The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Tuesday, October 30^th, 2018

BOTTLE F.C 2 v 0 SILSDEN AFC                              

Cox 69, Jones 75                                       Att. 102

DEFEAT, BUT SEEDS OF RESURGENCE SHOWN

       The Cobbydalers travelled to Bootle on Tuesday night determined to put Saturday’s five-nil defeat at 1874 Northwich behind them. They were buoyed by the return of Joe Gaughan, Reece Lyndon and Arley Barnes. Bootle, who had beaten Barlick 4-0 on Saturday, had moved into fourth place in the table, three points behind Silsden.

          The game flowed from end to end with defences on both sides managing to thwart pacey and inventive attacks. Silsden looked lively with Niall Sultan looking sharp, but his shot was cleared after he was set up by Aidan Kirby. Josh Kaine broke up Bootle’s first attack before right-back Steve Hoy hit a long diagonal ball to Ryan Cox. The winger shot wide.

          At the other end, a move involving Forrest and Gaughan ended with Reece Lyndon’s header being cleared in the goal area. Again Kaine intercepted another through ball.

          Danny Forrest fed Reece Kendall down the left, but his cross was overhit. Kaine’s superb tackle on Carl Peers denied the Bucks a strike on goal. Bootle were inventive in attack but Kaine was reading the situation to perfection.

          A mistake in the Silsden defence allowed Peers a chance but the striker hit it over the bar. At the back, Craig Bentham’s composure broke  up another attack. Niall Sultan burst down the right and crossed into the box. Gaughan chested it down but Kirby’s shot was a foot wide.   Lee saved Hickey’s low shot at the other end.

          The game changed when Kaine was dismissed. Kaine and Cox were chasing down a Bootle through ball.  In a “coming together”, outside the area, the Silsden skipper caught Cox, who went down. A free kick was given but Kaine was shown the red card as he was the last defender, tough on the skipper who was distraught. Steven Jones’ free kick was comfortably saved by Lee.

          Silsden then went close when Reece Kendall hit a ball to Kirby who fed Gaughan. His shot just cleared the bar. The half time whistle went.

          The second half began with two Silsden attacks. Sultan had a shot blocked and then a superb move involving Forrest, Sultan, Gaughan and Rhodes was broken up, at the expense of a corner. The ten men were holding their own. 

          On fifty-six minutes Will Storrie replaced Forrest. Sultan broke down the right and crossed. Storrie burst into the goal area but, with his first touch of the ball, he headed over the bar. It was a golden chance!

          The Bucks response was swift and only the midriff of Barnes prevented Steven Hoy giving them the lead. Lee saved another effort from Hoy at his near post. With twenty minutes left Gaughan, who was defending, tried to head the ball back to his keeper. COX intercepted it and slotted in the opener. Gaughan tried to atone for his error at the other end but his shot was blocked.

          Five minutes later the Bucks went two up. Hoy hit a perfect ball to JONES who took the ball on his chest before lashing a volley into the top corner of the Silsden goal. The Cobbydalers still thought they had a chance but Kirby had an effort cleared off the line and Lyndon headed Everingham’s corner wide.

          Forrest was delighted with the response of the team after last Saturday’s insipid performance.  He will have more players to choose from on Saturday and, hopefully, the Reds will have a little more luck when they entertain Bedlington Terriers in the second round of the F.A. Vase.

BOOTLE FC.  R. Jones, Millington, Hoy, Murphy, Powell (Coughlan 53), Jago, Hickey, Loughlin, S. Jones, Peers (Foy 80), Cox. Subs not used. McGovern. Noon, Marie.

SILSDEN AF C. Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Kaine, Lyndon, Rhodes, Gaughan, Forrest (Storrie 56), Kirby, Sultan (Everingham 73). Subs not used. Moses, Darkins.

Referree. Mr. J. Kenny.  Assistants.  Mr. E. Holman and Mr. I. Hurdle.       

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, October 27^th 2018

1874 NORTHWICH 5 v 0 SILSDEN AFC   

                                                                                                                                  Kennerley 6, McGowan 42p, 57p, Woolley 53, Riley 66.                                                 

Att. 186

DEPLETED COBBYDALERS’ POOR RUN CONTINUES

          The Cobbydalers recent poor run continued when they went down five-nil to 1874 Northwich. Injuries and self-inflicted suspensions have left the Silsden outfit bereft of the flair and drive they had at the beginning of the season.  A single defeat in their past eight games is proof that 1874 have improved over the past few weeks, whilst the Yorkshire men are finding the going tough at the moment.

          With five regulars missing, Danny Forrest brought in new signing Rick Ainscough, a former Blackburn Rovers trainee who has had a spell in the USA, Canada, Finland and Gibraltar and has recently been training with Clitheroe.

          1874 took the lead after only six minutes when Taylor Kennerley connected with Callum Gardner’s cross from the right with a crisp volley. A second would have followed had Sammy Lee not reacted smartly to save low to his left, when Gardner swept Scott McGowan’s centre towards goal shortly afterwards.

          Silsden were lucky not to concede a penalty when Mark Everingham handled Kennerley’s cross, but the visitors were finding it hard to get a grip of the midfield. Northwich were in complete control but the Cobbydalers were holding out. Unfortunately, four minutes before the break, referee Adam Brown pointed to the spot after Gardner was tripped by Josh Kaine.  Lee blocked McGowan’s penalty, but the striker reacted sharply to hammer the loose ball into the net.

          The pattern hardly changed at the start of the second half and it wasn’t long before Matthew Woolley, unmarked, headed in Kennerley’s free-kick from close-range.                                                                        Silsden responded when Richard Ainscough prompted Northwich keeper, James Coates  to make a fine save when he met Will Storrie’s cross. However Ainscough was conspicuous for the wrong reasons at the other end when he wrestled Jack Irlam to the floor at a set-piece to concede another spot-kick. McGowan left Lee with no chance to save his spot kick, making it four-nil.

          Lee conceded an indirect free-kick when he picked up a back-pass! Riley struck the ball with force as if to emphasise 1874’s pressure. The Cobbydaler’s best attempt followed when Reece Kendall attacked from left-back and fired low from distance. The bounce in front of Coates made for an awkward save, before Lee fumbled Irlam’s free-kick in the final minutes but was relieved when no one followed up.

          The Cobbydalers travel to Bootle on Tuesday before entertaining Bedlington Terriers  in the second round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

1874 NORTHWICH. Coates (GK), Connor, Jones, Pritchard (Thomas 60), Russell, Gardner (Hare 68), Matthew Woolley, Irlam, Kennerley, McGowan (Weir 77), Riley Subs not used Waite-Jackson, Tucker.

SILSDEN AFC.  Lee (GK), Everingham, Kaine, Bentham, Kendall, Storrie, Ainscough, Rhodes, Sultan (Craven 61), Forrest (Hardisty-Blackwell 81), Kirby Subs not used Darkin, Keen (GK), Moses 

THE BUILDBASE FA VASE 2018-19 1^st Round Replay

SILSDEN AFC  2 v 0 STAVELEY MINERS WELFARE   

                                                                                                                            Baldwin 5, Gaughan 11.                                                     Att. 179

EARLY GOALS SEE COBBYDALERS PROGRESS IN VASE

          The Cobbydalers marched on in the Buildbase FA Vase on Tuesday night but not before a scare or two in the Cup replay. Staveley Miners Welfare, who might have won the first game on Saturday  were it not for a penalty save by Sammy Lee in the dying minutes, were soon into their stride. Slick pass and move football saw them deliver two crosses into the Silsden box. Fortunately Dan Illingworth returned after his suspension to head both clear. On five minutes, Silsden’s first attack led to the opener. Joe Gaughan, on his return to the Cobbydalers, slid the ball to Luke BALDWIN who coolly drove the ball home.

          The “Trojans”, a name believed to come from Trojan images on grid covers produced in the Steel Works of Staveley, played some neat football with intricate passing moves but Silsden withstood the pressure. They even notched a second on eleven minutes with GAUGHAN celebrating his return to the Cobbydalers Construction Stadium with his first of the season.

          It may have been against the run of play but it was a good lead to defend. Young Ellis Craven put in a great tackle and then delivered a super corner as he settled into the game but Tyla Bell broke down the right and crossed to Adam Baskerville, who saw his shot tipped over by Lee. Skipper Sam Finlaw hit a twenty yard screamer past Lee’s near post before Connor Williamson was denied by Ellis Craven.

          The Miners played some crisp football but the Cobbydalers defence was quick to respond and, when they were breached, Lee was there in a flash. They dominated for long periods but, as the half came to an end, Silsden began to create chances. Gaughan and Kirby look like they will be a force to be reckoned with. Both were involved in creating a chance for Baldwin and then Storrie intervened to feed Gaughan who shot across the goal. The half time whistle went.

          Matthew Davies then began to torment the home defence with some slick footwork but Lee stopped everything before he required lengthy treatment. Gradually the pace dropped, not surprising after Saturday’s 2 hour battle. Myles Wright saved from Storrie and Kirby before Kendall found Gaughan, who pulled the ball down before shooting marginally over.

          The visitors still passed and moved but the chances they created were diminishing and the Silsden forwards began to exploit gaps at the back. Wademan came on for the tiring Baldwin on seventy minutes. Silsden now had pace in abundance. Storrie set up Gaughan who shot into the side netting. Kirby had a shot deflected for a corner. Gaughan had a shot saved.

          For the visitors it was now a case of do or die. Finlaw cut through and Lee had to thank the stars that he pulled off a save. Baskerville hit the side netting. Storrie produced a great tackle. Gaughan had a shot deflected wide. Wademan rounded the keeper but was denied by Charlie Oglesby.  It was like two punch drunk heavyweights slugging it out after twelve rounds, hardly anything left in the tank after three and a half hours of football.

          The final whistle went. The Cobbydalers   will entertain Bedlington Terriers in the next round, the team they played in the same round in 2004! Twenty years ago the Terriers lost in the final to Tiverton Town.

          On Saturday Silsden entertain Garstang in the League Cup and on Tuesday they travel to Bootle.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth,  Craven  (Wademan 70), Barnes, Gaughan, Storrie ( Darkins  87), Kirby (Tomas 83), Baldwin. Subs not used. Keen. Forrest.

STAVELEY MINERS WELFARE. F C. Wright, Jones, Claxton, Finlaw, Oglesby, Williamson, Davies, Parkin (Pugh 66), Baskerville, Bell, Baugh. Sub not used Mutamba, Grimshaw, Bytheway

Officials. Referee. MR. B. Wyatt                                                    Assistants.  Mr. G. Hoggarth and Mr. J. Price.

THE BUILDBASE FA VASE 2018-19 1^st Round

STAVELEY MINERS WELFARE 2 v 2 SILSDEN AFC                         

                     Riley 32, Bell 72.                                 Storrie 31, Kirby 67                                                                      Att. 271.

SAMMY LEE’S LATE SAVE FORCES REPLAY

          The Cobbydalers were on the road for their third away game in this season’s FA Vase at the superb home of the Trojans. Welfare were soon into their stride with Liam Greenfield firing one effort wide before Kumbirai Mutamba fired over after the unpredictable wind had caught out Reece Lyndon. It was difficult for both teams to judge the direction and strength of the wind but eventually they got some semblance of control.

          Josh Kaine’s superb tackle denied Mutamba after Kyle Hancock had been dispossessed. A deft turn by Adam Baskerville ended with a comfortable save from Sammy Lee before Hancock’s low shot was saved at the other end. Joe Gaughan, on his return to the Reds, hit a low drive from thirty-five yards which Myles Wright, in the home goal, parried for a corner. Charlie Oglesby then cleared Reece Kendall’s cross after good work by Aidan Kirby.

          Silsden opened the scoring on thirty-one minutes when STORRIE latched onto Gaughan’s through ball and slid the ball wide of the keeper. A minute later it was all square when Jahmal RILEY ran through a static Silsden defence to shoot wide of Lee. Silsden held out until the break thanks to the defensive efforts of Kaine, Bentham and Barnes.

          Storrie appeared to be tripped on a run through at the start of the second half but no whistle went. First Oglesby and then keeper Wright cleared dangerous corners by Hancock before The Trojans counter-attacked. Bentham managed to block Greenfield’s effort before Mutamba shot wide. Midway through the half Kaine slipped as the Miners had a two on one. Barnes read the danger and cleared at the expense of a corner.

          Silsden then went close on two occasions. Hancock and Gaughan exchanged passes before the ball was fed to Kirby. His shot was marginally wide. Barnes fed Luke Baldwin who was denied by Connor Williamson who sliced the ball over his own bar. Five minutes later Gaughan slid the ball to Reece Kendal. His fierce shot was only parried by Wright and KIRBY tapped it in.

          Twenty minutes to go. Could the Cobbydalers hold out? Unfortunately not! Substitute Tyla BELL, unmarked in the goal area, headed home. The Silsden defensive wall managed to block Sam Finlaw’s free-kick and Lee tipped Greenfield’s curler round his post. Chris Wademan, after a six month lay-off, replaced Baldwin. Immediately he broke through the home defence but Jones headed his shot clear. In stoppage time Wademan’s challenge was deemed worthy of a red card. Even some of the home fans thought it was harsh. At the other end Kaine blocked Baskerville’s effort on the goal line and Kendall cleared. 2-2. Extra-time. Could the ten men hold out?

          Silsden went close early on after Kirby set up Storrie. His firm low shot was well saved by Wright. Storrie, after the game at Barlick on Tuesday, was “running on empty”. He was replaced by youngster, Ellis Craven. The Trojans’ Parkin sliced wide after being set up by Riley before the hobbling Recce Lyndon cleared three efforts in succession. A corner was headed by Joe Pugh but Lee gathered.

          Barnes sent Kirby away but he was shattered. Kaine and Gaughan set him up again but it was clear his day was up and he was replaced by Danny Forrest.

          With the clock ticking down the Miners burst into the Silsden box. A trip by Hancock resulted a penalty. Up stepped substitute Pugh. Lee dived to his right and saved the spot kick! In the melee that followed Lyndon suffered an injury by a dangerous challenge. Hancock protested and was sent off. The nine men held out to force a replay at the Cobbydalers Construction Stadium on Tuesday.

STAVELEY MINERS WELFARE. F C. Wright, Jones, Claxton, Finlaw, Oglesby, Williamson, Davies (Parkin 64), Mutamba (Baugh 64), Baskerville, Riley (Bell 45), Greenfield (Pugh105). Sub not used Herbert

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Kaine, Lyndon, Baldwin (Wademan 80), Barnes, Hancock, Storrie (Craven 98) Kirby (Forrest 114), Gaughan. Subs not used. Darkins. Keen.

Officials. Referee. Mr. D. Hunt.                                                      Assistants.  Mr. L. Saunders-Johnson and Mr. L. Quayle.

THE WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE COUNTY CUP 2018-19                   

First Round.  Tuesday, 9th October 2018.

        BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 2 v 0 SILSDEN AFC.                     

Young 45, Airey 47.                          Att.125

        SILSDEN BEATEN AS INJURY LIST GROWS

          The Cobbydalers made the short journey to Barlick for a West Riding Cup game.  With Silsden having a trip to Staveley Miners Welfare in the FA Vase on Saturday and Barlick travelling to Winsford, it was a game which both sides might have been reluctant to play due to the chance of more injuries. This was the case for Silsden in particular and, unfortunately, they ended the game with several more injured players.

          That said, this was a local derby so there was more at stake than usual, especially with Barlick fielding five former Silsden players. The home side were swiftly into their stride forcing a corner but Silsden soon gained some initiative. Reece Kendall set up Arley Barnes who drove in a low shot which was cleared, as was Reece Lyndon’s effort, after a break down the right by Will Storrie. Niall Sultan then went close before Barlick broke free. Josh Kaine halted Zac Dale, who was injured in the challenge and had to be substituted.

          Silsden were unlucky not to take the lead after eleven minutes when Kendall headed Sultan’s cross goalwards. Ryan Livesey managed to push it onto the bar. Kendall, under pressure, headed the rebound over. Dan Illingworth then hit a super ball which just skidded ahead of Sultan.

          Barlick took charge with Elliot Fenton cutting in from the left. Kaine half-cleared the ball but it was driven back in. However, Sammy Lee saved low down at the near post. Kaine denied Jack Coop at the expense of a corner.

          Barnes then hit a superb ball through the Barlick defence. Kirby was on it in a flash but Livesey denied him with a finger-tip save. Illingworth went close from a corner and Storrie’s left-foot curler grazed the far post. Sultan (hamstring) was replaced by Luke  Baldwin.

          Barlick’s Harry Thomson then fed Andy Hill but Kaine managed to block his shot.

          It had been a thoroughly entertaining half with some slick football but that all changed on the stroke of half time. Reece Lyndon’s tackle on Mark Threlfall was deemed dangerous and he was shown the red card. Threlfall continued to play all but the final five minutes of the game. In stoppage time YOUNG latched onto a free-kick to open the scoring for Barlick.

          Two minutes into the second half, Sean AIREY headed home a corner. Kaine (back) was replaced by Bentham. The expectation was for both sides to ease up in preparation for Saturday. Whether that was the right thing for the Cobbydalers or not, that thought never entered the players’ minds and the ten men battled hard to get back into the game.

          Kirby cut behind the defence but was denied by the keeper’s feet and then the Silsden striker hit the Barlick bar! With Silsden attacking and a man down, Barlick could counter attack. Lee made a superb save from Fenton before Kendall sent Kirby through again but the striker was out of luck.

          Danny Forrest came on for Everingham (groin). Barnes played a one- two with Kirby but, no matter how much they tried, the Silsden forwards were out of luck. The closest they came to a goal was when Marc Young’s back-pass beat his own keeper but went wide of the far post.

          Mitchell then joined the injury list before Luke Baldwin almost pulled a goal back after a mazy dribble as the final whistle went.

          The Cobbydalers fans had nothing but praise for their side, whose ten men had the better of the second half.  But at what cost?   Lee (broken finger) was  added to the casualties.  Forrest, so proud of his team, will be scratching his head before Saturday hoping Physio Andy Henson can work some miracles!

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN.  Livesey, Wilson, McEneany , Crorken, Young, Airey, Dale (Coop 6), A.  Hill, Threlfall  (G. Hill 85), Thompson, Fenton. Subs. not used. Ormrod, Teal, J.Hill.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Everingham (Forrest 75),  Kendall,  Kaine (Bentham 55), Illingworth,  Lyndon,  Barnes,  Mitchell,  Storrie,  Kirby, Sultan (Baldwin 29). Sub not used. Rhodes.

Referee. Mr. M. Brownsett.  Assistants. Mr I. Bradley and Mr I Thornton

The Hallmark Security League NWCFL Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 6^th October, 2018

SILSDEN AFC 0 v 3 RUNCORN TOWN

                     Att. 191                               Jennings 52, Cox 66, Brazel 77.

         SECOND HALF BLITZ SINKS COBBYDALERS

         Having drawn with the league leaders on Tuesday in a game which thrilled the crowd, the Cobbydalers faced second-placed Runcorn Town, a team which has finished one place below the promoted teams in the last two seasons. Runcorn were two points ahead of Silsden, having played a game fewer at the start of play..

         Josh Kaine, following an illness, returned to the team. Lee Spires was unavailable. The visitors had Dale Jennings in for his second game. Jennings, a Liverpool F.C. player until the age of 15, made his debut for Tranmere a few years later. Eventually he ended up at Bayern Munich and played in their second team. Not settling in Germany, he was transferred to Barnsley for £250,000 before moving to MK Dons, leaving the club in February 2016. He has just signed for the Runcorn outfit!     

         The first half was end-to-end with Niall Sultan demonstrating his return to full fitness with two strong runs early on. Arley Barnes then fed Aidan Kirby, who burst past John Shaw who slipped whilst turning. Kirby was denied by keeper Adam Reid who was quickly off his line. Kyle Hancock then broke clear but the defence closed him down and his final shot lacked venom.

         Town responded with a strong run from Matt Waters which Illingworth halted at the expense of a corner. Cox and Shaun Weaver both had shots turned down as the ball fizzed about in the Silsden area like a pinball.

         Aiden Kirby, often without quick support, tried to hold the ball up but Town defended well, blocking efforts from Sultan and Joe Mitchell. Harry Brazel broke away for the Cheshire side, but his final delivery was poor. Silsden’s best effort to date came when Hancock turned Turner and set up Sultan who fed Kirby. The striker’s shot was deflected for a corner.

         Town responded down the right but Craig Linfield’s shot lacked power. Jennings did better but Lee saved well at his near post. The visitors thought they had taken the lead ten minutes before the break but the assistant’s flag was raised for offside. With four teammates in the penalty area, Brazel wasted a golden opportunity, shooting wide from a tight angle. Kendall then blocked a free-kick on the goal line.

         The last five minutes saw chances at both ends. Craig Bentham hit a dipping free-kick into the box. Sultan met it perfectly with his head but somehow, Reid dived to push it wide. From the corner Illingworth shot over the bar. Kirby then created an opening for Sultan but he was marginally offside. Runcorn broke down the left but Barnes was to deny them twice before the break.

         Sultan forced a corner in the opening minutes of the second half. Hancock curled it in. Illingworth headed to the far post. The ball was blocked but only to Barnes, who saw his effort thwarted. Five minutes later a through ball was hit into the Silsden box. Lee and Illingworth left it for each other. JENNINGS took advantage to tap it home! Minutes later the Silsden keeper picked up a back-pass. Free-kick in the box was given which was fortunately cleared by Kendall.

         At the other end Kirby was crowded out before Hancock weaved his way past three defenders but again his shot was easy for Reid to save. Twenty minutes into the second half, COX chipped the advancing Lee. Had one of the defenders read the situation the ball might have been cleared…but they didn’t! Two-nil.

         Storrie came on for Everingham and immediately ran at the Town defence. He was tripped. Hancock curled it in but Kirby shot wide. The visitors broke forward and were rewarded with a corner. BRAZEL rose above everyone else to make it three!

         Storrie worked hard in the dying minutes before Lee denied Town’s Thelwell a fourth. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Illingworth   pushed Cox in the back. Pointless! He was cautioned for a second time and sent off. The final whistle went.

         Could the second half performance be explained? Unlikely! Both sides had tough games in mid-week, Silsden drawing with City of Liverpool on Tuesday, Runcorn beating Congleton away on Wednesday. Individual errors? Possibly. That’s a matter of concentration and confidence. Injuries? Certainly the team have missed Matty Moses and Wademan so far and Sultan to a lesser extent. History? Unlikely, but having played Runcorn eleven times to date, the Cobbydalers have a dire record of one win and two draws. Goals for 8. Goals against 30! A real bogey team!

         Or maybe it’s just down to one game with the visitors just being stronger on the day. Silsden are still third! At the beginning of the season the fans would have accepted that.

         Danny Forrest has to lift the troops for the County Cup game against Barnoldswick on Tuesday but more importantly for the F.A. Vase game at Staveley Minors Welfare next Saturday.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall (Lyndon 81), Kaine, Illingworth, Mitchell, Barnes, Hancock, Everingham (Storrie 68), Kirby, Sultan.       Subs not used. Tomas, Keen, Forrest.

RUNCORN TOWN. Reid, Turner, Waters, Shaw, James, McManus, Brazel, Weaver (Wainwright25), Lindfield (McDonald 80)Cox, Jennings (Thelwell 81). Subs not used. Wright, McGregor.

Officials. Mr. E. Duckworth. Assistants. Mr. S. Taylor and Mr .G. Allison.

The club are delighted to announce a Junior Coaching Event which takes place in October Half Term.

The event will be lead by First Team Captain Josh Kaine and will give chance for our junior members to attend a football coaching day at Silsden AFC. Other First Team members will be in attendance including Manager Danny Forrest.

This event is exclusive to our junior members from U6’s to U14’s (U15’s – U18’s do have the opportunity to get involved as support staff on the day).

Silsden AFC Junior Members can access this event for FREE if they attend Silsden AFC vs Garstang on Saturday 20th October. Simply go to the game and collect your voucher on arrival! (Cost £5 per participant otherwise)

Silsden AFC Juniors Coaching Day – Lead By First Team Captain Josh Kaine

For more information or to register your child contact silsdenafc@gmail.com

The Hallmark Security League NWCFL Premier Division 2018-19

Tuesday 2^nd October, 2018

SILSDEN AFC 1 v 1 CITY OF LIVERPOOL FC

          Hancock 32                     Peterson 59                 Att. 276

RICH ENTERTAINMENT IN TOP-TWO CLASH

           The Cobbydalers entertained Premier League leaders City Of Liverpool  on a dry but very windy night. Despite the conditions, the match was a credit to the North West Counties Premier Division, ending all square. On Saturday Silsden had suffered their first defeat whilst the “Purps” had won the ninth of their ten league games. Let battle commence.

          The Merseysiders started brightly using the long ball but not pumped forwards expectantly. They were accurate in their delivery. Silsden, with Barnes superb in the opening minutes, were their equal.

          The Cobbydalers almost scored with their first attack. Aidan Kirby chested the ball down to Lee Spires who slid the ball to Niall Sultan on the right. Sultan hit a low drive which shaved the far post.

          The pace of the “Purps” forwards provided a stern test for the Yorkshiremen, just as they had done at Barlick a fortnight ago, and Sammy Lee did well to save from Tom Peterson. A mistake in the Silsden defence was cleared up by Barnes and then Bentham headed another cross out before Lee saved a low shot from Danny Dalton.

          Silsden responded with some slick passing between Kirby and Spires, which  created a chance for Mitchell whose shot was saved by Ben Ascroft. Joe Holt then broke clear but Lee saved his weak shot before Hancock hit a quick free-kick to Spires who headed inches wide.

          It was end to end stuff, with Karl Clair curling in at one end and then Sultan cutting in between two defenders before shooting at the other end. Reece Kendall denied John McGrath with a last-ditch tackle whilst Dan Illingworth and Barnes were immense at the back

          The deadlock was finally broken on thirty-two minutes when Mitchell fed HANCOCK, who saw his shot deflected beyond the reach of Ascroft.

The “Purps” broke forwards with the wind at their backs. Kendall cleared Clair’s effort for a corner but when the ball was swung into the box, Paul Williams shot over the bar.

          City had a purple patch with Kevin McEllin running the midfield. Barnes was on hand to block his goal-bound effort before Silsden counter-attacked. Despite some slick passing they couldn’t create a clear chance and, in the final minutes of the half, Lee fumbled a shot but Illingworth cleared up. What a half it had been!

          The second half started with the same tempo. Everingham chased a through ball and Luke Denson missed the chance to clear it. Everingham shot narrowly wide of the far post. Illingworth broke-up a counter-attack down the left and slid the ball forwards, where it was eventually worked to Spires, who curled his shot wide.

          The balance of Forrest’s side looked good, with Spires offering support to Kirby and Hancock and Mitchell running the midfield with the pace of Everingham and Sultan proving a threat down the flanks. They fizzed the ball to feet and swept cross-field passes to start counter attacks and came close to doubling their lead when Kirby fed Spires in the six-yard box. Suddenly Dalton slid across the goal line to block the shot. Hancock latched onto the next loose ball but shot over the bar.

          Silsden might have been two up but PETERSON broke free leaving defenders in his wake. Lee came off his line but the City forward calmly slipped in the equaliser. Lee did well to deny Joe Holt the chance to put the visitors ahead.

          Both sides made substitutions with Everingham and Spires being replaced by Tomas and Storrie. Cairns replaced McDonald for the visitors and, when Denson was injured, Foy came on.

          Silsden had a let off minutes later. The ball was crossed to John Magrath in the goal area.  All he had to do was touch it home…he missed it! Then Bentham cleared another goal bound effort.

          Silsden responded with a swift break. Sultan was tripped in the penalty area. Kirby placed the ball on the spot. He stepped up but fired his  spot kick over the bar.

          In the final ten minutes Hancock shot over.  Mitchell and Hancock set up another chance for Kirby but his shot was inches wide. Kirby then fed Hancock but the midfielder’s effort curled wide.

          The points were shared. The visitors were the happier, having been a goal down and maintained their unbeaten run. Kirby was disconsolate after the game. He won’t be the last one to miss a penalty! His late goals last season against Abbey Hulton and Nelson were very significant in last season’s promotion chase.

          Danny Forrest and the Silsden players and fans were disappointed not to win but, in the end, football was the winner. Pace, power and precision with every sinew stretched. What a superb game, with the officials adding to the flowing football.  On Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain third-placed Runcorn Town in the League and on Tuesday they travel to fourth-placed Barlick for a County Cup game.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Barnes, Illingworth, Mitchell, Sultan, Hancock, Spires (Storrie 72), Kirby, Everingham (Tomas 72). Subs not used. Kaine, Baldwin, Hardisty-Blackwell.

CITY OF LIVERPOOL F.C. Ascroft, Denson, Williams (Cairns 72), McEllin, Dalton, Brown, Holt, Clair, McDonald (Foy 72), Peterson (Forbes 82), McGrath. Subs not used. Robinson, Hazlehurst.

Referee. Mr. P. Roots.  Assistants. Mr. I. Muncaster and Mr. I Claridge.

Our Sports Rehab specialist Andy Henson gives us a round up from the treatment room including news on two long term injuries, and other knocks and niggles from the last few weeks.