.”

Manager Danny Forrest also emphasised on the crowds his team have been pulling in
this season and said, “the crowds have been decent all season and we hope it’s the
same on Tuesday night, as it’s really appreciated by all the players and staff when the
local community is behind the team.”

Kick off is at 7.45PM, Danny and the rest of the players and staff
would really appreciate the support, entry prices are as follows:

£6 Adults
£3 Concessions

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

Saturday Feb 8^th 2020.

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR 1 v 1 SILSDEN AFC

  Fogarty 66.                  Wademan 83.   Att. 74.

HIGGINSON SUPREME IN THRILLING ENCOUNTER

          The Cobbydalers travelled to the Southerns  Stadium, on Saturday, for their return fixture against The Ammers, who stood third in the table at the start of play. Silsden had lost the home game to the Ammers in September five-nil. In fact the Ammers away record is the best in the league, winning ten and drawing one of their eleven games. At home their record is won three, drawn four and lost four!

          The Ammers were first on the attack putting Silsden under pressure but it was the Cobbydalers who went closest to opening their account. It was a superb counter attack. Left back Connor Thomson  broke up the left and exchanged passes with Lawrence Sorhaindo before the ball was slid to Arley Barnes. Barnes hit an excellent volley but it was just wide of the far post.

          The Cobbydalers thought they had taken the lead on ten minutes when Liam Hudson set up Dan Illingworth who headed home. However the whistle went for an infringement. A minute later Sorhaindo headed on to Jake Taylor, who saw his powerful shot well saved by Edward Wilcznski.

          The Ammers broke swiftly and Silsden were fortunate that Leon Henry’s header bounced onto the cross bar. Silsden responded with another attack but the Ammers countered immediately, Roy Fogarty’s header clearing the crossbar.

          Josh Kaine was then called into the action making a superb block on Aiden Savoury’s thunderbolt. The skipper was injured but recovered quickly to clear Priestley’s dangerous cross, with Savoury poised to open the scoring.

          At the other end, Sorhaindo headed Illingworth’s throw-in wide but he was always a threat, just failing to net when Shazad Khurram, after a deceiving dip of the shoulder had caused panic, set him up. With ten minutes of the half left, Thomson won the ball near the Silsden by-line before bursting up the left. He was upended but the fee-kick was cleared.           Both sides had chances in the dying minutes, Higginson saving at Savoury’s feet after a corner had been swung in and then Sorhaindo burst through at the other end before shooting just wide of the far post.

          If the first half hadn’t been pulsating enough,  the second started with the home side battering the Silsden goal as if storm “Ciara” had arrived twelve hours early! Kane was booked for a late challenge as the Ammers bombarded the Silsden goal. Illingworth blocked close range efforts from Savoury and Blackie before Higginson, somehow, managed to get a strong hand on Stephen Close range effort. Phew!

          Silsden gradually settled, counter attacking down the flank, but the home side were in the ascendancy. Fogarty shot over before Kaine broke up another attack. Silsden withstood the pressure and countered but both Sorhaindo, after a thirty yard break, and Miles Foley saw their efforts comfortably saved and Taylor shot wide after a fine run from Barnes.

          The pressure eventually told when a corner was swung in. Dempsey’s scissors kick rattled the bar and FOGGARTY volleyed home from close range. Silsden almost levelled immediately after a swift attack led to a corner. Instead of swinging it into the box, Khurram laid it back to Connor Thompson but the full back’s shot cleared the bar.

          Luke Hudson then cleared up after Thomson had been beaten before a curling free-kick from Khurram shaved the outside of the Ammers post. Higginson was then in the action again tipping Fogarty’s shot over the bar and then saving a header from Savoury at the near post.

          Chris WADEMAN, who had come on for Taylor, soon latched onto a through ball outpacing two defenders before netting the equaliser seventeen minutes from time. He was mauled to the floor by his team-mates. Silsden still had work to do to deny the home side but Wademan, after winning a corner, almost scored a second after Wilcznski had dropped Illingworth’s header. Unfortunately his effort was cleared off the goal line.

          Two more saves by Higginson made sure that the points were shared. It had been a pulsating game and further evidence that the Cobbydalers are gelling together well.

          Tuesdays’ game, at home to Nostell Miners Welfare looks in doubt,  leaving the Cobbydalers without a game until Feb 22^nd when they entertain AFC Mansfield. This match will be a “Pay-What- You-Want” game, the profits going to charity in honour of the late Tom Marshall.

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR.  Wilcznski,  Fishley (Smith 63), Henry, Daley, Dempsey, Field, Crawford, Blakey (Moke 63), Savoury, Fogarty (Sykes 77), Priestley. Sub not used. Brice.

SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Foley, Thomson, Kaine, Illingworth, Liam Hudson, Barnes, Mitchell, Sorhaindo, Shazad (Luke Hudson 82), Taylor (Wademan 70). Subs not used. McKiernon, Everingham, Britton.

Referee. Mr. M. Coles.  Assistants. Mr A. Williams and Mr. E. Shiers.

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

Saturday, 1^st February. 2020.

       SILSDEN AFC 2 v 0 HANDSWORTH FC.

Sorhaindo 48, Taylor 87.                   Att.124

COBBYDALERS DEFY THE WIND TO SNATCH THREE POINTS

          For the third time in a week the Cobbydalers’ home game was played in a gale. Fortunately the home side managed it well despite not scoring with the wind in their “favour”? Indeed their second half performance showed how it was easier to play against the elements.

          The wind and rain in the first half saw the home side on the attack from the start with young Connor Thompson breaking down the left and crossing into the Ambers’ box in the third minute. The ball was cleared for a corner which caught on the wind, a fate which saw the end of the next two attacks.

          Handsworth’s first sortie forwards almost led to a goal, mainly due to a back pass which Ben Higginson just cleared as Luke Rawson was breaking forwards. Harry Mitchell, the Ambers’ play maker, was driving his team forwards. Marley Grant broke up the left and crossed to Rawson who fired into the side netting.

          Lawrence Sorhaindo then set Matthias Britton free down the left but the “lack of a left foot” forced the wide man to cut back and the chance was lost. Thomson then broke down the right. His cross was cleared for a corner. It was headed out to Lawrence Sorhaindo, on the left, but his curling shot lacked enough pace to beat Ben Townsend in the Handsworth goal.

          On seventeen minutes Khurram Shazad hit a rising drive which Townsend did well to tip over, before Shazad slid the ball through to Britton, who fired over the bar. Liam Hudson was then off target after more good work from Shazad before Arley Barnes, at full stretch, just failed to reach Sorhaindo’s through ball.

          Hudson was slow to react to a break from the Ambers but Kaine came to the rescue on two occasions to snuff out the danger midway through the half. Sorhaindo’s powerful run down the left ended with a superb cross into the Handsworth box but there was no support from his teammates.

          With ten minutes of the half left, Silsden pushed harder. Barnes set up Hudson who couldn’t get enough power on his shot. Handsworth were dominating possession with Harry Mitchell in the thick of it but, in the final minutes, Josh Dacre blocked a shot from Shazad. Illingworth headed over and Townsend denied both Barnes and Shazad with fine saves to ensure that his team had kept a clean sheet.

          The visitors might have expected to dominate the second half but the Cobbydalers took control with a high back line and some slick passing and possession. Foley went on a run to the by-line in the opening minutes. He crossed to Barnes who shot low. The wind just took it off target but Luke Hudson, on for Britton, just failed to get a touch on it. However, a minute later, Silsden took the lead with SORHAINDO slipping the ball past Townsend after a powerful run.

          Handsworth failed to master Silsden’s high defensive line with several balls reaching the Silsden keeper on the wind or going out of play. Sorhaindo had another chance in the visitor’s goal area but his shot was weak before Shazad went close and Joe Mitchell’s effort was well saved. Indeed, Silsden began to create more chances. A powerful fifty-yard run by Shazad was halted on the edge of the Handsworth box before Barnes released Mitchell, whose shot cleared the bar.

          At the other end Liam Hudson broke up a dangerous attack whilst Kaine ended a slick move involving five Handsworth players. But it was the Cobbydalers who looked more dangerous. Three minutes after coming on as a substitute, Jake Taylor outpaced the Ambers’ defence only to shot over the bar…like Mitchell’s effort, getting caught on the wind.

          Silsden might have rued not netting a second but Anthony Mackie’s free-kick, on the edge of the penalty area sailed over the bar and Higginson made a fine save to deny Harry Mitchell. The Cobbydalers should have made it two when Taylor and Shazad broke clear to the edge of the area. With only the keeper to beat they wasted the golden opportunity.

          With ten minutes left Danny Riley came on for Shazad. He epitomised Silsden’s resolve chasing back to his own goal area to deny Handsworth. It was like the “ALAMO”. Illingworth was magnificent in defence, Liam Hudson headed clear, Joe Mitchell blocked a low shot.  TAYLOR was back to deny the visitors another chance before running through the visitor’s defence to seal the victory with a slick shot.

          Illingworth blocked one more effort and Ehsan Mohammed shot over in stoppage time. Six points  from two games lifted Silsden up the table but just as important was the fighting spirit shown by the team.

          On Saturday Silsden travel to Yorkshire Amateurs before a making a trip to Nostell Miners Welfare: mid-table in League One: on the following Tuesday, in the League cup.         

SILSDEN AFC.  Higginson, Foley, Thompson, Kaine, Illingworth, Liam Hudson, Barnes, Joe Mitchell, Sorhaindo (Taylor 67), Shazad, Britton (Luke Hudson 45). Subs not used. Everingham, McKiernon.

HANDSWORTH AFC. Townsend, Mackie, Eagle, Harry Mitchell (Phillips 81), Varley, Dacre, Hobson, Mohammed (Etaia 70), Rawson, Osborne, Grant (Walton 53). Subs not used Chappell, Seth.

Referee. Mr. L. Hibble.   Assistants. Mr. G. Hock and Mr. A. Murphy

If you’ve made the trip to the Cobbydale Construction Stadium over the years, without a doubt you’ll have seen the friendly familiar face of Pete Hanson on site, often on the turnstile offering a welcome smile in a Silsden AFC bobble hat. Pete is a staple in within Silsden AFC’s committee, and together they ensure the running of the club is comparable to clockwork. We thought we’d put some questions to Pete, and get to know the man himself, and an insight into life on the committee.

Do you want to tell us a little bit about how long you’ve been associated with the club Peter, and what your role has entailed over the years?

I’ve been associated with the club since 1980, where initially I used to play. I joined the committee a few years later in 1985. There were only three of us at the time!

Our initial aim was to get as many junior teams set up as possible. We managed to achieve this, and set up base on Keighley Road, where the Cobbydale Construction Stadium currently lies. I then took a role as a youth coach, where I had the Under 12’s right through til they became Under 17’s. We won the cup and league double five seasons on the trot. Probably the most successful team in junior football … (Pete included a “lol” at this point during the interview)

In 1996 the club opted to reform a Saturday league team. I still played a part on the junior committee and opted to join the newly formed Saturday Senior Committee.

This team was initially managed by Andy Geary, with his assistants Paul Schofield and Mick Hook. It’s fair to say that since 1996 Silsden AFC have made their mark in the history books. We won promotion in five consecutive seasons to become champions of the West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division in 2002-2003.

The highlight of this era was, without doubt, our three consecutive wins of the West Riding County Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

I have continued to be on the committee from the early years up to the present day, mainly as Secretary, then as General Secretary. I also had a hand in overseeing the development of the Sports Club at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium, alongside most of our current football club committee.

All this hard work culminated in us receiving a £1m grant from the National Lottery and Football Foundation to build our new Sports Club. The football club had to find nearly £100,000, which we did by holding many Sportsman’s Dinners, fundraising evenings and receiving donations over the previous 6-8 years.  The Sports Club finally opened in 2009 and I was privileged to accept the position of the first ever Chairman of Silsden Sports Club. I held this position until handing over to the present chairman, John Lohan, two years later. I then became Secretary of the Sports Club as well as continuing as General Secretary of the football club. These positions I still hold today!

What made you want to get involved with Silsden?

 I felt compelled to get involved having seen that the junior teams did not have very many facilities or changing rooms where they played, this was behind the old fire station in Silsden. Our small committee put it as a major priority to improve the facilities, which we finally did. I also had my eldest son starting to show interest in football, so the progression from player to manager of the junior teams was inevitable.

What is it that’s made you compelled to stay on for so long?

A very difficult question to answer! Knowing that the club had so many requirements was probably the overall factor. The gradual progression in strength of the committee from humble beginnings is a big factor. Also the friendships created, and the hardworking ethic of this committee is a major factor in me staying on board.

How do you think the club has developed over your time?

From getting changed in either an old Air Raid Shelter building or port-a-cabin’s in the early days down here at Keighley Road, through to the fantastic facilities we now have highlights to me that we have progressed pretty well! But this hasn’t come without very hard work by all involved at this great club. The development has not finished yet as they are plans to develop further in years to come.

Are there any specific players in the squad that you enjoy watching?

To be honest I enjoy watching most of the current squad. The players always seem to give 100%, even when they may be not playing as well as they could.

What do you get up to in your spare time?

 Not too much spare time for me. I work four days and on the fifth day I usually look after my grandson.

Weekends in the off season I spend with my wife (who unfortunately is not in the best of health) usually travelling, gardening, holidaying etc. We do like also to follow our two granddaughters who are big into dancing and we often go watch them in competitions.

What local footballers would you say you’ve admired over the years?

I have quite a few favourites, mostly from the years between 2000-2008. To name a few:

Matthew and Martin Bland, Dale Hoyle, Jimmy Hedges, Michael Rosser, Martin Fougler, Gavin Finn, Adam Reed, Gary Lund were great players. Older players I played with were Harry Rose, Mick Tillotson, Andy Geary, Graeme Fretwell, Ernie and Colin Guest.

More recently the likes of James Nettleton, Kevin Ryan, James Gill, Martin Packer, Josh Kaine, Danny Illingworth, Joe Gaughan, Arley Barnes and quite a few others.

I probably have missed a few off these list, so apologies if this was the case!

What would you say makes Silsden AFC unique from other football clubs?

A few things make a good club. I think for starters the management of Danny, Craig and coaches are second to none at this level. Also the attitude of players is always a sign of a good club. Both these factors are good, at the moment, at Silsden AFC; but one should never be satisfied and should always aim higher.

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.