Match Details

Hallam FC 2-3 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Tuesday 6th December

Sandygate

Match Report

In an entertaining fixture at Sandygate last night, Silsden overcame both their opponents and the freezing conditions to secure a 3-2 win over Hallam in the NCEL Premier Division.

Despite going behind to a Keiren Watson strike, Ellis Hudson levelled things for the Cobbydalers with a superb curling effort just before the break.

Silsden added two more goals after half time, Hudson doubling his tally before defender Alex Laird made the score 3-1.

A late Hallam penalty made for a nervy end to the game, but an unbelievable last minute save from Silsden keeper Sam Kelly to deny his opposite number Hugo Warhurst secured the three points for the visitors.

For the first half hour of the game, neither side created anything major, Hallam fashioning a couple of half chances from set pieces including a half-volley that flew well wide of Kelly’s upright.

It would be the hosts who opened the scoring when a long ball over the top found Watson whose smart, low finish smashed off the near post and into the back of the net.

Playing uphill was always going to make for a difficult first half but the Cobbydalers battled hard and levelled the scores on 44 minutes.

After good work from Hudson and Lamin Janneh Gitteh won the visitors a corner, the ball dropped out to the former on the right wing and he curled in a trademark, left footed strike to restore parity.

Upon resumption of the second half, Silsden looked to set about their opponents and with the angle of the pitch behind them, quickly took the lead.

A Hallam defender couldn’t bring the ball under control outside his own box allowing Hudson to nip in and stroke a calm finish beyond Warhurst.

Things got even better for the West Yorkshire side just two minutes later.

A Talent Ndlovu corner was flicked on at the near post by Joe Crosby, with centre half Laird the man on hand to head home his first ever Silsden goal and make the score 3-1.

After the goal, the game began to settle once again, new Silsden signing Sumaili Cissa was denied a debut goal by the feet of Warhurst before Hallam headed a decent chance wide following a deep cross.

With the game nearing its end, Kelly would be called into action making a fine stop from point-blank range to deny the hosts.

On 88 minutes, the Countrymen we’re given a lifeline in the form of a spot-kick, Scott Ruthven converted, making for a nervy final few minutes.

Deep into added time, the hosts must have thought they had snatched a point when amazingly, keeper Warhurst connected sweetly with a half-volley, only to see it wonderfully tipped over by Kelly to ensure that Silsden would hold on for a valuable three points.

The result sees the Cobbydalers bounce back from two consecutive defeats and climb back up to 5th in the table. Another away day beckons this weekend with a difficult trip to Hemsworth MW on Saturday for a 3pm kickoff.

 

Match Details

Garforth Town 3-1 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 19th November

Bannister Prentice Stadium

Match Report

In a game of two halves, Silsden saw there five-game winning run in the NCEL Premier Division ended with a 3-1 defeat to high-flying Garforth.

First half goals from Dan Coupland, Nick Thompson and Sam Barker gave the Miners a 3-0 lead.

With Silsden chasing the game, Talent Ndlovu curled in his fifth goal of the season with a wonderful freekick but it wasn’t enough to bring the visiting Cobbydalers back into the tie.

Silsden’s Mark Hoban almost got them off to the ideal start, his half volley was tipped onto the post brilliantly by keeper Toby Wells, much to the midfielders dismay.

On 16 minutes the hosts would open the scoring.

Garforth caught Silsden on the break, sending a low cross into the box for Coupland to scuff home the finish.

It would be two just minutes later when a corner was given away cheaply and Thompson poked home at the near post.

Despite the Cobbydalers chasing the game, neither side created much until the 41st minute when another counter attack saw Barker set free inside the box, the midfielder slotting beyond Sam Kelly into the corner.

Ellis Hudson would have the opportunity to get one back before half time as a well crafted Silsden move allowed him to get a shot away from close range but the leg of Wells denied him.

After the break Silsden looked to pressure the Miners defence, winning a number of corners but to no avail, Joe Crosby also firing just over on the turn.

Whilst pressing forward, the visitors were susceptible to fast breaks, Carlton Pownall’s instinctive, last ditch challenge preventing James Burgess racing in behind.

Ndlovu would give Silsden a glimmer of hope on 78 minutes with a wonderful curling freekick, something their fans are becoming accustomed to seeing this campaign.

Garforth would hold on for the remaining minutes however, the defeat for Silsden a disappointing one but joint-manager Matt Cavanagh was still pleased with his sides performance:

”It might sound silly but I actually thought we played well as a team but we lost the game in a 20 minute bad spell in the first half which as we’ve discussed as team, we know isn’t acceptable

”I liked our control of the ball and the switching of play but I don’t think our craft and dial was there, it something we can work on and the lads know that”

The Cobbydalers will have the chance to put things right on Saturday as they host Bottesford at The Office Interiors Stadium, it’s a 3pm kick off for that one.

 

 

 

 

Match Details

Silsden AFC 5-1 Maltby Main

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 12th November

The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 212

Match Report

A five-star Silsden performance saw then come away 5-1 winners over Maltby at The Office Interiors Stadium on Saturday.

Two quick-fire Joe Crosby goals gave the Cobbydalers a 2-0 lead heading into the break.

An Ellis Hudson brace and a late Lamin Janneh strike rounded off an emphatic performance from the home side.

A late Ellis Simpson consolation strike did little to take the shine off the result.

Following a well observed minutes silence for Remembrance Day, the game got underway.

Silsden looked to assert there dominance from the first whistle, Ant Brown firing a low effort into the side netting early on.

On 13 minutes, Crosby opened the scoring when the Miners failed to clear a cross and Brown headed the ball back into his path.

The 20-year old volleying in from close range.

Just six minutes later Crosby would have his second.

Brilliant battling from captain Talent Ndlovu to win the ball in midfield before he slipped in Crosby who rifled beyond Dylan Parkin in the Maltby goal.

Chances would keep coming for Silsden, Mark Hoban seeing his effort cleared off the line before Jacob Smith headed over from a corner.

Straight after the break the Cobbydalers would grab their third.

Brown cut the ball back for Hudson who opened up and curled a wonderful strike into the top left corner via the crossbar.

Hudson would again get on the scoresheet on 75 minutes, Crosby’s unselfish cutback leaving the former Bradford City winger a tap-in inside the six-yard box for 4-0

Silsden’s fifth goal perfectly encapsulated the performance.

A quick counter attack saw the ball switched from right-to-left at a fast pace, Crosby grabbing his second assist of the game with a low cross that was tapped home by an unmarked Janneh.

Maltby captain Simpson did pull one back with a curling effort from range in added time.

That’s five wins from five for this high-flying Silsden side as they move up to 4th in the NCEL Premier Division table.

They face a tough task on Saturday 19th as they travel to third-placed Garforth Town for what is bound to be an exciting clash between two of the divisions top promotion hopefuls.

Kick off for that one is 1pm.

Match Details

Goole AFC 0-4 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 5th November

Victoria Pleasure Grounds

Match Report

Silsden ran riot yesterday afternoon with an impressive 4-0 win over Goole at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Ant Brown opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 15 minutes before Lewis Gardner grabbed his first goal of the season, with a wonderful solo effort.

The goals kept coming for the Cobbydaler’s as Joe Crosby made it three whilst Alex Stewart’s late finish rounded off an emphatic performance and made it four wins from four games.

Things almost got off to the perfect start for Silsden as Ellis Hudson raced through on goal, Alfie Neale in the Viking’s goal getting down well to deny him the opener.

Just 10 minutes later the visitors would open the scoring when the referee pointed to the spot after Brown was tripped inside the box.

Experienced striker Brown stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home for 1-0.

With their tails up, the Cobbydaler’s looked for a second, Talent Ndlovu testing the keeper with a low strike from range and Brown volleying narrowly wide from a corner.

On 42 minutes, young fullback Gardner powered forward on the left wing, cut into the box and beat two defenders before placing the ball into the far corner of the goal.

It was no less than Silsden had deserved and after the break, the pressure continued.

A long through ball saw Crosby race for a 50-50 with keeper Neale. Despite the latter getting there first, his clearance ricocheted back off Crosby and into the net.

The 20-year-old’s first goal since joining from Harrogate Railway just two weeks ago.

Things went from bad to worse for the Viking’s as on 78 minutes, midfielder Reece Kral was given his marching orders for multiple instances of dissent.

With the game nearing its end, substitute Lamin Janneh laid the ball off to Stewart who opened up and unleashed a fierce, low drive beyond Neale at the front post.

Another good result for Silsden who climb to 5th in the NCEL Premier Division table with 28 points from 15 games.

The Cobbydaler’s take on Maltby Main at The Office Interiors Stadium next Saturday as they look to continue the good form and remain part of the promotion chasing pack.

Match Details

Silsden AFC 2-1 Eccleshill United

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 29th October

The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 137

Match Report

A spectacular, late Silsden comeback saw them overcome local rivals Eccleshill 2-1 at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday.

Despite Fernando Moke opening the scoring for the Eagles in the first half, a 78th minute own goal levelled the game.

Former Eccleshill captain Talent Ndlovu then curled a wonderful 25-yard free kick into the top corner to hand the Cobbydaler’s the three points.

The games early exchanges were very end-to-end, first Luke Brooksbank cut in from the left but his driven effort was tipped over by Ed Wilczynski.

Silsden keeper Sam Kelly was then called into action, doing well to push away a Luke Sidaway strike.

Lamin Janneh was next to try his luck for the hosts, looking to chip the keeper after Kyle Hancock played him in behind, Wilczynski was able to hold on however.

Centre half Alex Laird, looking for his first goal in Silsden colours then saw his headed effort clip off the top of the bar.

At the other end, Sidaway almost opened the scoring, racing beyond a high Cobbydaler’s line before sending his shot flying well over the bar.

Eccleshill would open the scoring on 40 minutes, Moke controlling the ball inside the penalty area and sending a left-footed curling effort into the bottom corner.

Silsden opted for a change of personnel early in the second half, experienced striker Ant Brown coming on for Joe Crosby, his ability to hold up the ball allowing the wingers to create more chances for the home side.

On 78 minutes, the Cobbydaler’s snatched an equaliser.

A smart backheel from Brooksbank set Lewis Gardner free down the left wing, his cross was heading towards Brown in the centre before Takuo Jitsukawa got there first and diverted the ball beyond his own keeper.

Just 5 minutes later Silsden would grab the winner with a moment of brilliance from Ndlovu, stepping up and bending a free-kick into the top-right corner beyond a diving Wilczynski.

The midfielder’s third goal in as many games secured the three points for The Cobbydaler’s, handing them their third win on the bounce and sending them up to 5th in the NCEL Premier Division.

Two away games await them next, a trip to Hallam on Tuesday before they travel to Goole for Saturday’s fixture.

Match Details

Silsden AFC 3-0 Handsworth FC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 22nd October

The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 167

Match Report

Silsden made it back-to-back wins with a dominant 3-0 victory over fourth placed Handsworth at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday.

In a first half filled with chances for the hosts, Lamin Janneh Gitteh opened the scoring, before turning provider for Luke Brooksbank to smash home a second.

Talent Ndlovu then added the third from the penalty spot.

The game started well for the Cobbydalers, Janneh Gitteh having a number of opportunities in the first 20 minutes.

He first did well to create space inside the box before firing straight at Amber’s keeper Klearchos Filandras, then soon after his shot on the turn following a quick freekick ended with the same outcome.

Winger Ellis Hudson must have thought he’d opened the scoring on 23 minutes when his curling strike was brilliantly tipped onto the post by a diving Filandras, before Carlton Pownall smashed the follow-up over the crossbar.

Silsden’s early pressure had won them a number of corners and it would be one of these set-pieces that proved fruitful.

Ndlovu took to corner short to Hancock who delivered an inch-perfect cross onto the right boot of Janneh Gitteh, volleying home inside the six-yard box to give the West Yorkshire side a deserved lead.

Brooksbank would then add the second 8 minutes later, Janneh Gitteh again involved, sending a deep cross towards the back post where the talented wideman was able to bring the ball down and rifle beyond Filandras.

Into the second half and it looked like the visitors had pulled one back almost instantly, Leon Howarth placing the ball into the net before seeing his effort denied by the linesman’s flag.

That early chance wouldn’t unsettle the Cobbydaler’s however and Hudson, a recent signing from Bingley Town, quickly looked to take the game to the visitors.

His dangerous runs were causing havoc for the Handsworth left back and he almost added the third after a mazy dribble, his finish dragging just wide of the upright.

With the game heading into its final fifteen minutes, Joe Crosby, making his debut only day’s after his arrival from Harrogate Railway, was brought down in a the penalty area.

Ndlovu stepped up to calmly slot his spot kick into the corner to secure the three points for his side.

Crosby would have a chance for a debut goal in added time but saw his effort smothered by Filandras.

A very convincing win for Silsden, who keep their second consecutive clean sheet. The backline of Sam Kelly, Pownall, Jacob Smith, Alex Laird and Alex Stewart rarely putting a foot wrong and denying the Handsworth attackers any real chances of note.

The result sees the Cobbydaler’s climb to 6th in the NCEL Premier Division and they’ll look to carry that moment into the local derby with Eccleshill at The Office Interiors Stadium next Saturday.

After the game, manager Luke Lavery spoke on the result:

“Right across the pitch we did really well and that’s what we want to be about. Playing at pace, great shape, looking to take our chances and keep clean sheets.”

Match Details

Silsden AFC 2-0 Albion Sports

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 15th October

The Office Interiors Stadium – Att: 176

Match Report

Silsden put an end to their three game losing run with an impressive 2-0 victory over local rivals Albion Sports yesterday.

Two first half goals were enough to secure the three points for the hosts, with a Talent Ndlovu screamer opening the scoring before Luke Brooksbank smashed home his seventh goal in all competitions this season.

The Cobbydaler’s defence were threatened on a number of occasions but put in a solid display to ensure they kept the clean sheet.

With just under 15 minutes gone, Ndlovu found himself with space around 25-yards from goal, his precise, curling effort flew beyond the keepers reach and into the top corner, giving Silsden a 1-0 lead.

Only 10 minutes later, a defensive mix-up allowed young full back Alex Stewart to get to the byline and cut the ball back to Brooksbank whose low finish nestled into the far corner for the second.

Ant Brown would almost add a third after the half-hour mark when a miskick from Albion stopper George McMahon allowed the striker space to get his shot away, McMahon did well to recover and push the effort away however.

As the half continued, hard tackles were flying in from both sides, both Brown and Jacob Smith ending up in the book for late challenges.

After the break, chances were few and far between for both sides, until on 60 minutes an Albion corner caused havoc in the penalty area.

Sam Kelly did well to get down to the initial effort before Stewart was on hand to get the ball away from danger.

At the other end, Brooksbank will likely be wondering how he didn’t grab a second, his close-volley pushed away by McMahon when it looked inevitable he would score.

The visitors then looked certain to pull one back on 77 minutes but centre half Smith had other ideas, throwing his body on the line to deny them; a magnificent piece of defending from the 18-year-old.

With the game coming to a close, Brown would see himself sent off for persistent fouling, picking up a second yellow with only seconds of the game to go.

The result sees Silsden climb back up to 8th in the table in what is proving to be a tight season in the NCEL Premier Division.

Next week sees Handsworth visit The Office Interiors Stadium as The Cobbydaler’s look to build on yesterday’s result and continue to push towards the top end of the table.

Match Details

Emley AFC 3-0 Silsden AFC

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 8th October

The Fantastic Media Welfare Ground

Match Report

A huge crowd of over 500 watched on as a travelling Silsden were defeated 3-0 by a high-flying Emley side yesterday.

Goals from Iyrwah Gooden, former Cobbydaler Joe Jagger and Paul Walker were enough to hand the Pewits the three points.

Things could have gone differently on another day with the visitors having their fair share of chances but a second defeat in under a week sees Silsden slip down the table to 12th.

The opening exchanges saw opportunities for both skipper Kyle Hancock, screwing an effort from the edge of the box wide and Luke Brooksbank who made a great run into the six-yard area before mistiming his finish and sending the ball past the upright.

Two quick fire goals from the hosts then completely changed the game.

Gooden opening the scoring, latching onto a cross before poking beyond Sam Kelly for 1-0.

Just moments later, the Silsden defence were caught dallying in possession, allowing the division’s top scorer Jagger to smash home the hosts second.

From then on the Cobbydalers searched for a route back into the game, Ant Brown seeing a huge penalty shout waved away before Talent Ndlovu opened fire from distance only to see his effort fly narrowly wide of the post.

Opportunities weren’t in short supply for both sides, Gooden heading over the top from a corner before Josi Bradshaw had a low shot tipped round the post by a diving Dec Lambton.

The second half would continue in the same manner, Silsden defender Alex Laird putting his body on the line to deny Jagger a second whilst at the other end Lambton would deny both Bradshaw and Brooksbank in quick succession.

Silsden’s best chance would come on 65 minutes, brilliant work down the right from Ellis Hudson set Brown free near the penalty spot but the experienced striker sent the ball well over Lambton’s crossbar.

To sum up the visitors day, Emley would immediately go up the other end and score.

Despite Kelly’s best efforts, saving a powerful Jagger drive, the former Emley man was unable to prevent Walker’s headed rebound from dropping into the back of the net for three.

Kelly would then be called into action soon after, pushing away a long range free kick before recovering brilliantly to smother the rebound.

His determined resilience didn’t stop there either, the young stopper reacting quickly to turn a close range effort over the bar and prevent a fourth for the hosts.

Silsden have the opportunity to put things right on Tuesday in “The Train Station Derby” with Steeton. Kick off for The County West Riding County Cup first round fixture at Marley is 7.45pm.

Match Details

Ollerton Town 3-2 Silsden AFC

NCEL League Cup Second Round

Wednesday 5th October

The Fast Frame Stadium

Match Report

A late goal sent Silsden crashing out of the NCEL League Cup on Wednesday, as they fell to a 3-2 defeat away to Ollerton Town.

Despite starting slow and finding themselves 2-0 down, the Cobbydalers fought back with goals from Luke Brooksbank and Talent Ndlovu.

Just as the game looked to be heading to penalties, Town snatched a last-gasp winner to secure their place in the next round.

Silsden would get off to the worst possible start, Sam Kelly giving away a penalty after only seven minutes. The admittedly talented Alfie Dodsworth stepped up and opened the scoring.

The hosts continued to dominate the early exchanges, Dodsworth first curling narrowly wide before Kelly was forced into a stunning save, tipping over what looked a certain second goal.

Carlton Pownall and Finn Donovan would then both have opportunities just moments apart, the former seeing his stinging effort pushed clear then Donovan sending over after getting behind on the left.

Kelly would be called into action again before half-time, proving his quality with a brilliant diving save down to his left.

Just two minutes after the break, Ollerton and Dodsworth grabbed a second, curling a low freekick around the wall and into the bottom corner.

There was a glimmer of hope on 61 minutes, Ndlovu floated in a free kick that was spillled by the keeper, leaving young winger Brooksbank to smash home his seventh goal of the campaign.

With 15 minutes to go, Brooksbank came inches away from scoring with a flicked header cleared upwards towards the goal line, only for a defender to get back and head away from danger.

The equaliser would come just two minutes from time, Lamin Janneh’s low cross was swiped at by Brooksbank, but fell to Ndlovu unmarked at the back post to slot the ball home and make it 2-2.

Silsden would have been forgiven for thinking the game was set for spot kicks, but a lapse of concentration allowed Nathan Murr to smash home a winner and send the Nottinghamshire side through to the next round.

There’s a chance for the Cobbydalers to make amends this weekend with a league trip to face second-placed Emley on Saturday.

 

Match Details

Silsden AFC 2-0 Golcar United

NCEL Premier Division

Saturday 1st October

The Office Interiors Stadium

Match Report

Silsden returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at home to Golcar United yesterday.

A goal in each half for striker Josi Bradshaw gave The Cobbydaler’s the three points and sees them climb to 8th in the NCEL Premier Division table.

Golcar would create two chances early on, first sending a volley just wide from a corner before a shot at the back post could only find the side netting.

These opportunities were a wake up call for Silsden who began to push forward themselves. Bradshaw seeing a low effort turned round the post by Harry Stead.

Luke Brooksbank then almost opened the scoring after a low cross from Finn Donovan came towards him in the centre, but the young winger just couldn’t make contact with the ball.

Another opportunity fell his way from a corner with Stead being forced into a great reflex save before Jake Maltby was denied his first Silsden goal by a smart goal line clearance.

The deadlock would be broken on 22 minutes when Bradshaw raced onto a sloppy back pass, took the ball beyond the keeper and slotted into the empty net for his 5th goal of the campaign.

After the goal the game began to slow down, Brooksbank would have another chance before the break; Bradshaw this time looking to turn provider with a perfectly weighted through ball, only for the young winger to have his shot saved by Stead.

The second half took almost 15 minutes to provide any action of note, skipper Kyle Hancock curling a 25-yard freekick goalwards, Golcar’s keeper was there to tip it over however.

At the other end, the visitors would miss a gilt edge opportunity to level the scores when Leon Henry found himself unmarked at the back post, but he would somehow send his effort wide, much to the relief of the Silsden defence.

Sam Kelly would be called into action on 71 minutes, denying a wonderful overhead kick attempt, then just minutes later Kayle Price fizzed an effort narrowly wide of the right hand post.

Despite these chances, it would be The Cobbydalers who grabbed their second goal and secured the victory.

A moment of magic from Bradshaw as he picked up the ball in his own half, dribbled past a defender before firing a 25-yard looping effort over Stead and into the top corner: a goal worthy of winning any game.

The win sees Sils climb the table once again and they are beginning to establish themselves as part of the chasing pack in the league.

There’s a break from league action once again however, with a long midweek trip to Ollerton for the League Cup next on the fixture list.