MATCH REPORT I Northwich Victoria 2-0 Silsden AFC

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, September 29nd 2018

NORTHWICH VICTORIA 2 v 0 SILSDEN AFC    

Whittle 60, Brownhill (pen) 78.                             Att.125

COBBYDALERS FINALLY COME UNSTUCK AT NORTHWICH

         The Cobbydalers finally lost their first league game of the season on Saturday to sixth placed Northwich Victoria. The ten match unbeaten run came to an end against the “Vics” in a very even game. The Cheshire side had won five of their six home games only losing to the unbeaten leaders City of Liverpool, who have only dropped two points.

         After their promotion last season, few would have expected Silsden to head the table for most of August and September, especially with the experienced Moses and Wademan ruled out with long term injuries and Niall Sultan with similar problems. That the side had done so well was due to a never-say-die attitude, with late goals keeping them earning vital wins.       

         The Cobbydalers travelled to Wincham Park, the home of Witton United, without skipper Josh Kaine through illness.       Arley Barnes dropped into the back four also taking over the captaincy. Barnes was superb at the back but his influence and experience in the midfield was missed. Otherwise the team was unchanged following the victory a week ago at Winsford. 

         On a superb surface and in glorious sunshine, the “Trickies”     were the first to show with John Connolly breaking down the left but his shot was tame. Barnes then broke up another attack before releasing Luke Rhodes, who crossed to Everingham who shot wide of the far post.

         Brian Matthews managed to get a shot in after a corner but Sammy Lee saved comfortably. Barnes broke up another attack before Hancock, Mitchell and Rhodes combined but Hancock’s shot was pushed for a corner by Dan Taberner.

         Silsden’s build up from the back was patient and precise with possession as important as creation. In contrast the “Trickies” used the long ball but with purpose rather than just hope. Midway through the half two good chances were created from the left, Matthews heading wide before Connolly’s shot cleared the far post.

         Joe Mitchell was feeding the forwards from the midfield and his one- two with Hancock created a chance for Reece Kendall. Taberner saved the left-back low shot.

         In the final ten minutes of the half the Cobbydalers began to take control. A throw-in from Illingworth found Rhodes but the keeper gathered his header. Everingham then played a one –two with Kirby. Using Mitchell as a decoy, the wing broke through but his shot was wide. A move of eight passes from the back ended with Kendal hitting the side netting.

         The second-half started with defences on top. No one worked harder than Aidan Kirby but, with two defenders marking him, he needed support. A series of injuries disrupted the flow of the game before Northwich broke down the left. The ball was crossed over to the near post. There was mix-up in the Silsden defence with Sammy Lee catching the ball before it was inadvertently knocked from his grasp in a collision with Illingworth. Billy WHITTLE managed to scramble it home.

         Silsden responded with a powerful run by Reece Lyndon whose powerful shot cleared the bar. Mitchell’s breakaway was halted by a superb tackle by Dominic Craig. Will Storrie and Niall Sultan came on for Rhodes and Kendall. Forrest was gambling on fresh legs but at the other end Illingworth, under pressure from Matthews, handled the ball in the attempt to shield it. Penalty! Lee dived but WHITTLE drove it down the middle.

         Leading scorer Lee Spires came on for Reece Lyndon to bolster the attack. Mitchell broke through but his cross was behind his forwards. A free-kick from Bentham into the box caused confusion for the home defence. Shinks was lucky that his back header cleared his own bar. With the Cobbydalers throwing men forwards, Northwich broke away and Whittle hit the far post before Spires broke through but fired over.

         In the dying minutes Lee did well to deny Matthews on the break and at the other end Sultan was crowded out. Kirby saw a header saved for a corner and Hancock’s shot was marginally too high.

         After the game Danny Forrest was asked for his thoughts on the game. “It was a very tight game but we couldn’t quite convert our chances against a good Northwich team. It’s been a great start to the season and as usual the lads gave everything, but it wasn’t our day.”

NORTHWICH VICTORIA. Taberner, Cammozi, Monson, Craig, Shinks, Barski, Whittle (Clarke 87), Cooke, Matthews, Brownhill (Kenny 80), Connolly (Doran 78). Subs not used. Webb, Pilgrim.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall (Storrie 72), Barnes, Illingworth, Lyndon (Spires 79), Mitchell, Hancock, Everingham, Kirby, Rhodes (Sultan 72) Subs not used. Davis, Forrest.

MATCH REPORT I Winsford United 2-3 Silsden AFC

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, September 22nd, 2018

WINSFORD UNITED 2 v 3 SILSDEN AFC

Taylor 61, Watling 68.                     Lyndon 5, Mitchell 83,

                                                              Hancock 89.           Att.150

 

THE COBBYDALERS, THE COMEBACK KIDS

 

          The Cobbydalers travelled to Cheshire on Saturday for their second encounter with Winsford United. The corresponding game at the Cobbydalers Construction Stadium in August ended with United losing 4-2, having had two men sent off.  Winsford sit third from the bottom of the Premier League table with only two draws from their first seven league games.

          On paper the game looked an easy one for the unbeaten Cobbydalers (in the league) but once again the Yorkshire outfit needed late goals to seal all three points. Indeed, even with nine men in the earlier fixture at Silsden, the Blues still had had chances, which suggests they are in a false position in the league.

          Danny Forrest brought in Reece Lyndon to patrol the midfield with Arley Barnes still not fully fit.

          Silsden were on the offensive from the kick off with Aidan Kirby’s shot being cleared for a corner. Keeper Jack Cookson punched Kyle Hancock’s corner clear but it wasn’t long before the Reds took the lead. Mitchell crossed into the box, Kirby headed on and LYNDON headed home.

          Winsford responded with Scott Taylor bursting down the right. Dan Illingworth headed Taylor’s first cross clear before Taylor set up David Short who curled an effort wide. Reece Kendal then broke up the next Winsford attack before Josh Kaine denied Short.

          Sammy Lee saved Short’s next shot, whilst at the other end Rhodes’ effort cleared the Winsford bar. Kaine again denied Short before the home side created their best chance. Jack Fowles swung over a corner which reached Ryan Hopper beyond the far post. Hopper headed it back in but Peter Watling’s header cleared the bar.

          It wasn’t a classic by any means. Rhodes set up Hancock but the midfielder was off balance and shot wide. On the stroke of half time Mark Everingham sent Kirby through but he saw his shot curl past the far post.

          The Reds started the second half with more purpose. Hancock volleyed wide after good link up play between Rhodes and Everingham then the Winsford defence failed to clear Everingham’s cross. Kirby killed the ball and chipped the keeper but his effort cleared the bar. Lyndon’s volley met a similar fate, after Hancock had set him up, before Hancock himself was denied by a diving save from Cookson.

          Silsden looked to be in total control but a second goal eluded them. The closest they came was when a one-two between Everingham and Kirby ended with the keeper, again, thwarting Kirby.

          For all their domination in a workmanlike performance, Silsden were facing the barrel of a gun after two errors at the back. On sixty-one minutes a long ball was pumped into the Silsden area. It was allowed to bounce and Illingworth, in the goal area, could only get the lightest of touches on it. Lee was surprised to see the ball heading for the goal and he managed a slight touch which caused the ball to rebound off the bar. Scott TAYLOR headed home with Silsden in disarray.

          Seven minutes later United took an improbable lead. The ball was swung into the Silsden box. “Keeper’s ball” screamed Lee. The ball squirmed out of his grasp and Peter WATLING saved the keeper’s blushes by getting the final touch.

          Twenty two minutes to go. The Cobbydalers weren’t going down without a fight. Barnes and Storrie came on. Immediately Storrie weaved his way past four defenders at pace and fed Kirby, who saw his shot tipped over the bar. Kendall headed goalwards from the corner but there was no one following up. Hancock then had a dipping shot which Cookson gathered comfortably.

          Seven minutes left. The fans believed…the Cobbydalers are masters of late come backs. Mitchell and sub, Arron Davis. exchanged passes. MITCHELL coolly chipped the ball over Cookson. Level pegging.  Illingworth saw a header cleared. Winsford broke away and Kendall lost concentration. Their attack was cleared.  Storrie  found Hancock with a superb cross-field ball. HANCOCK dipped his shoulder, cut inside his marker and hit a shot over Cookson from outside the penalty area into the top corner. 3-2.

          In stoppage time Lee made amends for his errors with a save from Short. Phew!

          The Cobbydalers moved back to the top of the table with City of Liverpool being on F.A. Cup duty.

                    The Cobbydalers now face a trip to Northwich Victoria (7th) on Saturday before entertaining City of Liverpool on Tuesday Oct 2nd (8pm).

City of Liverpool may regain top spot tomorrow if they win their home game against Litherland.

 

WINSFORD UNITED. Cookson, Fowles, Clarke, Hopper, Duckworth, Henson, Taylor (Byrnes 69),         Kerr (Howell 80), Watling, Short, Marshall. Subs not used. Fisher, Duckworth, Osborne.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth, Lyndon (Barnes 65), Mitchell, Hancock, Everingham (Storrie 65), Kirby, Rhodes (Davis 78). Subs not used Baldwin, Forrest.

 

Referee. Mr. N. Evans.  Assistants. Mr. J. Naisbett and Mr. D. Wallis.

MATCH REPORT I Albion Sports 0-1 Silsden AFC

THE BUILDBASE FA VASE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND 2018-19

Sunday, 16th September 2018

ALBION SPORTS FC 0 v 1 SILSDEN AFC Kendall 33 Att. 144

KENDALL THUNDERBOLT SEES COBBYDALERS THROUGH

The Cobbydalers made hard work of their victory over a spirited Albion Sports in the second qualifying round of the Buildbase F.A. Vase on Sunday. On a windy day at “Throstles Nest” both teams found it difficult playing “with the wind as the long ball was often carried behind the goalline. The exception came in the thirty-third minute when left-back Reece KENDALL, forty yards on the left, hit a screamer which dipped into the far corner of George Clarke’s net, with the keeper’s despairing dive being to no avail.

Joe Mitchell made his first start after returning to the Cobbydalers and Arley Barnes dropped to right back in the absence of Craig Bentham. Silsden started brightly with Kyle Hancock seeing his first shot saved by Clarke. Luke Rhodes then sliced an effort wide as did Mitchell after slick work from Will Storrie. Aidan Kirby had a shot cleared for a corner which was whipped in, Illingworth seeing his header cleared.

Albion, after twenty minutes of control, then pressurised the Silsden defence into conceding a free-kick. Sammy Lee saved George Gomersall’s low shot. A speculative scissors kick from Ombeni Ruhananduka fell to Alhassane Keita, who shot over the bar.

Aidan Kirby almost nodded Silsden into the lead with a back header and Mark Everingham played a one-two with Storrie. A crunching tackle on Storrie resulted in an injury to defender, Alex Laird, who had to be substituted. Silsden then took the lead.

Silsden were comfortable at the back with Kaine breaking up another attack. A superb move down the left ended when Everingham’s cross found Kirby, whose shot was wide of the target. As the half came to an end Joe Barden and Ruhananduka fired over the Silsden goal.

Albion played some attractive football at the start of the second half

but couldn’t get past Kaine and Illingworth. The Cobbydalers broke forwards, Kirby’s through ball set up Everingham but Clarke was swiftly off his line to gather his shot.

At the other end, Keita curled a shot wide before Rhodes saw a powerful shot blocked. Silsden began to apply more pressure but there was no end product. Everingham came the closest to doubling Silsden’s lead but he failed to get a clean contact on Kendall’s superb through ball.

Silsden continued to push forwards but, with the wind in their favour, Albion were always dangerous on the break. Lamin Janneh and George Gomersall went close before Mitchell’s low shot hit the stanchion at the other end.

A poor clearance from Lee gave Moise Kroma a clear chance but he shot over. Then a mix up between the keeper and Illingworth gave the same player an opening but he shot wide. Illingworth and Kaine were superb at the back but there was little protection in the dying minutes when Ruhananduka broke through and set up Kroma again. Lee made up for his earlier mistake with a superb save which saw the Cobbydalers through.

Danny Forest and the travelling fans were delighted with the result. Forrest said “The performance wasn’t our best but the result was the main thing. We could have scored more goals and conceded more. We weren’t clinical in front of goal and not quick enough to support Aidan Kirby but after conceding three on Tuesday a clean sheet was very pleasing.”

The Cobbydalers will travel to Staveley Miners Welfare in the 1st round proper of the FA Vase. North East Counties side Staveley are still in the FA Cup and have a home game on Saturday against Guiseley in the 2nd Qualifying Round.

In the North West Counties League City of Liverpool FC, Runcorn Town, and Congleton( who have a 100% record) all won on Saturday to close the gap at the top of the table. The Cobbydalers lead the Premier Division on goal difference from Runcorn Town.

On Saturday Silsden travel to play Winsford United.

ALBION SPORTS. Clarke, Parr, Fairhurst, Gomersall, Denton(Noteman 32), Laird, Bartle(Stewart 66), Barden, Kroma, Ruhananduka, Keita(Janneh 66). Subs not used. McKiernon, Hussain.

SILSDEN AFC Lee, Barnes, Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth, Rhodes, Mitchell, Hancock, Storrie (Sultan 60 {Davis 86}), Kirby, Everingham (Tomas 68) Subs not used. Lyndon, Green.

PLAYER FEATURE I Reece Lyndon

Reece Lyndon joined the club in the summer, his lively character and leadership qualities have been somewhat important in the opening few months of the season. We caught up with the versatile Manc affectionately known as ‘The Viking’…….

Reece you’ve been with us since the start of pre season, what brought you to Silsden AFC?

What attracted me? I was at Chadderton after a difficult first half of the season at Northwich Victoria and Niall (Sultan) messaged me asking me where I am playing next year. So I just told him Chadderton and thought nothing of it. Then a week later Danny rang me and we had a chat for about half an hour. So I came to meet Danny at training because I wanted to see the place and see what the drive was like. As soon as I met Danny and seen the facilities I was sold. The only problem would of been the drive but the professionalism at the club and the talent in the squad made my mind up immediately.

You’ve made an impressive start to life at Keighley Road with some valiant performances in defence and midfield, what do you feel is your best position and what else can the Silsden AFC supporters expect to see from you?

Position wise it’s a funny one. I spoke to Danny and he asked me the same question. I prefer playing in a defensive midfield role and believe I can give a real balance to the team. But if you ask any of my old managers I reckon they will all say I am best as a centre back.

Which of the squad members have impressed you the most so far and why?

The whole squad has impressed me. I’ve never seen a team that has such quality and everyone wants the team to win. So the willingness to buy into what Danny says and believing in the 11 that are playing even when it’s not you is impressive. But individually I must say Kyle is just edging it for me.

Being a proud Mancunian, are you red or blue? And who are your footballing influences?

I am a Man City fan. I grew up during the great old times of Richard Dunne and Shaun Wright- Phillips so they were the kind of people I looked up to I guess (probably why I’m such a good winger).

Who is the joker of the group?

Joker of the group for me is Arley Barnes. He comes out with some cracking one liners and it’s right up my street. Sammy Lee is a comedian also.

Who is the biggest sulker?

We have a few sulkers (me included) so it’s hard picking out of them all. I think Kyle probably has to edge that again. He has a five minute tantrum every game.

And finally, you have to start a new business, what would that business be? And which of the squad members would you choose to be your business partner and why?

I’d start a modelling agency with Benth (Craig Bentham) as the face. I would make a fortune.

Reece Lyndon is still available to sponsor for the 2018/19 season.

 

MATCH REPORT I Irlam FC 3-3 Silsden AFC

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Tuesday, September 11th 2018

IRLAM FC 3 v 3 SILSDEN AFC

        Foulds 7, Boland 63,           Spires 78, Rhodes 90,

                  Perry 73.                                   Kirby 93p.             Att. 107

 

LATE, LATE SHOW FROM SILSDEN SALVAGES A POINT

 

         The Cobbydalers travelled to the Ambitek Stadium for their first ever encounter against Irlam F.C. The kick-off was delayed for fifteen minutes due to floodlight problems but both sides wanted the match to go ahead.

         Irlam were involved in a pulsating FA Cup tie on Saturday, running out winners at Runcorn Town, a team with five wins out of five. Irlam won the five-goal thriller with a late winner. The Cobbydalers, having had a tough encounter on Saturday at Whitchurch, were not expecting an easy game. They got more than they bargained for in a match which Irlam dominated for seventy-five minutes.

         The Mancunians were on the attack from the kick-off. Sam Bolton slid the ball down the right to the pacey Marcus Perry who glided past Reece Kendall to hit a low cross to Matt Bolland. Sammy Lee saved his weak shot. On seven minutes Irlam took the lead, Perry’s pace taking him past two defenders to set up FOULDS for a tap in.

         Dan Illingworth headed over at the other end before Perry broke through again only to be denied by Lee. Aiden Kirby’s body strength created a half chance but the home side’s defence was difficult to break down         . On eighteen minutes Jordan Buckley got behind the Silsden defence. He crossed to Haydn Foulds who missed a “sitter”!

         Silsden responded well with Reece Lyndon heading over before Kendall broke clear, only to shoot wide. Bolton again fed Perry who cut back onto his left foot but Lee gathered the shot. Kaine then halted the pacey winger’s next run before Hancock split the defence with a through ball to Kirby, who was just off-side.

         Before the break, Storrie and Kirby interchanged passes but Storrie slipped in the act of shooting. Perry again burst into the box but was denied by Lee. Silsden had been on the back foot for much of the half but were only one down.

         The Cobbydalers came more into the game in the second half, but it was the home side who were more dangerous. The movement of the players and the slick passing were asking questions of the Silsden defence and the Yorkshire men were forced into several desperate clearances.

         Whilst the Silsden defenders were looking to deny Perry space on the right, it was Haydn Foulds who had two chances to double their lead but he failed to increase the narrow lead.

         Finally, ten minutes into the second half Silsden had a scoring chance. Hancock curled in a corner from the left which Kendall headed goalwards. Two defenders and the keeper managed to clear the ball off the goal line. Luke Rhodes and Joe Mitchell replaced Storrie and Lyndon and began to build up some momentum. However Perry broke clear again and crossed into the box. Matt BOLAND made it two.

         Lee Spires came on for the injured Barnes, who had done so much defensive work. The emphasis was on attack but that left an opening for PERRY to drift though from the right, draw Lee out of his goal and chip the ball into the net. Seventeen minutes to go. Game over?

         The Cobbydalers regrouped. They hadn’t lost a league game to date but anything but defeat look a long shot!

         Mitchell threaded a ball to Kirby who, having broken through three defenders, couldn’t get his shot over the line. Hancock put the ball in the Irlam area. SPIRES did what he does best. He scored. A consolation goal?

Irlam broke away with some slick passing but the side-netting saved Silsden. Hancock swung in a corner. RHODES, at the far post, shot and a deflection saw the ball in the back of the net on ninety minutes. 3-2!

         Irlam were stunned and three minutes later Hancock curled in a free-kick. Kendall went up for it but the keeper was deemed to have pushed him whilst trying to get the ball. Penalty! Up steps KIRBY. GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL. 3-3. The final whistle goes.

         What a game! What an advert for the North West Counties! The Irlam players were devastated. A fantastic game and by far the best outfit Cobbydalers have faced this season.

 

IRLAM FC. White, Bolton, Amado, Doyle, Ledson, Cassell, Perry, Morrison, Buckley (Martin 59), Boland (Eyers 88), Foulds (Pollitt 76).

Subs. not used. Griffiths, Jones .

SILSDEN AFC Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth, Lyndon (Mitchell 56), Barnes (Spires 64), Hancock, Storrie (Rhodes 56), Kirby, Everingham. Subs not used. Turnbull, Tomas.

Referee. Mr. Morland. Assistants. Mr. M. Gupta and Mr. D. Chadwick.

MATCH REPORT | Whitchurch Alport 1-2 Silsden AFC

The Hallmark League Premier Division 2018-19

Saturday, September 8th 2018

WHITCHURCH ALPORT 1 v 2 SILSDEN AFC

                                 Hughes 14.                        Kirby 61. Hancock 90.  Att.234

COBBYDALERS LEAVE IT LATE AGAINST NINE-MAN ALPORT

          The Cobbydalers maintained their position at the top of the Hallmark Premier Division but the result was in doubt until stoppage time when Will Storrie, on the right, slid the ball to Kyle HANCOCK. The midfielder curled the ball past the full-length dive of Dave Parton into the far corner. The game also marked the return of midfielder, Joe Mitchell after a spell at Clitheroe.

          It was hard on Alport, who for much of the first half had dominated possession and territory. However, if truth be told, they were the cause of their own demise having been reduced to nine men with thirteen minutes to go.

          Alport, with the wind at their backs, attacked from the kick off, when Alex Hughes broke down the right. He was halted by Josh Kaine who then released Mark Everingham on the left but the ball skidded dead. Hancock’s free kick was then deflected for a corner which was cleared. Arley Barnes, who was stifling any danger in midfield, drove a free-kick into the Whitchurch area but Reece Kendall’s header cleared the bar.

          Alport then had a spell of pressure but a slick move involving Nick Marley and Alex Hughes ended with Dan Skelton’s shot lacking venom. However, the Shropshire outfit took the lead on fourteen minutes when HUGHES killed a long ball, skipped inside Kendall and hit a powerful shot which squirmed under Sammy Lee on the greasy surface.

          Alport began to dominate with Hughes always menacing when he had the ball. Midway through the half the home side put together a five-  man move where the ball was moved from right back to left wing but the final shot was wide of the mark.

          Reece Lyndon, protecting the back four as he had done at Charnock Richard, set Everingham free but the wide-man tried a speculative shot from too far out which was easily dealt with. Kaine cleaned up again after Dan Illingworth failed to clear the ball, but Hughes and Simon Everall failed to test Lee.

          In the dying minutes of the half Silsden began to settle and push the ball about with more intent. Matty Tomas’s tackle led to a half chance before Lyndon headed Illingworth’s throw-in wide.

          The second-half started with Silsden hitting too-many long balls which were easy for defenders. Kirby went close after receiving a short pass from Everingham.

          The game changed in a five minutes spell early in the second half. An elbow into the face of Barnes saw Howell sent off. Will Storrie replaced Tomas and two minutes later Silsden were level. Illingworth rose above the defence to head a free-kick to Kirby on the edge of the box. KIRBY flicked the ball up and drove a low volley into the bottom corner of the Alport net. Thirty minutes to go.

          Lyndon headed a Storrie cross wide before he was replaced by Mitchell. Danny Forrest, with a man advantage, was now looking for three points. Everingham threaded a ball through to Hancock who was beaten to the ball and Kirby’s next break was halted. Alport weren’t finished and skipper Simon Everall was only prevented from restoring their lead by a last-ditch tackle from Craig Bentham.        Both sides made changes with leading scorer Lee Spires replacing Everingham and Alport’s Pickerill on for Sanders.

          With fifteen minutes left the game looked to be heading for a draw but Hughes’ two-footed challenge on Kaine led to a second dismissal for the home side. Silsden weren’t ready to settle for only one point. Mitchell broke through and had a shot blocked, then Storrie cut inside two defenders before his shot was saved.

          Campion was booked but Bentham’s free kick skidded through to the Alport keeper before Spires was closed down. Reece Kendall curled a super ball in in the dying minutes but Nick Marley cleared. Silsden weren’t finished, the winner coming too late for the Salopians to reply!

          It had been a tough battle.

          On Tuesday the Cobbydalers travel to Irlam, who, surprisingly, won their Buildbase F.A. Cup encounter at Runcorn on Saturday before a trip to Albion Sports on Sunday in the Buildbase FA Vase. The game is to be played at the home of Farsley Celtic. K.O. 3pm.

 

WHITCHURCH ALPORT.  Parton, Marley, Campion, Griffiths, Ashman, Minshall, Howell, Skelton, Everall (Johns 86), Sanders (Pickerill 73),Hughes. Subs not used. Porter, O’Connor, Hughes.

 

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham, Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth, Lyndon (Mitchell 64), Barnes, Hancock, Tomas (Storrie 58), Kirby, Everingham (Spires 74). Subs not used. Turnbull, Rhodes.

 

OFFICIALS. Referee. Mr. J. Maskrey.                                                                    Assistants Mr. D. Parkes and Mr. J. Abaka-Jacobs

FIXTURE UPDATE |

FIXTURE UPDATE

Our FA Vase tie away at Albion Sports scheduled for Saturday 15th September has been put back to Sunday 16th September 3.00pm. Albion Sports groundshare with Farsley Celtic who already have a home game scheduled in for Saturday 15th September.

City of Liverpool FC progressed in the FA Cup at the weekend which means their next tie in the competition (away at Chester FC) will now be played on Saturday 22nd September. This takes precedence over our scheduled home league fixture with them. We will now travel to Winsford United on Saturday 22nd September.

The City of Liverpool home fixture has been rearranged for Tuesday 2nd October 8:00pm.

Head over to our Fixtures & Results page for a fully updated fixture list.

SIGNING | Mitchell Returns!

Mitchell Returns!

Silsden AFC can confirm that former club captain Joe Mitchell has re-signed for the club.

Fan favourite Mitchell returns after a two year spell at Clitheroe.
Manager Danny Forrest had this to say:
“We already have a strong squad but when the chance came along to re-sign Joe both myself and Craig felt it was one we couldn’t turn down.
He’s been away for two years and played regularly in a very successful Clitheroe side that have been knocking on the door of the play offs in the league above. He comes back a better and more mature player. After speaking to Joe and as a former club captain he knows the expectations and has been immersed in Silsden AFC once before.
Joe is a little bit different to what we have, he’s an all rounder who has a lot of ability but can mix it when needs be. He’s a leader and takes responsibility, he’s at a good age and has a lot of experience.
The squad is healthy and it has to be as we’re still in four competitions and want to do the best we possibly can in all of them. Competition for places is very good but we’ll take each game on its merit assessing form and fitness as we go.”
Airevalley Independent Financial Services of Silsden are delighted to welcome Joe Mitchell back to the club and will sponsor him for the rest of the 2018/19 campaign.

MATCH REPORT I Silsden AFC 3-0 West Dids & Chorlton

The Hallmark Security League NWCFL Premier Division 2018-19

Tuesday 4th September 2018

SILSDEN AFC 3 v 0 WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON

     Kirby 33, 43. Spires 63.                                                         Att. 187

SLICK SILSDEN TOP THE LEAGUE

       The Cobbydalers moved to the top of the Hallmark Premier League with a superb performance of pass and move, push and run football. The crowd were thrilled as the ball was moved at pace and precision by both teams in an enthralling match.

         As early as the third minute Craig Bentham hit a superb cross to leading scorer Lee Spires, who headed goalwards. The Didsbury defence managed to clear the ball before Dan Illingworth went close with a header from another cross. Kyle Hancock’s cross was intercepted but Reece Kendall foiled the visitors with a good tackle.

         The Yorkshiremen, were playing some scintillating football with intricate passing at speed. Aidan Kirby went close before Mark Everingham curled the ball into the box where Oliver Culkin saved Spires’ header. Matty Tomas crossed to Hancock who shot over the bar before the visitors created an opening.

         The pace of Ashley Leather on the right was a test for even Kendall, but the winger’s first shot was wide and his second effort was cleared by Josh Kaine. The skipper, with new “lucky” boots, was back to his imperious best after a rather sluggish performance at Harrogate.

         A crunching tackle involving Kendall and Jamie McLellan led to the Didsbury man having to be substituted. Didsbury had chances but Leather shot wide and Arley Barnes cleared up after Illingworth had put his own keeper under pressure. Barnes, back in the starting line after injury, was always available when the team were under any pressure.

         The opener came after thirty-three minutes when Culkin failed to hold a shot from Everingham. KIRBY was on it in a flash to slide it home. Tomas’ shot, from a tight angle, was just wide, before the winger combined with Hancock to create a chance for Spires, whose header shaved the far post. Another header was cleared before KIRBY notched a second, having played a one-two with Everingham on the stroke of half time.

         Straight from the restart the visitors played the ball from left back to the right wing with some slick passing. The ball was crossed into the Silsden box where Kaine cleared after Sammy Lee had failed to hold the ball at the first attempt. Silsden were soon on the front foot again, with passes interchanged swiftly. Kirby went close before Everingham hit another effort over the bar after a four man move. Spires was inches wide after the Cobbydalers had opened up the Mancunians defence.

         Didsbury then came into the game, with Leather posing a threat. Jamie McLellan went close with a snap shot. But Silsden killed the game off with a superb goal. Tomas hit a low cross-ball towards the penalty spot. The mercurial Hancock feigned to shoot, attracting two defenders, but the ball ran to SPIRES who slid it home.

         Spires and Bentham came off and Reece Lyndon and Luke Rhodes came on. The visitors still tried to get forwards but they were indebted to keeper Culkin, who thwarted Everingham (shot) and Illingworth (header) from making it five. Ryan Eiselt’s tackle on Kirby denied the Silsden striker a hat-trick and Culkin gathered at the feet of Hancock to keep the score to three.

         Manager Danny Forrest, “dissatisfied” after Saturday’s showing, was delighted with the result and the performance. “It’s exactly what I am looking for! Total commitment, skill, pace, endeavour! They were all there.” The players of both sides went off to a rousing reception. It had been superb advertisement for the North West Counties League.

         The Cobbydalers now face the trip to fellow promotion winner Whitchurch Alport on Saturday before travelling to Irlam on Tuesday.

SILSDEN AFC. Lee, Bentham (Rhodes), Kendall, Kaine, Illingworth, Tomas, Barnes, Hancock, Spires (Lyndon 63), Kirby, Everingham (Davis 73). Subs not used Turnbull, Storrie.

WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON FC. Culkin, Brew-Butler, Stachini, Eiselt, McLellan (Langford 20), Eckersley, Leather (Brockley 90), Andrews, Henderson, Shaw, Tinker (Dos Santos 74). Sub not used Woodward.

Referee. Mr. I. Johnston. Assistants. Mr. D. Bradley and Mr. A. Clearie.

The FA Vase game away against Albion Sports will be played on Sunday 16th Sept at Farsley Celtics’ Ground. 3pm