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.”

North West Counties Football League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 23 February 2019

SILSDEN TURN ON STYLE & GIVE BEARS A MAULING

SILSDEN AFC 4 – 1 Congleton Town Att.153

 Barnes 25, Kirby 43, Sultan 62, Sorhaindo 77                               Foster 80

Silsden entertained highflying Congelton Town, a team in the chasing pack sitting in 3rd place in the North West Counties Premier, and boasting the meanest defence having only conceded 24 league goals all season.

Cobbydalers manager Danny Forrest was still searching for the consistency required from his charges, particularly at home where performances simply haven’t been up to standard, and looking to avenge a 5-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Silsden executed their game plan from early on, playing the ball out well from the back and moving the ball quickly, although to be fair to the visitors they kept their shape well in the early exchanges.

But with both side cancelling each other out we had to wait until the 21st minute until the first real chance of note, when Craig Bentham’s long through ball found Aidan Kirby’s willing run, but his shot was well over.

A couple of minutes later, after good interplay down the right hand side from Silsden, a ball into the box was stood on by the Bears central defender Thomas Morris, the ball breaking to Kirby, whose angled shot was fired wide of the upright.

But in the 25th minute the Cobbydalers were rewarded when Bentham’s clever diagonal ball found the overlapping Matty Moses who broke deep into the Bears box before cutting back to Arley Barnes who rifled his first time shot against the bar before smashing home the rebound to open the scoring for Silsden.

In 30th minute after some pressure from Congleton the ball got played in from the right to Matthew Jamieson, whose goal-bound shot from just inside the box appeared to take a deflection, but Callum Jakovlevs leapt across to his left to make a brilliant one handed save, parrying away for a corner.

The visitors applied a period of sustained pressure, gaining a succession of corners, but Silsden’s defence held firm, getting vital blocks in, Saul Henderson getting a shot in which hit Jakovlevs with his defenders clearing the danger as the Bears threatened to get back on terms.

Skipper Josh Kaine got in a vital block as Bears danger-man Emini Adegbenro threatened, the ball ricocheting off the latter for a goal kick as the game started to liven up. And again Kaine was outnumbered as the visitors pressed forward but this time Adegbenro fired wide of the near post as he broke in from the left.

Congleton were enjoying a good spell of pressure and from another corner on the right, Dan Illingworth won his aerial duel with the lanky Henderson at the expense of another corner. And then from a free kick on the right from Dean Warburton, Jamieson broke free with a clever run, but couldn’t get any contact on the ball.

In the 42nd minute Niall Sultan whipped a dangerous ball into the visitor’s box for Luke Rhodes, but the defence smuggled the ball away amidst half-hearted appeals for handball.

A minute later Jakovlevs played the ball out to Bentham, who played a superb raking pass down the middle which found Kirby’s clever run beyond the back line leaving him clear with the ‘keeper in no-mans land, and he coolly smashed his shot past the helpless Ellison to double Silsden’s advantage before the half-time break.

Congleton unsurprising made tactical changes for the second period, applying a high press and playing with a higher tempo and in the 50th minute Adegbenro had an opportunity following a straight through ball, but Jakovlevs gathered comfortably when the forward should have done better.

Minutes later Congelton played the ball in from the right to Henderson who pivoted and laid the ball back to Steve Foster who retrieved and swiveled before striking a tame left foot shot which was easily dealt with by the Silsden custodian.

Then Silsden threatened as they tried to regain control with Joe Mitchell’s corner from the left finding Bentham’s leap and header, which was scrambled away by the visitors defence.

And as the game started to get stretched, it was Silsden’s turn to avoid punishment as Kaine scrambled the ball away for a corner after Jakovlevs missed his punch when the visitors delivered a dangerous high ball into the box.

From the resulting corner broke to Morris at the edge of the box, but his left foot shot was tipped over by Jakovlevs as the Bears threatened again to get back into the game. Everingham headed the next corner away as Silsden dug in deep to defend their goal and weather the storm, with Jamieson missing his header from another corner and then Jack Disney’s deep cross evading everybody and drifting to safety.

But then the game was settled by Jamieson uncharacteristically dithering on the edge of his own box, before presenting the ball to Sultan who gratefully accepted the gift and coolly slotted the ball past the exposed Ellison to make it 3-0 to the Yorkshiremen.

Congleton broke down the left in the 63rd minute and a dangerous ball was played in, but Jakovlevs bravely dived out to divert the ball away before the defence once again completed the clearance to keep their goal intact.

But another Mitchell corner swung in right footed from out on the left found substitute Laurence Sorhaindo’s soaring free header in deep the Bears box made it 4-0 on 77 minutes, as Silsden sealed the victory.

Congleton did get a consolation goal for their efforts albeit in bizarre circumstances as Foster’s shot trundled into the net with Silsden appealing for a decision that never came.

In the 82nd minute following a challenge from Everingham the ball broke to Foster, but his shot was wide of the mark as the visitors tried to bring an air of respectability

to the score line. They threatened further, but Silsden defended resolutely with Illingworth getting in vital blocks and substitute William Hasler-Cregg curling his right foot shot wide.

But Silsden finished with a flourish, with Soraindo’s mazy run in added time causing mayhem in the visitors’ box, his lay back finding the tireless Barnes whose superb strike was brilliantly parried one handed by Ellison in the Congleton goal, before the referee’s whistle ended a thoroughly entertaining game which the Cobbydalers deserved to win.

Silsden AFC:

Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine ©, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes (25), Mitchell, Rhodes (Wademan), Kirby (43) (Sorhaindo (77), Sultan (62) (Tomas) Subs not used: McKiernon & Hill

Congleton Town:

Ellison, Peters, Disney, Jamieson, Morris, Griffith ©, Burey, Warburton (Hasler-Cregg), Foster (80), Henderson (Cope), Adegbenro (Speed) Subs not used: Main & Stephens

Referee: Mr L Dawson

Assistant: Mr S Rushworth

Assistant: Mr J Ezro-Griffiths

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 16th February 2019

                                     SILSDEN AFC 0 v 2 LITHERLAND REMYCA

Att.153                               Quirk 74, 90+2(pen)

JEKELL AND HYDE SEASON CONTINUES FOR SILSDEN

          Following wins on the road at City of Liverpool and Squires Gate, Silsden returned to the Cobbydale Construction Stadium to face Litherland REMYCA for the first of five home fixtures on the run. With the Yorkshiremen having lost the last three home games by the odd goal, Danny Forrest was hoping to get the team back onto winning ways at home. As it transpired the game wasn’t a classic.

          REMYCA were the first to create a chance but Michael Ordish blasted a free-kick over the bar. Aiden Kirby then broke down the left and fed Luke Rhodes. He slid the ball to Ashley Barnes who saw his shot blocked in a packed goal area. Litherland broke forward and Josh Kaine missed Connor Christianson’s cross which fell invitingly to Ordish. Callum Jakovlevs made a fine save.    

          The game was then delayed for five minutes after an injury to  Ordish, who had to be stretchered off the field. The visitors then applied some pressure but it was the Yorkshiremen who went close, Chris Wademan setting up Joe Mitchell, who saw his effort tipped over the bar by Travis Wilson. Mitchell then fed Kirby but the striker’s shot didn’t cause Wilson any problems.

          Niall Sultan won a chase for the ball and appeared to be tripped in the penalty area by Ryan Dobson. The fans near the incident were in no doubt that a penalty should have been awarded but the referee decided otherwise. After good interplay by Moses and Rhodes, Wademan curled an effort wide of the far post.

          The Merseysiders  began to gain some control. Illingworth conceded a corner. Jamie Britt headed wide. Skipper Colin Quirk brought some class to the game with a mazy dribble but his curling shot cleared the far post. Kirby shot wide,  Illingworth then headed over, before bringing a save from Wilson but the game was hardly a classic with too many high balls being hit more in hope than expectation.

                   A poor clearance by Jacovlevs gave Jamie Britt a clear chance of putting the visitors ahead but he fired wide. Wademan at the other end exchanged passes with three colleagues but was eventually closed down. The game continued to be scrappy, Whewell hitting another effort over the Silsden bar. Next it was Christianson’s turn to miss the target.

          Barnes and Sultan combined but the move only lead to a corner, as did Mitchell’s next effort. REMYCA had another chance when Joe Powell beat Illingworth in the goal area. Jakovlevs saved the header. The visitors continued to press. Jamie Britt hit a super ball into the box but Kaine headed clear then Everingham blocked Christianson’s shot. Finally the deadlock was broken. Connor drove the ball over from the left. QUIRK squeezed it home at the near post.

          Silsden pushed forwards but they couldn’t break down a packed defence. At the other end Kaine headed off the line before substitute, Craig Bentham conceded a penalty in stoppage time. QUIRK made no mistake from the spot!

          Danny Forrest had words to say after the game! Hopefully there will be a reaction next week when Congleton Town are the visitors. The Bears are in third place in the table and thrashed the Cobbydalers five-nil in December. Forrest will be hoping for a repeat of the performance of the defeat of league leaders City of Liverpool. (K.O. 3pm.)

SILSDEN AFC. Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Rhodes (Bentham 80), Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan (Sorhaindo 70), Kirby, Sultan (McKiernon 70). Subs not used Tomas, Forrest.              LITHERLAND  REMYCA. Wilson, Foy, Connor, Dobson, Powell, McShane, Ordish (Coulborn 11), Britt, Whewell (Cato 88), Quirk, Christianson (McDonald 79). Subs not used Murphy, Shield.                     Referee. Mr. I. Walsh. Assistants. Mr D. Sanderson and Mr. Ainsley Sawicz

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday 9th February 2019

                    SQUIRES GATE FC 3 v 4  SILSDEN AFC                        

Boyd 3, Seear 37, Egidi 45              Barnes 9, Sultan 29, Wademan 41,                                            Kirby 70.               

Att. 86

COBBYDALERS VICTORS IN A SEVEN GOAL THRILLER

          The Cobbydalers had to make a second visit to Squires Gate on Saturday, as the earlier fixture was abandoned at the break because of a floodlight failure. The overnight storms had abated although there was a strong crosswind and the pitch was greasy, a factor involved in several defensive errors.

          The game was very entertaining with first one side taking the initiative and then the other. The opener came as early as the third minute. Right back Daniel Gray managed to get a cross in from the right. Matty Moses and Ric Seear jumped to head the ball at the far post. Sear got the touch and James BOYD blasted in the opener.

          Silsden’s response was swift. Niall Sultan swung in a corner at the other end. Luke Rhodes headed goalwards and keeper Ben Fletcher blocked the effort with his feet. Aidan Kirby was on it in a flash but Gray managed to clear his shot off the goal-line.  Mitchell sent Kirby free again but the shot was blocked.

          The equaliser wasn’t long in coming and what a screamer it was! It came from a throw-in on the right. Kirby managed to get in a cross. The ball was headed out to Mitchell. The midfielder slid it to Arley BARNES who left the keeper no chance as his twenty-yard effort was right in the top corner.

          Gate responded immediately with Boyd cutting in from the right. His shot went inches wide of the far post. In Gate’s next attack Josh Kaine slipped in his own penalty area as he attempted to clear the ball. Ric Egidi was quickly on it but Kaine recovered to deny the striker putting the home side back in front.

          Moses saw his cross cleared at one end before Boyd shot well wide, after a corner had been driven to the edge of the box. Illingworth then headed Dan Gray’s cross clear and Ben Riader halted Kirby’s run at the other end. Gate nearly regained the lead midway through the half but Moses headed off the line and Illingworth cleared up.       

          The Cobbydalers then took the lead. Interplay between Joe Mitchell and Kirby led to a cross by the former. SULTAN had merely to tap the ball home.  Gate responded with Ryan Charnley cutting across the box but the combined efforts of Kaine and Mark Everingham denied him. However the equaliser seemed inevitable. A swift counter-attack down the left found the Reds wanting. Egidi burst down the wing and crossed into the box. SEEAR made it 2-2!

          Jakovlevs then denied Seear before Kaine cleared Ings’ header. If Gate’s counter-attack had been swift, Silsden’s was even swifter. Kirby broke down the right, crossed, and there was WADEMAN to make it 3-2. Could the Cobbydalers keep their lead until the break? (They had four minutes.) Unfortunately not!  When Sultan crossed in towards the far post, Kirby had the opportunity to make it 4-2. He missed the chance and an error from Kaine allowed in Sear, who slid the ball in to EGIDI to level the scores at the interval.

          Silsden’s last game had been the two-one win at City of Liverpool. It had been a game where the Cobbydaler’s defending had been magnificent. This was a totally different game with the possibility of more goals in the second half.

          There were chances at both ends early on after the break. Sultan had a shot blocked at one end, Boyd headed over at the other. Wademan was a touch wide after Sultan had slid the ball across to him before Boyd saw his next effort cleared.

          The game changed in a flash. On sixty-seven minutes Gate were awarded a corner. It was swung over to the far post where Seear thought he had put his team back in the lead. There was some confusion before Sears was deemed to have used a hand! The free-kick was hit down the right. Kirby hit a fantastic cross. Mitchell hit it perfectly but the ball rebounded off the post. Two minutes later, after another break away, KIRBY got his just reward for all his hard work and put the Cobbydalers in front with twenty minutes to go!

          The drama was not over. Silsden missed chances to settle the issue. Mitchell and Kirby both shot over. Forrest brought on Laurence  Sorhaindo  and Josh McKeirnon. Both players played up-front where their tight ball control took the pressure off the Reds’ defence. Nevertheless Gate had one more chance. A corner was sung in three minutes from time. Seear met it cleanly but the ball hit the post! Sorhaindo broke away but was denied by a fine save from Fletcher. The Cobbydalers were relieved when the final whistle went.

          Silsden now have a run of five consecutive home games although Danny Forrest is only concerned with the next game against Litherland REMYCA next Saturday. Kick-off is at 2pm. in order for the club to prepare for the Sportsmans’ dinner. (There are just a few tickets left for this event)

SQUIRES GATE FC.  Fletcher, Gray, Bamba, Ing (Burgess 88), Rossall, Raider, Charnley (Booth 84), Staunton-Turner (Ryley 71), Sear, Egidi, Boyd. Subs not used Booth, Boyd.

SILSDEN AFC. Jakovlevs, Moses, Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Rhodes (Sorhaindo 74), Barnes, Mitchell, Wademan, Kirby, Sultan (McKiernon 76). Subs not used. Forrest, Hill.

Referee. Mr. Topp.  Assistants.  Mr. Young  and Mr. Williams.