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.

Today Silsden AFC can confirm that we will be saying goodbye to another member of the squad.

Goalkeeper Callum Jakovlevs joined the club in July 2016 before leaving to join Prestwich Heys in September 2018. Jakovlevs then rejoined The Cobbydalers in November.
He leaves with over 120 appearances for Silsden under his belt, proving him to be a true servant of the club and, yet again, Danny Forrest only had good things to say about the goalkeeper:

“Callum has been first class since originally joining the club three years ago. He’s played a big part during my time here and I’d like to thank him on behalf of the club for all of his efforts in a Silsden shirt. The association ends on good terms and I’ll certainly be keeping in touch with him.”

Forrest also spoke about how the squad is coming together ahead of the start of the Cobbydaler’s pre-season schedule:

“We move on as a team and a club, and I’m excited about how the squad is shaping up. Hopefully, we’ll be able to firm things up and bring more news later on in the month.”

Danny Forrest also confirmed that there are negotiations going on behind the scenes to bring players into the club and the squad is starting to shape up nicely as the entire team prepares to begin preparations before the new season begins.

Everybody at Silsden AFC would like to say thank you to Mateusz Tomas and Niall Sultan who are departing the club after two and three years’ service respectively.

Tomas leaves the Cobbydalers due to work commitments after scoring 4 goals in 55 appearances for Silsden whilst Sultan, who leaves due to travelling and the geographical situation after moving laterally to NCEL, managed 21 goals in 77 appearances.

Manager Danny Forrest only had good things to say about the pair:

“Niall has been brilliant during the last three years and was pivotal in the 2017/18 promotion season. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and I know he’s enjoyed being with us but geographically it wasn’t likely to work for both parties next season and we wish him all the best in the future.

“Likewise, Mateusz has been a pleasure to work with, he’s got a great attitude and has impacted our squad hugely in the last two years. It’s unfortunate that his circumstances aren’t a bit different.

“I’m disappointed to see both lads go but I’d really like to wish them all the best in their futures.”

Thank you, Mateusz. Thank you, Niall.

All the best from everybody here at the club.

Silsden AFC will be holding our first trial sessions on Sunday 23rd June for our Post 16 Elite Player Development Programme & U23 teams.

The trials will be hosted by UEFA Qualified First Team Coach Brian Blackwell and will be held at Keighley RFU (BD20 6DT).

The trial will last two hours (11.00am – 1.00pm) and players should arrive at 10.40am for registration.

To register for the trial day please contact Brian Blackwell

Email: brianblackwell10@yahoo.com

Phone: 07512509970

THE COBBYDALERS MOVE EAST!

          The Cobbydalers will be playing their football next season in the Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division (Step 5), after the restructuring of Steps 5/6 of the National League System.

          Club Allocations for Steps 5/6 were confirmed, following on from a meeting of The FA’s Leagues Committee held on Tuesday 14 May 2019.  It is a sideways step for the Cobbydalers, who have been in the North West Counties for 15 years. The official website of The Hallmark Security Football League NWCFL stated “In a surprise move, The FA has moved Premier Division side Silsden over to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division for next season, leaving the Premier Division with 20 clubs, sadly ending Silsden’s 15-year association with the League.

            In the Premier Division, Longridge Town and Rylands have been promoted from Step 6 as Champions of the First Division North and First Division South as expected. They will be joined by Avro who gain promotion as runners up in the First Division North. Joining them in the Premier Division will be Skelmersdale United, who return to The North West Counties League following relegation from the Evo Stik League First Division West. They re-join the League after a 13 year absence.”

          The Cobbydalers journey in the NWCFL began on August 14^th 2004 with a two-nil victory at Norton. The Cobbydalers, under the guidance of Andy Geary and Mick Hook, went on to win promotion after a run of seven wins in the last seven games.

 Their last game this season was a home victory on April 27^th 2019 against Burscough leading to best fifish in the NWCFL.

          Silsden’s geographical position means that it is on the periphery of both the NWCFL and NCEFL with long journeys on both sides of the Pennines. As the NWCFL Premier Division has evolved, the present distribution of teams  has a southern bias with more teams south of the Mersey, Silsden’s nearest opponents being Barnoldswick Town and Padiham. The Leeds/Bradford area provides more local derbies, although there are still long trips to Bridlington and Mansfield.  Several of the present players live in the Leeds Bradford conurbation.

          Both manager Danny Forrest and his assistant Craig Bentham are happy with the move.

 

                        THE KEIGHLEY & DISTRICT FA SENIOR CHARITY CUP                                 

 (IN AID OF MANORLANDS HOSPICE)

Saturday, May 18^th 2019

                        SILSDEN AFC 3 v 1 STEETON AFC                                                               

Mitchell 15, Kirby 45, McKiernon 54.            Cox 90.         Att. 350.

          Ever since the Cobbydalers were admitted to the North West Counties League they have been excluded from the Keighley Challenge cup. With the Chevrons making a similar move this season, both sides were excluded and so they asked the Keighley & District FA if the Senior Cup could become an annual, end of season charity game. K&D gladly obliged and the inaugural game took place on Saturday at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium, before a bumper crowd, with the gate proceeds going to “Manorlands”.

          Silsden started brightly with triallist Liam Hudson delivering a diagonal cross towards the Steeton penalty area. Aidan Kirby’s dummy set up Arley Barnes who fired over the bar. Silsden continued to press with Hudson going close after a defence –splitting pass from Barnes. Steeton’s first break forward on ten minutes led to a free-kick thirty yards out. Aaron Davis’ shot was blocked by the Silsden defensive wall. Toby Jeffrey put over a dangerous cross but Tim Hird couldn’t get a clean-enough contact.

          Silsden took the lead on fifteen minutes when Joe MITCHELL hit a screamer from thirty yards out. A similar effort from Mitchell was headed for a corner. Mitchell conceded a corner at the other end but Luke Baldwin headed over. Toby Rawcliffe’s intervention halted Wademan before Mitchell worked the ball to Hudson, who hit a powerful cross shot which fizzed before the far post.

          At the other end Davis battled hard to create an opening but his shot lacked venom. Luke Baldwin then went on a good run before crossing into the danger area, Jack Richmond’s scissor-kick clearing the Silsden bar. At the other end Kirby shot wide after Josh McKiernon had set up an opening. Baldwin hit another cross shot before Moses went close after a slick Silsden break.      Davies just failed to level the scores after Richmond had created an opening before the former Cobbydaler pulled a hamstring …for the third time this season! Barnes rattled the crossbar before, on the stroke of halftime, KIRBY put Silsden two up.

          Silsden were on the attack at the start of the second half. Kirby worked an opening but his shot was wide before Wademan’s cross was cleared. Toby Jeffrey broke down the right but there was no end product but Steeton still looked to play some slick football, Rawcliffe, Harrison-Holdsworth and Jeffrey combining well before Moses came to Silsden’s rescue. Jeffrey continued to look the Chevrons’ best outlet.

          Silsden killed the game ten minutes into the second half when McKIERNON rifled home Kirby’s cross. Nevertheless Steeton still searched for a goal. Hird fed Holmes who set up Clarkson but Kaine had spotted the danger. Lawrence Sorhaindo, on for McKiernon, broke forwards and passed the advancing Steeton keeper but didn’t have the legs to prevent the ball from going out of play. Tidswell saved Sorhaindo’s deft chip ten minutes later but got away with it when he fumbled Wademan’s low effort.

          Mitchell hit the side netting before Barnes’ free-kick was saved. In the ninetieth minute Clarkson set up substitute Ben COX to net a consolation goal.

          The Cobbydalers experience of fifteen years in the NWCFL told in the end and Josh Kaine received the Challenge trophy from former Cobbydalers assistant manager Mick Hook, who was instrumental in setting up the match for charity.

          Many thanks must go to the members of The Keighley and District F.A. who, over the last fortnight, have overseen several Cup Finals in the local area. Without them such games would not take place.

          Details on the donation to Manorlands will follow.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke (Jakovlevs 45), Hudson, Moses, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan, Kirby (Rhodes 63), McKiernon (Sorhaindo 63). Subs not used Ridley, Parsons.

STEETON AFC. Tidswell, Rawcliffe, Scott, (Harrison-Holdsworth 45), Morgan, Rooke, Hird, Jeffrey, Richmond, Davis (Holmes 40), Clarkson (Cox 84),  Baldwin.

Referee. Mr. M. Gupta. Assistants Mr. C. Veighey & Mr. C. Worswick.

🎓⚽️| Silsden AFC & Leeds United Sports College Post 16 Elite Player Development Scholarship

In Year 10 or 11? ☑️
Love Football? ☑️
Interested in a career in sport? ☑️

This could be the opportunity for you!

Pathways in to Pro & Semi-Pro Football ✅
Opportunity for International Scholarships ✅
Pathways to a career in sport ✅
Progress to study sport related degrees ✅

Train as a full time footballer and study for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport.

Our Open Evening is on Wednesday 15th May 6pm at Silsden AFC where you can learn more about the programme and ask any questions about the full two-year scholarship.

Contact brianblackwell10@yahoo.co.uk

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 27^th April 2019

SILSDEN AFC 3  v  2 BURSCOUGH FC

    Illingworth 55,71, Sultan 89.               Whyte 3, 21      Att.174

COBBYDALERS FINISH ON A HIGH

          The Cobbydalers entertained Burscough on Saturday in a game which would determine if the Reds could finish the season on a high note. Two-goal hero from Wednesday’s win, Danny Forrest, came in to start the game but it was the strong wind which dominated much of the play. Burscough had been rocked overnight by the resignations of their manager and his assistant.            

                Burscough started with the wind at their backs. They were on the attack from the kick-off and took the lead on three-minutes when Chad WHYTE broke past Dan Illingworth and then Josh Kaine before sliding the ball past Alfie Darke. The Cobbydalers had been stretched with the back four isolated as the midfield failed to drop back to offer them protection.

                The wind strengthened and Prince Ekpolo hit a dangerous cross in from the left. Jordan Lorde was the next to benefit from the wind and lax defending. His cross found Whyte but he fired over. Fortunately the visitors found the wind difficult as well, several crosses being over hit. An unprotected defence was again exposed by WHYTE, who had run onto a through ball to slide the ball home on twenty-one minutes

                Silsden did manage their first effort with a slick move involving Aidan Kirby and Josh McKiernon, who set up Chris Wademan. His effort was cleared off the line. The Linnets then broke again down the left. Connor Finlayson slid the ball to Terry Cummins but Arley Barnes blocked the effort. Cummins was a constant threat but his next effort flew wide on the wind.

                Ten minutes before the break, Kirby held up the ball before laying it back to Barnes. His shot caught the wind, cleared the bar before coming back into play! Moses sent a through ball to Wademan who hit a low shot which was saved. Silsden managed to keep the ball with some slick pass-and-move football. Kirby fed Barnes who curled a shot wide. As the half ended, a long shot from Ekpolo sailed over the Silsden bar.

                The half time interval gave Forrest an opportunity to decide the tactics for the second half. It was clear that the long-ball would just catch the wind and go dead. The message was maintain possession until a chance could be created. Wademan saw a shot saved five minutes after the restart before a second effort ten minutes later was parried by Ryan Grier. ILLINGWORTH was there to tap it home.

                Silsden had the initiative. Forrest hit a fine drive which was saved. Kirby went close after Wademan and Barnes had opened up the Linnets defence. Wademan hit another shot which was saved, then Kirby was just beaten to the ball by the Burscough keeper. Kirby was straining every sinew and twice he went close after good work by Barnes and Moses. Barnes set up Kaine who shot wide of the far post.          Twenty minutes to go but the Cobbydalers did not panic. They still played the ball about in small triangles trying to create an opening. Peter Henerty made a break for the visitors before Moses earned a corner. Everingham swung it in, the ball was deflected to ILLINGWORTH at the back post. He hit the ball down and it bounced over the visitors, keeper. 2 – 2.

                Niall Sultan came on for McKiernon. He immediately burst down the right, exchanged passes with Illingworth before the centre-back almost completed his hat-trick. Barnes hit a superb drive which Grier held comfortably before seeing another free-kick blocked.

                With five minutes left Cummins made a brilliant run through the Silsden defence. Two shots were blocked before Silsden broke away. The ball was swung over to Kirby whose header hit the post. SULTAN was on hand to rifle home the rebound. 3-2! Keeper Callum Jakovlevs replaced the injured Darke.

                The Cobbydalers left the pitch to a rousing reception. In the past eight days they lost by a freak goal at Hanley. Two days later they won away against Barlick before facing Vase semi-finalists, Northwich Victoria on Wednesday in a fantastic 2-2 draw. (On Saturday the Vics had a big say in the title race. Bootle were in the pole position ahead of their local rivals, City of Liverpool. The Vics held out for a 1-1 draw at Bootle. City of Liverpool sealed top spot with a win at 2-0 win at Irlam).

SILSDEN AFC Darke (Jakovlevs 88), Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, McKiernon (Sultan 77), Forrest, Kirby (Hardisty-Blackwell 90), Wademan. Subs. not used Dakin, Sorhaindo.

BURSCOUGH FC. Grier, White, Ekpolo, Brady, Gibson, Henerty (Eumessi.73), Cummins, Finlayson, Whyte, Ward (Iddon79) , Lorde. Sub not used. Nkusu-Wasaulua.

Referee. Mr. M. Reeves.  Assistants. Mr. J. Ryan and Mr. N. Sadek.

Next Friday the Keighley and District Football Final takes place at the Cobbydalers Construction Stadium between Silsden Whitestar and Bingley. 7.30pm

                On Saturday evening the Cobbydalers have a Presentation Evening and Race Night. (7pm).

On Saturday, May 18th there is a Cancer Research game between the Cobbydalers and Steeton. Both sides have had either players, officials or spectators who have been affected by cancer in their families. There will also be a function in the evening.

The coaching and games programme as part of the course will be managed by Silsden AFC with opportunities for player pathways in to semi professional football or international scholarships.

Danny Forrest, Silsden AFC First Team Manager, said: “To go in to partnership with such a prestigious club on such a positive project shows how serious we are about developing young players and giving them pathways and opportunities to experience the professional football world and also create pathways directly in to our semi professional football club.”

“We want to be a hotbed for talent in the local community and wider area, and this programme will help bridge the gap from grass roots to semi professional football.”

“The course will give students a taste of sport in many different forms and also provide a platform and pathways for young people to then go and have a career in sport. The course will also help young people develop all types of skills and attributes which could eventually benefit the whole club and community in a variety of different ways.”

“We are a growing and ambitious club with a high standard of facilities and this programme will see them used to their potential which is fantastic. We want to create an environment where young people will thrive and if we can support them on their journey in to sport while also developing some players for the first team that would be fantastic.”

Brian Blackwell, who will head up the football side, said: “Myself and Danny have shared a vision for Silsden AFC and youth development in the area.”

“We want to provide an outstanding Football and Education Programme and partnering with Leeds United will do just this.”

“Our aim is to create pathways in to professional and semi professional football at Silsden AFC focusing on individual player development. The coaching will be lead by First Team UEFA licensed staff.”

This is an amazing opportunity for young people in Silsden and the local area and we are proud to offer such a high quality programme.”

Silsden AFC will host an Open Evening at The Cobbydale Construction Stadium (BD20 0EH) on Wednesday 15th May from 6pm. The event will enable parents and students to learn more about the scholarship and they will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the full two-year programme.

 

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Tuesday, 24th April 2019

SILSDEN AFC 2 v 2 NORTHWICH VICTORIA       

Forrest 50, 53                       Kenny 9, Brownhill 30.      Att.146.

FORREST ON FIRE IN ENTHRALLING CLASSIC

          On Tuesday, Silsden returned to the Cobbydale Construction Stadium for a game against fourth placed Northwich Victoria. It was a classic. The Vics were playing their fifty-seventh game, having had a great run in the Buildbase FA Vase Competition, eventually missing out on a Wembley final at the hands of Chertsey, that being on penalties after two drawn games. On their run to the final they beat the Cobbydalers 3-0 in Round 3 in Cheshire, also winning the League game against the Yorkshiremen 2-0.

          The Cobbydalers returned home following three away games winning two and losing one. The unseasonal weather had made opponents’ pitches bone-dry and bare in places. The Silsden lads were glad to be home on Sean Mac’s immaculate pitch. The heavy rain before the kick off had softened the surface and the players were able to trust the bounce. The ball was fizzed about as both teams played at pace.

          The Cobbydalers might have expected the Vics to show some signs of fatigue but the visitors attacks were slick with lots of movement. After Aidan Kirby had been denied by a superb tackle by Ryan Winder, Silsden were pushed back. Dan Illingworth conceded a free kick halting Joel Brownhill’s break when he handled the ball. He was lucky not to have been cautioned.

          Alfie Darkes then punched an in-swinging corner clear but the Vics broke through again but John Connolly volleyed over. Josh Kaine was adjudged to have brought down Joel Brownhill in the box.  It looked harsh. Darkes saved Brownhill’s spot kick. Illingworth then conceded another corner. Kieran Kenny rose unchallenged to head home. Only nine minutes had been played. Silsden were on the “ropes”.

          Frustration crept in. Joe Mitchell was booked for protesting. Kaine managed to cut out a cross from Matt Clarke before Ryan Winder shot wide. Wademan was booked, Illingworth was booked, both for dissent. Darryl Mason nearly netted a second at the near post.

          The Vics were in total control. Darkes managed to punch a corner clear before Mason shot narrowly wide.  Mitchell was injured and on came Forrest. The pressure continued. BROWNHILL whipped in a stunner leaving the Silsden keeper helpless. Darkes responded diving to tip Harvey Whyte’s shot for a corner. The Silsden keeper was keeping his side in the game with a series of fine saves, notably denying Brownhill yet again.

          On forty minutes the Cobbydalers broke out of defence. Forrest to Wademan, out to Kirby, who crossed into the box where Wademan headed over. The Vics responded immediately but Kaine halted the attack. As half time approached some smart football involving Joe Camozzi and Whyte set up Connolly again.  Darkes saved and then blocked an effort from Ryan Winder. The half-time whistle went. Had it been a boxing match, the referee would have called it off!

          Whatever Forrest said in the changing room at half time made an immediate impact. Silsden were out of the blocks quickly. On fifty minutes Moses slid the ball to McKiernon. The ball was moved down the right, swiftly to Kirby, who crossed into the box and FORREST netted. The goal was the 100,000 scored in the NWCFL since its formation in 1982. Three minutes later,  FORREST, spotting Cotton outside his penalty box, hit a superb shot from forty yards out over the stranded keeper. 2-2 Unbelievable Sean!

          Laurence Sorhaindo began to torment the Vic’s defence and Josh McKiernon dropped in the midfield allowing Moses to make several powerful runs down the right. Connolly managed a shot at the other end but the Cobbydalers were soon on the attack again. Everingham broke up an attack down the right before releasing Kirby who hit a shot just beyond the far post.

          A throw-in from Illingworth was headed goalwards by Sorhaindo on to Bentham who couldn’t keep his volley down. Kirby back-healed over the bar before a curling run from Wademan almost led to another chance. In the dying minutes Connolly was just wide before Kirby hit a volley just over the bar.

          At the final whistle the fans of both sides gave the players a standing ovation. It had been a fantastic game.

          The season comes to an end on Saturday. The Cobbydalers entertain Burscough, who are three points below Silsden but with a superior goal difference. The Vics travel to “top-of-the-table” Bootle, who are ahead of rivals City of Liverpool on goal difference. It should be an exciting final day.

SILSDEN AFC. Darkes, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, McKiernon, Mitchell (Forrest 25), Sorhaindo, Kirby, Wademan. Subs. not used. Jakovlevs,  Hardisty-Blackwell, Darkin.

NORTHWICH  VICTORIA. Cotton, Camozzi, Fleming, Winder, Kenny, Barski, Whyte, Clarke (Craig 77), Connolly, Brownhill (Pickup 89), Mason (Darr 77).  Subs not used Taberner, Fitzgerald.

Referee. Mr. M. Powell. Assistants. Mr. J. Waters and Mr. H. Naylor.