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.

Brown and Wignall Join The Sils

Centre back Josh Brown and striker Ben Wignall are the Cobbydalers most recent signings after both have been involved with the team throughout pre season.

Brown joins after previously representing the club four years. His progress was hampered by two serious knee injuries. After a successful season at neighbours Silsden Whitestar, Josh re-joins the Cobbydalers.

Wignall joins after impressing during pre season and will add to the attacking options in the squad. The 24 year old spent three years with Hartlepool United, captaining their youth team before moving to the USA to play for NCAA Division 1 outfit Fairfield University, where he finished top scorer four years in a row and co-captained the side to the national tournament and a national ranking of 32/208.

Manager Danny Forrest had this to say on the new recruits:

“Both Josh and Ben have brought a positive energy through pre season and they’ll definitely strengthen the squad.

Josh comes off the back of a great season at Silsden Whitestar and definitely has the attributes to do well at this level. We’ve seen positive signs over the last month or so. I’m sure he’ll provide strong competition for our other centre backs and also learn and develop at the same time.

We’ve been impressed with Ben, he has a great pedigree and his football intelligence has been a breath of fresh air. I’m sure he’ll be a real asset and I’m excited to see him progress with us.”

Meanwhile Luke Rhodes has left the club, we would like to place on record our thanks for Luke’s contribution over the past two years.

Silsden AFC’s lead physio, Andy Henson, has been enjoying a busy summer away from the Cobbydale Construction Stadium.

First up was the news that he had graduated with a First in Physiotherapy from the University of Bradford, achieving 92% in his dissertation proving that hard work does indeed pay off, however, he had little time to relax and take it in as it was straight into pre-season training with the Silsden team.

Andy then jetted off to Mexico where he would spend the week with the GB Medics team at the World Medical Football Championship. The GB team retained their title in the competition made up of 20 teams, with all the players being doctors. Beating Brazil in the quarter-finals, Argentina on penalties in the semi-finals and then the Czech Republic in the final, the side proved their mettle

We are sure that Andy’s work was a key part of the GB side’s success as they played 6 games in 7 days, proving just how key he could be to the Cobbydalers in the coming campaign!
Congratulations Andy, from everyone here at Silsden.

You deserve to reap the rewards of your success and we look forward to having you in our ranks for the third season running!

You can also follow the GB Medics team on twitter: @GBRMEDFOOTBALL

We are proud to announce the signing of our third signing of the summer transfer window is forward Khurram Shazad, who played for Eccleshill last season.

Shazad was part of the C Halifax Town Youth Team before having a short spell at local side Brighouse Town. Following this, he played as a professional in the USA and in Austria.

Manager Danny Forrest has had his say on his latest acquisition:

“Khurram is right up my street in that he has a great attitude and just enjoys playing football.
I feel we were missing something in the final third last season and he’ll certainly bring creativity and make things happen for us. He joins the club off the back of a strong season and I’m sure he’ll kick on with us now”

These positive words were echoed by Khurram himself as well:

“The first few sessions have been really, really good. High intensity and they’re a good set of lads. It’s been really positive and hard working. We’ve been doing fitness but work with the balls as well which I like.”

 

Silsden AFC are delighted to announce the signing of 17-year-old goalkeeper Alfie Darke from Bradford City.

Darke, who played the final three games of last season on loan at Silsden obviously impressed as he now returns to The Cobbydalers.

A Bradford City scholar for the last few years, the young goalkeeper showed plenty of potential as well as a maturity in his game not often found at this level, proving himself to be a valuable asset for Danny Forrest’s outfit.

The manager had his say once the deal had been finalized:

“I’m delighted to get Alfie on board, since joining on a youth loan from Bradford City he’s been a breath of fresh air. At such a young age, I’m sure he will develop, and while doing so he’ll certainly play a big part for the club this season. I believe securing Alfie shows just how attractive the club is now.”

Alfie himself also spoke about his successful first training sessions as a full Silsden player:

“It’s been tough, there’s been a lot of warm weather but you’ve got to get the hard graft in and it’s important to hit the ground running for the new season.”

Find out more about our new signings in the coming days and weeks, as we build up to the new season, by following our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Silsden AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Liam Hudson for the 2019/2020 season.
The 26-year-old has played for both Thackley and Eccleshill for a number of years in the Northern Counties East Football League and can play as both a defender and, in the middle of the park, as a holding midfielder.

Manager Danny Forrest certainly thinks that Hudson has the potential and the versatility to improve the squad as he outlined earlier on today:

“I’m made up to finally get Liam on board, he’s someone I’ve tracked for a few years now. He’s been in training with us since January after coming back from injury, so we know all about his character and ability. He’s committed and has a great attitude, he can play in numerous positions and has plenty of ability, he’ll certainly improve us.”

Remember to stay updated with all our news by following us on social media and by checking the website. There may be some exciting news coming soon…

The Cobbydalers began pre season training last Saturday and there were plenty of familiar faces in attendance.

Captain Josh Kaine and fellow defenders Dan Illingworth and Matty Moses will be with the Sils for the 2019/20 campaign.

Midfielders Joe Mitchell, Arley Barnes, Luke Rhodes and Player-Assitant Manager Craig Bentham have all put pen to paper and will form the engine room while Mark Everingham, Will Storrie and Josh Mckiernon have also committed for another season.

Top scorer Aidan Kirby also stays and will be looking to better last season’s goal tally while Laurence Sorhaindo will be looking to kick on after showing plenty of promise through the second half of last season. Chris Wademan will rejoin the squad in the Autumn on his return from a spell at Riverside Olympic FC in Australia.

Youngsters Harry Parsons, Devon Ridley, Harrison Hardisty-Blackwell and Ben Darkins will all be hoping for their break after being in and around the first team squad last season.

Manager Danny Forrest had his say:

“These lads have given me absolutely everything and I’m confident this core group of players has what it takes to help the club progress.

A lot of them have been with me almost three years now, I know what I’m getting with them and I’m confident we can help them go and improve again.

With some exciting additions in the pipeline it’s shaping up nicely.”

Check back during this coming week as we introduce some new faces!

Silsden AFC can confirm that Tom Higman will join Manager Danny Forrest’s coaching team for the 2019/20 season.

Higman, once a highly rated young footballer, plied his trade for various clubs in the NCEL for a number of seasons and will bring experience and nous to an already strong group of staff. Higman’s recent experience includes managing Burley Trojans for the past two seasons.

Danny Forrest had his say on the new staff member:

“Tom is someone I’ve known a long time and whose opinion I really value. He is local and knows the level, he has a strong network in the area which I’m sure will prove valuable. I’m really looking forward to having him with us and I know he has a lot to offer the players.”

“We’ve seen the value of having a strong team of staff, everyone brings something a little different to the party which is important.”

Craig Bentham will continue in his role as Player/Assistant Manager after an influential season on and off the pitch, as will First Team Coach Brian Blackwell who became an integral part of the coaching staff and will also oversee the U23 setup.

Andy Henson moves into his third season with the club as he heads up the medical department and will use his sports rehab and physiotherapy expertise to support the players with all things fitness and conditioning.

Goalkeeper Coach Kev Knappy and Coaches Qasim Akhtar and Clive Murgatroyd will continue in their respective roles. U23 Coach Russell Waite remains in his role and the club also welcome new analyst Liam Tharme.

We also welcome Dan Benn to the club who comes on board as a Media Officer and will work closely with Videographer Scott Coulthard.