MATCH DETAILS

Barton Town 2-1 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 23rd April 2024

Easy Buy Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Rabone, Hunt (Kilner, 82′), Stewart (Gardner, 62′), Cromack, Cassidy, Clayton, Hudson (Connolly, 64′), Maltby, Price, Thompson (Roper, 71′), Brooksbank (Smith, 65′)

MATCH REPORT

Our 23/24 league campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to Barton Town at the Easy Buy Stadium yesterday evening.

Despite creating the better chances in the first half, we found ourselves behind following Reece Moody’s close range finish.

Although the second half continued in a similar fashion, the hosts doubled their lead late on through Kian Salter meaning Kayle Price’s powerful freekick proved to be little more than a consolation.

The result sees us end the season on a club NCEL record of 58 points, we currently sit 9th (another club record high) but could drop to 10th should results go against us in the coming days.

Ellis Hudson started the game particularly brightly, cutting in from the right hand side on multiple occasions but seeing efforts both saved by the keeper and sailing over the crossbar.

Barton then came close from a corner on 22 minutes, WYL graduate Danny Hunt with some great defending to head clear of the goal line.

Their breakthrough would come just five minutes later as Scott Matthew’s pinpoint cross found Moody unmarked at the back post, with the striker firing home from close-in.

Swan’s keeper Will Mitchell was called into action on a number of occasions throughout the opening 45 minutes, first saving Hudson’s powerful freekick before getting down quickly to parry away Hunt’s deflected strike from distance.

The second half continued in the same vein, Cody Cromack next to test Mitchell with a fierce long-range strike.

Price would have the best chance to level the game on 69 minutes, a deflection saw him find himself 1v1 with Mitchell, but he opted for power and fired his shot narrowly wide of the post.

Dan Smith also had a chance late on, driving into the penalty area with a great run, his shot at the near post was once again saved by Mitchell.

Having not taken our chances at one end, our hosts punished us as a cross to the back stick was met by Salter with a diving header to double their advantage.

With just minutes to go, Price would find the net with a powerful low freekick but despite our best efforts we were unable to find a late leveller leaving us to make the long trip back to West Yorkshire disappointed.

The season isn’t over yet as we make the trip to NCEL Division One frontrunners Parkgate for the league cup quarter final this Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS

Handsworth 1-4 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 6th April 2024

Express Worktops Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Rabone, Cromack, Gardner (Hunt, 83′), Daly, Cassidy, Clayton, Connolly (Roper, 68), Maltby, Stewart, Hudson, Brooksbank.

Subs: Thompson, Harris, Barnes

MATCH REPORT

Silsden recorded a ‘Priceless’ victory away to Handsworth yesterday as despite the absence of in-form striker Kayle Price, the Cobbydalers still ran away comfortable 4-1 winners.

Luke Brooksbank looked to fill in the number 9 role and did so well, opening the scoring on 27 minutes following some sustained Sils pressure, however we we’re pegged back before the break with Mitch Dunne levelling the scores for the Ambers.

Despite having the wind against us in the second half, we pushed on and secured the win courtesy of Jake Maltby, Brooksbank and Casey Stewart’s fine finishes, making it 3 wins from 3 this past week and solidifying 8th in the NCEL Prem table.

It was a warm yet windy day in South Yorkshire, with Sils making good use of the weather in the early exchanges.

Cody Cromack’s effort from outside the box was parried out by Amber’s keeper Tom Crosby before he was forced to recover and save from Ellis Hudson’s follow up strike.

Crosby was called into action again on 24 minutes, Stewart having started the game upfront, moved out wide early in the first half and hit a low strike that had to be tipped behind.

The pressure eventually told for the visitors.

Left back Lewis Gardner, making his first start since recovering from injury, found himself with space inside the box and he squared to Brooksbank who picked his spot well to find possibly the only vacancy on a crowded goaline.

Brookbank should have perhaps doubled his and Silsden’s tally on 41 minutes, once again combining with Gardner, the ball sat up nicely just inside the penalty area but his shot flew well over the crossbar.

With the half coming to a close, the hosts began to grab a foothold into the game, Cobbydaler’s stopper Jay Rabone forced into a stunning double save to preserve the lead.

Unfortunately for Silsden, they were unable to hold on as a smart flick on picked out Dunne who hit a clinical finish into the roof of the net.

You could have forgiven the visitors for letting there heads go down but straight from the start of the second half they pushed to retake the lead.

Nash Connolly thought he’d grabbed his third goal in the red and black after he headed home a rebounded effort, only to see the flag go up against Stewart moments beforehand.

The frustration of the disallowed goal was short lived however, on 58 minutes a loose ball dropped out to Maltby who finessed a lovely, curled strike into the bottom corner as Crosby could only watch on.

Silsden continued to press for a third, Connolly and Jake Cassidy both going close just moments apart, Crosby again to the rescue for the home side.

Rabone did have some work to do of his own too, getting up quickly to tip over a well taken Dunne freekick.

Brooksbank did put the game to bed on 79 minutes, a neat through ball from the skipper Ross Daly found him with space in the box and he rifled a wonderful shot beyond the admittedly impressive Crosby.

There was more time for Crosby to pull of some more saves late on but there was little he could do about Stewart’s wonderful effort in stoppage time.

A long ball forward picked out the former Liversedge man, who delicately lofted the ball over the keepers head and into the back of the net.

That’s 12 goals in 3 games for the Cobbydaler’s who make it 3 wins from 3 now as the season begins to draw to a close.

Just two league games to go and next up is another South Yorkshire away day this Wednesday, as we head down to Penistone Church for a 7:45pm kickoff.

 

 

After Tuesday’s win over Bottesford, we spoke to First Team Manager Matt Cavanagh who discussed the progress of Silsden across all aspects of the club:

“We are always looking to progress as a team and a club.”

“You can measure progress in many ways:

It’s a positive to break that barrier of points but this group should be doing that with the quality that the group has, let’s remember that. The team has being established to compete with the teams at the top, and sadly, we will miss out on our goal to make the play offs. Good luck to the four teams that have made it, the league table doesn’t lie and they deserve to be there, especially the Bradford sides!

As coaching staff, we feel key individuals have come on leaps and bounds and you can see that by their performances throughout the season which is great to see and very rewarding!”

We have seen clear progress in lads stepping up and representing the first team and settling in well. Our pathway from the WY League side is there to be seen with the likes of Dan Smith, Mo Conteh, Jay Sheen, Adam Hartley, Danny Hunt and Alex Stewart all stepping up to represent the club within the NCEL. Not only that, we have seen Mark Hoban and Tez Ryan, along side Mo and Alex represent the WYL league competition side.”

“Our next step will be to create our junior pathway, which will see some of our 17s/18s make the step up next season to senior football:

Away from the pitch and behind the scenes the club is working hard in ensuring we provide the best possible facility for the players. Pitch improvement was a key area of focus last season and if you look at it now in April it’s in great condition.

The committee and volunteers go the extra mile in ensuring we provide the best service and environment for visitors. Within the sports club you can see improvements and decorations that ensure we are providing a top class facility. The hospitality suite, continuous to be a great place to enjoy refreshments on a Saturday and a Sunday morning for junior parents.

Thanks to Paul, Kev, coaches and parents, we have had numerous teams come and be mascots this season and play mini curtain raisers, which is great to see and really important to me that they feel included and enjoy being with the first team lads.

⁠Kev, Paul and the junior team have worked really hard behind the scenes and have being constantly battling against the weather.
We have great numbers representing all ages and the development of our girls section is their to be seen. It was great to see last Saturday the amount of girls representing Silsden, sadly In awful weather!

Liam and the coaching staff are doing an incredible job with the ladies side. You can see the passion they have for ensuring the girls are given the best opportunity to thrive. Gaining promotion, a clear way of playing and brilliant role models for our younger children who one day will aspire to be like them.

Finally, reaching the last 32 of the FA Vase for the first time in the clubs history was a great achievement and great away trips for those followers.”

“I just want to put out one final message to everyone involved with the club or interested in becoming involved, have we made progress? Do you want to be apart of it? Coaches, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and the community, get down and get in touch because it’s a fantastic football club to be apart of!”

Thanks,
Cav

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 4-2 Bottesford Town

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 2nd April 2024

Office Interiors Stadium – Att:101

TEAM DETAILS

Rabone, Cromack, Barnes, Daly, Cassidy, Clayton (Harris, 85′), Connolly (Gardner, 71′), Maltby, Price, Thompson (Hudson, 60′), Stewart (Roper, 85′)

Subs: Smith

MATCH REPORT

Silsden ended their home league campaign on a high with an exciting 4-2 win over a youthful Bottesford Town side at the Office Interiors Stadium yesterday night.

A lightning fast start to the game saw three goals in the opening 10 minutes; Sils leading 2-0 through Casey Stewart and Kayle Price before Donovan Day hit back for the visitors.

Price restored the two goal advantage on 17 minutes but Town once again hit back through Day to bring an end to an exciting first 45.

For the second time in just three days, Price would find himself taking home the matchball as he grabbed his hat trick late in the second half, bringing his goal tally to 24 for the campaign.

After just five minutes, we would take the lead courtesy of a Stewart strike, picking up the ball on the left wing, cutting inside and unleashing a low shot the beat the keeper at the near post.

That lead was doubled just two minutes later.

Nash Connolly raced onto a throughball and unselfishly squared to Price who had the simple job of tapping into the empty net.

The exciting action continued just a minute later but this time at the other end, 17 year-old Day raced 1v1 with Jay Rabone before lifting a composed finish into the roof of the net.

There was plenty of time for both sides to grab goals before half time.

On 17 minutes Price grabbed his second, reacting quickest after the keeper spilt a routine shot to poke home from close range.

A mistake at the back allowed the visitors back into the game, with Day again able to latch onto a loose pass before rounding Rabone and finishing into an open goal.

The second half began in stark contrast to the first as it took until 65 minutes for the first real chance of note for either side.

Stewart looked to add his second of the game from a 25-yard set piece but the keeper got down well to make a smart save.

He again went close on 74 minutes, his volleyed effort was again well saved by the feet of the keeper.

Price would eventually secure the three points with his second consecutive hat trick, Stewart cut the ball back to the in-form man who made no mistake from close range.

The win sees us break our record NCEL Premier Division points total and shows the progress we are making as a club.

Speaking after the game, Matt Cavanagh said:

“We’re pleased to come away with three points against a side who have picked up some positive results against good sides recently. It was a great start with two early goals but then we let ourselves down by not doing the basics well enough in our defensive third or in and out of possession. Overall however, we saw some great movement and combinations which caused plenty of problems for Bottesford.”

 

 

 

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 4-3 Penistone Church

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 30th March 2024

Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 231

TEAM DETAILS

Rabone, Cromack, Barnes (Harris, 86’), Daly, Cassidy, Clayton, Brooksbank (Conteh, 87), Maltby, Price (Smith, 90), Thompson (Roper, 71), Stewart.

Subs: Gardner

MATCH REPORT

Silsden and Penistone Church played out a 7-goal thriller at the Office Interiors Stadium yesterday with the hosts coming out 4-3 winners.

In an action packed first half Nathan Keightley opened the scoring for Church before Kayle Price levelled with an indirect freekick inside the penalty area.

Despite going behind through former player Lennon O’Grady, the Cobbydaler’s hit back with two quick goals courtesy of Luke Brooksbank and Price to take a 3-2 lead into the break.

Again Keightley scored for the visitors to restore parity but moments later Price’s looping header secured both his hat-trick and the three points for Sils.

Church’s first attack of the game brought the first goal as Keightley found space inside the box before smashing home beyond Jay Rabone.

Controversy then struck on 10 minutes as Silsden were awarded a indirect freekick inside the box following a contentious ‘back pass’ picked up by the keeper.

Price stepped up to the rolled pass and fired a right-footed strike into the bottom corner through a crowd of bodies.

Penistone wasted no time in restoring their advantage.

Another former Cobbydaler Ant Brown saw his initial effort saved before O’Grady was able to force home from close range on the rebound.

A quick throw in proved fruitful for Sils on 35 minutes, ending with Brooksbank finding a half-yard in the penalty area before turning smartly and placing the ball in the corner.

The turn around was complete just minutes later.

Brooksbank and Jake Maltby combining well with the latter’s deflected effort falling to Price who added his second with a well-placed finish.

After the interval Church looked for a way back into the game and they would equalise on 63 minutes.

A long goal kick was misjudged by Rabone who spilt into Keightley’s path to rifle home into an empty net.

Once again an almost instant goal restored the Cobbydaler’s lead.

A recycled corner ended up at the feet of Brooksbank whose pinpoint delivery was met by the head of Price to loop the ball magnificently into the far corner.

Silsden had some defending to do late on and both Ross Daly and Adam Clayton showed their experience with Daly making a fantastic clearance in his own six yard box before Clayton’s superbly timed sliding challenge denied Brown a scoring opportunity.

Whilst the playoffs now look a forgone conclusion for both sides, it was a great game of football from the two sides, with Silsden moving up to 10th whilst Church remain 7th.

Up next for the Cobbydalers is the visit of Bottesford this Tuesday.

 

 

MATCH DETAILS

Emley AFC 1-2 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 16th March 2024

Fantastic Media Welfare Ground

TEAM DETAILS

Rabone, Kilner, Stewart, Daly, Cassidy, Clayton, Connolly (Smith, 77′), Maltby, Price (Barnes, 90′), Cromack, Brooksbank.

Subs: Conteh, Hunt, Roper

MATCH REPORT

Silsden made it three wins in a row with a fantastic 2-1 victory away to NCEL Premier League leaders Emley yesterday afternoon.

Casey Stewart’s first half freekick opened the scoring before Luke Brooksbank doubled the Cobbydaler’s advantage in the second half.

Determined defending kept the Pewit’s out until Alex Metcalfe forced home on 89 minutes, but it wasn’t to be for the hosts as Silsden took home a well-deserved three points.

The first real opportunity of the game fell to Silsden’s Brooksbank on the quarter of an hour mark as he met Jake Maltby’s cross inside the penalty area but sent his effort over on the stretch.

Emley weren’t without chances of their own however as James Walshaw looked to add to his 27 goals for the campaign, only to be denied by an impressive diving save from Sils stopper Jay Rabone.

If that first save was good, what came next from the 19 year-old was even better.

A scramble from a corner looked to be heading into the net before Rabone brilliantly scrambled back to claw the ball off the line and ensure the score remained level.

The deadlock was broken just five minutes later as Stewart stepped up and curled an unstoppable 25-yard freekick around Emley’s five-man wall and into the back of the net.

With the hosts on the back foot, Nash Connolly would have an opportunity to double the lead just before the break, finding space inside the box and unleashing a powerful strike that was well tipped over by Alex Petrovic.

After the interval, the Cobbydalers survived a few scares, initially Adam Clayton was forced into a smart interception inside his own six yard area, the resulting corner being volleyed inches wide of the upright.

Don’t take your chances and you will be punished and that’s just what Silsden did to the hosts on 66 minutes.

Brooksbank picked up the ball on the left wing before driving inside and firing a fierce strike on goal that Petrovic could only get fingertips to before it ended up in the goal.

The danger was far from over for Sils as Emley continued to look for a way back in the game.

They thought they’d halved the deficit on just moments after the goal from a corner, but the skipper Ross Daly was there on the line to make a crucial clearance.

With the game clock ticking down, both sides would have chances, Emley’s Walshaw dragging a shot wide of the post while Brooksbank’s effort from close in was smothered well by Petrovic.

Metcalfe’s late strike for Emley did make for a nervy final few moments but Silsden were able to hold on and bring the three points, a good save from Petrovic to deny Kayle Price on 93 minutes the only thing standing between an even sweeter result for the visitors.

The result see’s Sils remain 10th in the table on 49 points, with a rearranged trip to Barton Town on Tuesday night followed by a Non-League Day Bradford Derby against Eccleshill this Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 2-1 Rossington Main

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 5th March 2024

Office Interiors Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Rabone, Cromack, Stewart, Daly (Kilner, 38′), Cassidy, Clayton, Connolly (Smith, 80′), Maltby, Price, Hudson (Conteh, 85′), Brooksbank.

Subs: Busfield, Wilkinson

MATCH REPORT

Silsden made it two wins out of two with a hard-worked 2-1 victory over 4th placed Rossington Main at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday night.

Ellis Hudson gave us the lead just before the interval with a well-taken spot kick before a towering Ben Young header levelled for Rosso on 50 minutes.

Casey Stewart’s deflected freekick just six minutes later proved to be the winner as Silsden defended well and held on to claim a fantastic three points.

With the game delayed by 15 minutes due to traffic, Adam Clayton almost gave Sils the perfect start as his controlled volley was clawed away well by Jim Pollard in the Rossington goal.

Manasse Kianga looked threatening for the visitors and had a good opportunity to open the scoring just 10 minutes in, luckily Jay Rabone was off his line quickly to snuff out the danger.

The end-to-end action continued as we looked to counter from a Rosso corner, Jake Maltby picked out Luke Brooksbank, the winger racing into the box before seeing his effort once again saved by Pollard.

Unfortunately, an injury to captain Ross Daly forced him off on 38 minutes but we would have better luck just three minutes later as Kayle Price was brought down inside the penalty area.

Hudson stepped up made it double figures for the season as he rifled home from 12-yards to give us the lead heading into the break.

Whatever the Rossington manager said at halftime had an impact as they levelled just five minutes after the restart.

A floated corner found the head of Hunter who buried his header beyond Rabone to make the score 1-1.

Parity wouldn’t last long however, set-piece specialist Stewart stood over a freekick in a dangerous area and hit a low strike that took a nick off a defender before nestling into the bottom corner of the goal.

Stewart looked to add to his tally with a number of efforts, initially he looked to curl one from distance with Pollard making a comfortable save.

Moments later he drove into the box but his shot was once again straight at the Rosso stopper.

Dan Smith had a chance to add our third goal as Brooksbank set him free down the right wing, he used his pace to sprint into the penalty area before lashing his shot narrowly wide of the top corner.

There was little action beyond that and we held out for the three points. The win seeing us move up to seventh in the table, seven points off the playoffs with seven games to go.

We’ve no game this weekend but we play host to Knaresborough Town in the League Cup Quarter Final next Wednesday.

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 4-0 Handsworth FC

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 27th February 2024

Office Interiors Stadium

SQUAD DETAILS

Rabone, Cromack, C.Stewart, Daly (Hunt, 90′), Cassidy, Clayton (Hartley, 90′), Connolly (Smith, 83′), Maltby, Price, Hudson (Conteh, 85), Brooksbank (A.Stewart, 90′)

MATCH REPORT

An action packed encounter at the Office Interiors Stadium on Tuesday saw us run out 4-0 winners over Handsworth FC.

Ellis Hudson’s first half penalty gave us the lead before Jake Maltby doubled the lead on the hour mark with a cool finish into the top corner.

A corner brought our third goal with both Ross Daly and Adam Clayton claiming the final touch (one for the dubious goals committee) and Jake Cassidy’s powerful header rounding off the scoring.

Handsworth would have the ball in the net early on as Mason Barlow squared for Alfie Dodsworth, thankfully the linesman’s flag went up.

Hudson had the chance to put us ahead on 16 minutes following a handball in the penalty area, the former Bradford man making no mistake from 12 yards.

Nash Connolly has impressed since his signing from Garforth and almost added a second when a loose ball broke to him inside the box, only for an acrobatic save from Dylan Parkin denied him.

After, the visitors began to threaten with efforts from Dodsworth and Shaun Tuton drifting just wide of Jay Rabone’s post.

Their best chance would come on the counter, a two-on-one situation at the back allowed Tuton space in the area with the striker looking to pick his spot.

Brilliantly, midfielder Maltby found himself in the perfect position to hook clear off the line and deny Handsworth their leveller.

Matt Cavanagh describes Maltby as Silsden’s box-to-box engine and he provided further evidence of that after the break as he raced onto Casey Stewart’s through ball before composing himself and firing a superb strike into the top corner.

With the game entering the final ten minutes, we began to pull away on the scoresheet.

Stewart once again providing a dangerous corner, Daly looked to have poked the ball goal bound, with the final touch deflecting beyond Parkin.

Admittedly the angle was hard to see who got the final touch with credit going to Adam Clayton officially, but i’ll leave it to those two to decide who claims that one!

The icing on the cake came on 87 minutes as another set-piece found Cassidy, the centre-forward turned centre-half rising highest and powering home an unstoppable header.

There was still time for Kayle Price to see a headed effort cleared off the line before the referee blew for fulltime, leaving us with a resounding 4-0 victory.

We take on another South Yorkshire outfit in the form of Penistone Church this Saturday, an away day this time round.

MATCH DETAILS

Tadcaster Albion 2-2 Silsden AFC

Silsden win 4-3 on penalties

NCEL League Cup Second Round

Tuesday 20th February 2024

So-Trak Stadium

SQUAD DETAILS

Rabone, Hunt, Kilner, Daly, Harris, Barnes, Brooksbank (Craig, 85’), Maltby, Price, Hudson (Cromack, 67’), Stewart

Subs: Hartley, Oddy, Clayton

MATCH REPORT

In an eventful league cup second round tie at the So-Trak Stadium, Silsden claimed shootout victory over Tadcaster after a 2-2 draw.

The Cobbydalers took an early lead through Jake Maltby before goals from Junayd Cassius-Gill and Jordan Hines gave the hosts the lead.

Kayle Price quickly restored parity after the break but Arley Barnes, playing his 300th game for Sils, was sent off on 81 minutes making for a nervy end to the game.

With the match heading to spot kicks, the visitors held there nerve to convert all their penalties with Jay Rabone saving the crucial kick to send Silsden through.

Having faced each other just a few weeks ago, the Cobbydaler’s were keen to get off to good start against a well-drilled Taddy side.

They did just that on three minutes as Maltby picked up the ball inside the penalty area before dispatching a side footed effort beyond the keeper for the opener.

That lead wouldn’t last long however as on 15 minutes Cassius-Gill found space inside the box following a set piece and fired home the leveller.

Good play down the right gave the hosts their second goal.

A low cross found Hines unmarked in the middle and the winger struck home calmly.

Tadcaster could have doubled their advantage just before the interval but Rabone made a great stop with his feet to deny them.

That save proved crucial as Silsden drew level just after half time; Price finding space inside the penalty area before turning and firing home.

Silsden would gain a man advantage on 73 minutes following a sin-bin for Conor Qualter, this lasted just eight minutes as Barnes picked up a second yellow on 81 minutes.

Despite this, the game went to penalties and Taddy stepped up first.

Dan Thirkill buried his spot kick before former Brewer Casey Stewart stepped up and repeated the feat.

Former Sils man Joe Crosby stepped up and smashed his penalty onto the post.

Success’ then followed for Cromack, Norman, Price, Ibrahimi and Maltby respectively leaving the score at 4-3 to Silsden heading into the final penalty.

Ben Tweed stepped up to take for the hosts but saw his kick brilliantly denied by Rabone to send The Cobbydaler’s through to the 3rd round.

The win sets up a tie with Knaresborough on March 13th, before then Sils have a Bradford Derby in their sights with a trip to Eccleshill this Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS

Silsden AFC 1-2 Garforth Town

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 17th February 2024

The Office Interiors Stadium – ATT: 168

SQUAD DETAILS

Rabone, Barnes, Kilner, Daly, Harris, Clayton (Hunt, 75′), Connolly (Smith, 81′), Hudson (Brooksbank, 65′), Price, Maltby, Stewart (Craig, 85)

Subs: Thompson

MATCH REPORT

Silsden fell to a 2-1 defeat against a quality Garforth Town side at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday.

A slow start from the Cobbydaler’s allowed the visitors a two goal lead before the break with Charlie Marshall and Rinor Ejupi finding the target.

Whilst Arley Barnes late header provided some hope, they were unable to find a leveller in the dying moments and the Miners came away with the three points.

Garforth came out of the blocks quickly and would have a great opportunity just four minutes into the game.

After catching Silsden on the break, Matt Antcliff found himself with acres of space inside the box but his low strike was brilliantly saved by the feet of Jay Rabone.

The reprieve didn’t last long however, a long ball forward found Marshall running into the penalty area who rifled home the opener with a powerful half-volley.

Rabone would again be called into action moments later when Marshall again raced through, this time the keeper got down well to make the save.

Opportunities were few and far between for Sils in the first half but both Ellis Hudson and Kayle Price went close.

First, Hudson picked up the ball from a deep corner, controlled and fired on goal only to see his strike tipped over by Harry Flatters.

Price then did brilliantly well to control a long ball and drive into the box, unfortunately his strike curled narrowly wide of the upright.

The Miners would double their lead on 39 minutes however as fullback Ejupi raced into the penalty area and slotted home with a composed finish.

After the interval, Garforth continued to look to extend their lead and they went close through Marshall once more.

The pacy striker broke beyond the Cobbydaler’s back line before smashing his effort well over the top of Rabone’s crossbar.

Whilst Silsden did begin to take control of possession, the Garforth defence kept opportunities to a minimum for the hosts and it wasn’t until the 87th minute that Sils were able to find a breakthrough.

Luke Brooksbank’s corner was met at the nearpost by Arley Barnes who nodded expertly beyond Flatters to give the hosts a glimmer of hope.

Despite some sustained pressure, Silsden couldn’t find an equaliser and Garforth were able to hold out for a 2-1 win.

The result sees Sils remain 8th in the NCEL Premier Division but with a break from league action this Tuesday as the long awaited trip to Tadcaster for the League Cup second round looks likely to be going ahead.