🎓⚽️| 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.

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 20^th April 2019

                                   BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 0 v 2 SILSDEN AFC

                   Att. 198.                                           Mitchell 10, Barnes 21.

      COBBYDALERS DELIGHT THEIR FANS IN DERBY CLASSIC

        The Cobbydalers made the short trip to Barnoldswick for their derby game, having already lost to their neighbours twice before this season. Danny Forrest brought in keeper Alfie Darke and Niall Sultan returned on the wing.

           Following Saturday’s poor performance, the Reds made a positive start. With the wind at their backs they pressurised the home side. Matty Moses created the first opening. Bursting down the right, he crossed into the penalty area to Chris Wademan who just couldn’t control his shot. Wademan then combined with Aidan Kirby who set up Craig Bentham. His shot was cleared but only to Mark Everingham. The full back’s cross was headed out for a corner. MITCHELL curled the ball home at the near post on ten minutes.

           Barlick’s response was quick with Jake McEneany hitting over a cross to ace marksman Zac Dale, who shot wide. Silsden’s debutant Darke was called upon to gather a Barlick corner before setting up the next attack. Josh Kaine fed Sultan who slid the ball to Moses. His cross was cleared by Marc Young.

            On twenty minutes Silsden were awarded a free-kick. Mitchell drove the ball to Kirby who laid it back to BARNES who put the Cobbydalers two up with a low drive beyond the reach of Ryan Livesey.

           The goals gave the Reds confidence and they began to gain full control. . Under pressure, Shaun Airey fouled Kirby as he burst forwards, before conceding a corner. It was partially cleared but only to Moses who set up Wademan. McEneany cleared for another corner.

           Silsden continued to dominate with Dan Illingworth marshalling the defence. Kirby did concede a free-kick outside the penalty area but two shots were blocked before Darke gathered the ball. Frustration led to Dale being cautioned after tripping Kaine.  Kaine and Sultan went close before the half-time break.

           Two-down, there was no doubt there would be a reaction from Barlick after the break. It was time for the Silsden defenders to stand firm. Dale hit a ball across to McEneaney but he shot over the bar. Hill had a free-kick cleared and Danny Vincent broke down the right. Dale set up Thompson but his effort was wide of the goal. McEneaney’s shot was diverted by Sultan. Darke came out to gather the ball. The keeper then punched Hill’s free-kick clear of the area. Hill then had a golden chance to pull one back but he dragged his shot wide. Barlick were in the ascendancy.

           Illingworth and Kaine were the rock of the defence as Silsden were pushed back. Wademan and Kirby ran hard to try to create some forward momentum but the home side were forcing the pace. Moses and Everingham were using their experience to take the sting out of Barlick’s attacks.

           A throw from Illingworth set up Kirby for a break-away. Young brought him down and was shown yellow. Airey pushed forwards and Silsden conceded successive corners but Darke and Illingworth made sure the Cobbydalers had a clean sheet.

           Sorhaindo replaced Kirby for the last fifteen minutes and took some pressure off the Silsden defence, holding the ball up. Barnes fouled Dale on the edge of the penalty area. Hill’s powerful shot was blocked by the “wall” before he had another chance. His late corner was held by Darke.

           After Saturday’s abject performance at Hanley, this was exactly what was needed. A response from the team! The Cobbydalers moved above their neighbours on goal difference…2 goals! Two home games to go. More of the same  please!

           On Wednesday Silsden play Northwich Victoria (8pm) and on Saturday Burscough. (3pm). The following Saturday is Presentation Evening followed by a Race Night.

           BARNOLDSWICK TOWN. Livesey, Vincent (Hughes 62),  McEneaney, Crorken, Young, Airey, Dale, A. Hill, Kershaw, Thompson, Yari (Coop 84), Subs not used. Foulds, Amos. J. Hill.

SILSDEN AFC. Darke, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan (Rhodes 65), Kirby (Sorhaindo 78), Sultan (McKiernon 72) Sub. not used. Townend, Jakovlevs.

Referee. Mr J. Sheppard. Assistants. Mr. S. Holden and Ms. L Briggs.

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 20^th April 2019

                                                                                                                                                                                           Hanley Town 1 – 0 Silsden AFC                                                              Thompson 45.                                   Att. 121

POOR DEFENDING LETS IN HANLEY

     The Cobbydalers travelled to the Potteries for the first of four games in eight days as the season come to a close. The weather was glorious but, once again, the pitch was hard although a lot flatter than the previous game at Abbey Hey.       

        Hanley is one of four clubs who were seeking to avoid relegation and theoretically “had more to play for”! However, Danny Forrest stressed that he wanted a positive end to the season for the Yorkshiremen. Unfortunately the Cobbydalers couldn’t get a decent strike on goal and the game was won by a bizarre goal on the stroke of half time.

          Silsden had the first chance when Arley Barnes hit a deep cross from the right on five minutes. Keeper Dane Jackson managed to push it clear. Tom Winkle then hit a free kick over the Silsden bar before Neville Thompson head goalwards at the far post. Jacovlevs pushed it for a corner which was cleared.         

        After some neat interplay down the left between Chris Wademan and Mark Everingham, the former delayed his shot and was closed down by Jackson. Following a drinks break Craig Bentham headed a dangerous cross out. At last there was some slick play with Matty Moses breaking up the right. Barnes shot wide. On thirty minutes Everingham broke up an attack before Illingworth conceded a corner. Josh Thorpe had a great chance but his header cleared the bar.

        The game went through a scrappy phase before Jackson saved Wademan’s low shot with his feet. Kirby was then fouled on the edge of the area but Mitchell hit the free-kick over the bar. With the game going into stoppage time, Town were awarded a throw in level with the penalty area. What happened next could have come from a “CARRY-ON film. Silsden’s defence were static as the ball bounced in the penalty area, not once but twice! Jacovlevs was rooted to his goal line. THOMPSON at the far post pushed the ball into the net from a foot out!

        The second half started with Kirby breaking down the right but when the ball was laid to Jordan Townend, the cross was too heavy. Jakovlevs then saved from Thompson at the expense of a corner which was wasted. It was a scrappy game with Town happy to sit back and protect their lead.

        Forrest came on for Barnes. Immediately the pace of the passing improved and the movement was slicker but Town were determined to keep a clean sheet, even having three men cautioned. Several free-kicks were wasted with Mitchell, in particular, profligate.

        Silsden just couldn’t create a clear opening, whilst Town looked dangerous on the break. Thompson broke through, ten minutes from time but wasted a glorious opportunity to seal the match.           

        The “West Riding” derby comes next. The Cobbydalers have already lost twice to their neighbours. Forrest will be looking for a response!

HANLEY TOWN FC Jackson, Faulkner, Wilshaw, Winkle, Thorpe, Boast, Ahmadi, Smith, Thompson, Sanders, Sheldon. Subs not used. Grocott, Salmon, Riley, Bristow(Urwin 53).

SILSDEN AFC. Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes (Forrest 61), Mitchell, Wademan(Hardisty-Blackwell 80), Kirby, Townend(McKiernon 80) Sub. not used. Darkin.

Referee. Mr. M. Scholes.  Assistants.  Mr. J. Birch and Mr. B. Scott.

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, 13th April 2019

             ABBEY HEY 1 v 2 SILSDEN AFC 

                    ZUCOTTI  57.          KIRBY 18, MITCHELL 59.    Att. 52.

          KIRBY AND MITCHELL SEE COBBYDALERS HOME

          The Cobbydalers travelled to The Abbey Stadium for a game against already relegated Abbey Hey. With Abbey Hey having lost their previous seven games, the game seemed set up for a Silsden victory. That said, the Cobbydalers have a mixed record at The Abbey Stadium. The conditions were not in favour of a classic. The pitch had been rolled on Thursday but the groundsman acknowledged that “it had had no impact at all!” The pitch had a reasonable grass cover but the surface was bone-hard and uneven. Along with that was a strong, gusty wind.

          Before the game Danny Forrest had told the players that he was going to give some of the new recruits some game time and established players would be on the bench. Daniel Hill came in at centre-back for Dan Illingworth but he had to be substituted on nine minutes after a heavy fall. Illingworth replaced him.

          There was little to write home about in the opening minutes as both sides struggled to maintain possession. The Abbey finally got a shot in on thirteen minutes but Adam Barlow’s effort sailed over the bar on the wind. The Mancunians were indebted to centre-back Ashley Oparah minutes later for heading away a Joe Mitchell free kick. However Aidan KIRBY put the Yorkshiremen in front two minutes later after some slick passing in the Abbey penalty area.

          Adam Barlow, on the right wing for the Abbey, broke down the touch line but Josh Kaine snuffed out the danger. Luca Zuccotti worked hard up-front but he was isolated and defending was fairly routine for the Silsden boys.

          Twenty-five minutes in, the sparse crowd saw a glimpse of “the beautiful game”. Chris Wademan hit a cross-field ball out to the right where Matty Moses was bursting forwards. His cross was slid into the middle to Kirby but once again the uneven bounce and the wind intervened.

          Everingham set up Mitchell but his effort was over the bar. At the other end Owen Whitehead was denied by Illingworth before another effort cleared the bar. Josh McKiernon hit a ball out to Mitchell who drove the ball to the far post. Illingworth headed it goalwards but Ross Heywood gathered it. The keeper then saved from Kirby.             

          At the other end Brandon Byers-Wilkes drove an effort goalwards. The ball dipped suddenly and Jakovlevs managed to push it away. At the other end the keeper saved well from Mitchell.

          The second half followed a similar patter with chances depending on the wind and the bounce. Illingworth cleared one effort. The ball broke to Kirby but, as he burst forwards, Heywood cleared outside the goal area. Eventually Jakovlevs was caught out by the wind. He managed to push the ball out but only to ZUCOTTI who levelled the scores. Two minutes later Silsden were back in front. Kirby latched onto Bentham’s through ball and fed MITCHELL, who made it 2-1.

          Kirby might have netted twice more, firstly after a slick move involving Kaine, Moses and Wademan and secondly, with a looping volley. With the one goal margin, Abbey Hey still had something to contribute. Oparah volleyed over and Barlow’s shot was too high. Bentham hit an effort straight at the keeper. Substitute Townend hit an effort over in the dying minutes.

          The Cobbydalers now face four games in eight days. On Saturday they travel to the Potteries to face Hanley Town. On Easter Monday it’s the short visit to Barnoldswick. K.O.3.00pm.  On the following Wednesday, in-form Vase semi-finalists, Northwich Victoria, are the visitors (8.00pm). This is followed, on Saturday, by the visit of Burscough for the final game.

ABBEY HEY FC.  Heywood,  Edwards, Oko, Parr, Oparah, Whitehead, Barlow, Haydock, Zuccotti, Dale (Hopkins 73.), Byers-Wilkes (Maguire 55). Subs not used. Tongein,  Humphries, Vatro.

SILSDEN AFC. Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Hill (Illingworth 9), Bentham,  Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan (Tomas 78), Kirby, McKiernon (Townend 64). Subs not used. Rhodes, Darkins.

Referee Mr. D. Bruce. Assistants. Mr J. Naisbett and Mr. L. Budworth.

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, 6^th April 2019

Silsden AFC 2-0 Padiham FC

Wademan 77, 88(pen)

SUPER-SUB WADEMAN SEALS THE VICTORY

          Playing only their second game since February 23^rd, the Cobbydalers left it late to record a home win. The game finally came alive when Chris Wademan replaced Aidan Kirby. Within two minutes WADEMAN opened the scoring when he burst through the Storks defence with Niall Sultan offering support. The visitor’s defence was stretched allowing the Silsden marksman to blast the ball past Henry Bunting- Smith.

          Before the opener, Padiham had worked hard to protect their goal as they aimed to pull further away from the relegation zone. Recent victories against bottom placed Abbey Hey 4-0 and lowly Hanley Town 1-0 had given them a boost. They had looked solid at the back and whenever there was an opening for the Cobbydalers the door was soon closed by fair means or foul.

          The Cobbydalers only game in the six week spell had been a goalless draw against 1874 Northwich, a result put into perspective by 1874’s two victories against third-placed Congleton five –nil and two-nil.

          Silsden began Saturday’s game with skipper Josh Kaine setting up the first attack. Kaine cut across his own penalty area and released Matty Moses who burst down the right. He crossed to Kirby who saw his effort blocked. The Storks responded with Lee Knight cutting a ball back to Mark Haslam but his cross was easily dealt with.

          Kaine was superb at the back, reading the game so well that any breaks were quickly snuffed out.  His partner at the back, Dan Illingworth was supreme in the air. Midway through the half Kaine, Moses and Kirby worked another chance but the striker was closed down, missing the decoy runs of the injured Laurence Sorhaindo.

          Joe Mitchell set up a chance for Luke Rhodes but the midfielder headed over. Three minutes later Rhodes saw a low dive blocked but his follow up was too high. Silsden continued to dominate the ball but chances were few. In the dying minutes of the half Mitchell and Kirby combined. Rhodes effort was the closest Silsden got to an opener.    

          The Storks first attack in the second half led to a corner. Illingworth headed clear. It was ten minutes before either set of forwards created a chance, Kirby hitting Arley Barnes’ chip over the bar. On sixty minutes Rhodes and Josh McKiernon were replaced by Niall Sultan and Jordan Townend.  Immediately Sultan’s attempted scissor kick lifted the crowd.

          Silsden had some momentum and finally the yellow card was shown to two “Storks”! Barnes hit a left footer over the bar before Thomas Hulme headed a golden chance wide at the other end.

          Enter Wademan! His opener opened the game up. Finally the game was settled when WADEMAN blasted home a penalty after Alan Zuqolli had brought down Sultan in the box. The talisman almost netted Sultan’s low cross a minute later. He did squeeze a later effort home but the whistle had gone for an infringement.

          It hadn’t been a classic by any means and, despite training well, the lack of match fitness was evident. For Danny Forrest it was a game “well managed” with Silsden “patient and controlling the game”.   

          Next Saturday Silsden travel to Abbey Hey. The League’s bottom team won the corresponding game in January at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium one-nil !

SILSDEN AFC. Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Mitchell, Rhodes (Townend 60), Kirby (Wademan 75), McKiernon (Sultan 60). Subs not used Tomas, Hill.

PADIHAM.  Bunting-Jones, Haslam, Monson (Hoskin 45), Zuqolli, Hancox (Morning 80), Howell (Unsworth 86), Pope, Reeves, Hulme, Knight, Ralph. Sub not used. Morrison.

Referee. Mr. G. Thomas.  Assistants. Mr. K. Dawson and Mr. K. O’Donnell

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, 23 March 2019

              SILSDEN AFC 0 v 0 1874 NORTHWICH   F.C      Att.285

RICH ENTERTAINMENT IN GOALLESS DRAW

          The Cobbydalers were playing their first game for a month, having had two blank Saturdays on their fixture list and a postponement after last Saturdays deluge. 1874 Northwich were the visitors who were a point above the Yorkshireman at the start of play. In the corresponding fixture in Cheshire in October Silsden suffered a five-nil defeat.                                 Danny Forrest was able to name an unchanged side, the same side that had beaten third-placed Congleton in their last home game.

          1874, who had won four of their last five games, their only loss coming against second-placed Bootle, started brightly. Michael Koral drove over a testing cross in the fourth minute. Scott McGowan beat Dan Illingworth in the air but Josh Kaine cleared the danger. Callum Gardner then set up Pritchard, who shot wide of Callum Jakovlevs but the Silsden keeper made an excellent save. Gardner whipped in another telling cross before, after ten minutes, Silsden forced a corner at the other end. 

          Back came Northwich. McGowan broke through but was pulled back for an infringement. However, some slick football from the visitors pushed the Reds back. With the lack of match practice Silsden were a bit rusty but, after they had weathered the initial storm, they began to test the opposition. Niall Sultan burst up the right and fed the ball back to Arley Barnes, who saw his low drive saved, at full stretch, by Nosakhare Aghayere. Luke Rhodes then hit a low shot from the edge of the area which Aghayere saved at the expense of a corner.

          Northwich were patiently moving the ball backwards and forwards but the Cobbydalers were solid at the back, Craig Bentham clearing one effort, Illingworth another before Joe Mitchell, cool as you like, cleared from inside the goal area. Matt Russell was booked for a heavy challenge on Sultan. The visitors still pressed. McGowan shot wide before Koral set up Jack Irlam but the midfielder curled his effort wide of the far post. 

           With Mark Everingham sending Sultan up the left, Silsden counter-attacked. A neat drag-back by Aidan Kirby almost opened up the visitors defence before Everingham was caught out at the other end by Koral who wasted the opportunity. Kaine managed to keep a tight check on McGowan, the division’s third highest scorer, as the teams left the field at half time.

          Having held the visitors in the first half, Forrest brought on Laurence Sorhaindo after the break for Rhodes. Within five minutes the striker had almost broken the deadlock. It was a slick move with Mitchell feeding Kirby who set up the substitute. Sorhaindo broke through on the keeper but his shot was inches wide. 1874 countered with Irlam’s header setting up McGowan who shot wide. 

          Mitchell then had an effort cleared at the expense of a corner. Sorhaindo rose above the defence, headed down but the ball bounced up onto the bar. Sorhaindo went close again before Mark Jones shot wide at the other end. Chris Wademan replaced Sultan before a five man move saw Moses’ cross cleared for a corner. The ball was driven to Barnes who volleyed the ball against the 1874 keeper who was unsighted.

          With fifteen minutes left Silsden began to feel the pressure of a month without a game. Northwich’s Irlam shot weakly before Jacovlevs denied them with a fine save. Sorhaindo had a good run. McGowan shot weakly before volleying over. Silsden held out.

          The game may not have had goals but it had plenty to savour. The pace and the movement were good from both teams. Forrest was pleased with his charges. “After such a long lay-off the lads’ response was first class. It was even harder than at the start of the season when the pace can be built up with pre-season games. It’s frustrating our momentum is disrupted once again as our game against Northwich Victoria next week has been postponed because they have to play their postponed FA Vase semi-final. Good luck to them. Its good if a team from our league can reach the final at Wembley.”

What it does mean is a run of four games in eight days at the end of the season for the Cobbydalers. The next game is at home against Padiham on April 6^th.

SILSDEN AFC Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Mitchell (Townend 74), Rhodes (Sorhaindo 45), Kirby, Sultan (Wademan 64).Subs. not used. McKiernon, Hill.

1874 Northwich FC. Aghayere, Connor, Russell, Pritchard, Meadowcroft, Irlam (Hind 87), Koral, Jones, McGowan, Smith (Parker 84), Gardner (Kennedy 74). Subs not used. Jackson, Wooley.

Referee. Mr. B. Wyatt. Assistants. Mr.S. Kells and Mr. Ezro-Griffiths.

24 year old Jordan spent time in various youth academies before joining Emley FC where he spent four years. Predominantly a central midfielder, Jordan can operate in various attacking positions.

Manager Danny Forrest had his say on the new man:

“Jordan has been in with us for a few weeks now and we’re really happy with what we’ve seen in training. He’s a technical player with plenty of ability, he likes to get forward and will bring plenty of energy.

Sometimes leaving a club you’ve been with a long time can be difficult but Jordan has adapted well and the lads have taken to him straight away. He’s got a great attitude and we’re looking forward to seeing him on the pitch.

The squad has evolved in the last few months, there’s a great atmosphere in training and we’re very hopeful of having a strong finish to the season. We have a brilliant core group who have been here a few years now, and just recently we’ve added some young, hungry players who we feel can have an impact now, but with time can improve and become important players for us.”