The Toolstation Northern Counties East F. L. Premier Division 2019-2020
Tuesday 28th January 2020.
SILSDEN AFC 2 v 0 ATHERSLEY RECREATION
Foley 72, Sorhaindo 81. Att. 82.
COBBYDALERS SECURE MORALE-BOOSTING WIN
Silsden entertained Athersley Recreation at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium on Tuesday. After a day of heavy rain showers, it looked as if there might have been another postponement but the surface was fine. Once again a strong wind from the west was the main problem for the teams.
Athersley prop up the table, having only won 2 and drawn 3 of their first 21 games. However, after a dreadful start to the season, they have improved if not so much in points at least in the manner of defeats. In their first eight games, which were all lost, the goal count was, scored 2, conceded 48. In their ninth game they won 3-2 at Bottesford Town. After 21 league games their present goal difference is minus 59.
After a run of four defeats it was important that the Cobbydalers picked up some points against the league’s bottom team. Still without several first choice players, Danny Forrest re-signed Mark Trueman to add some experience to the team and gave under 18’s player, Connor Thompson his debut at left back.
The visitors played “with the wind” in the first half but, with the long ball catching on the wind, it wasn’t much of an advantage. The “Penguins” had the first attack but the first chance came to Silsden after Thompson crossed but Josh McKiernon headed over.
Dan Illingworth then slid the ball to Laurence Sorhaindo. His first touch saw him break forwards but he was halted by a defender. Athersley then wasted two opportunities, misreading the strength of the wind.
Silsden tried to open up the visitor’s defence and to maintain possession but neither McKiernon nor Danny Riley could get enough power on their shots. A counter attack followed but super defending by Kaine denied the visitors.
Both teams tried to master the conditions but too often the wind won. When Silsden were under pressure Kaine was supreme at the back and Trueman cleared up in mid-field with composure, nothing flashy, just skillful reading of the game, taking the sting out of attacks and maintaining possession.
The security at the back seemed to strengthen the front men`s resolve with Sorhaindo testing defenders on several occasions with his quick footwork and McKiernon moving into good positions.
With five minutes left before the break Athersley broke forward in a four-man move, with Amon Salmons crossing to Ben Walker who headed over. Left back Gregg Kidd hit a screamer but the bounce and the wind took it wide of the target. In the final minute of the half Sorhaindo skipped past two defenders in the visitor’s box before being denied by a superb tackle from Jack Shepard.
Silsden were soon on the attack after the interval. Sorhaindo broke forward before being denied again. Barnes had a shot saved and Riley another, which was cleared for a corner. A number of skirmishes led to several bookings (handbags basically) before Shane Kelsey took things further and was dismissed. Finally, the opener came with Trueman’s corner being headed home by right back Miles FOLEY.
A mention here must be made of the young left back Connor Thompson who had won the corner. With Mark Everingham’s injury, Silsden had struggled to find a full back who would support the attack as well as giving them another option. Thompson started off the move which eventually led to Silsden’s second goal, fully deserved, by SORHIANDO on 83 minutes. Athersley did make a last effort to pull a goal back but there was Kaine to clear the ball.
A vital win for the Cobbydalers, who entertain Handsworth on Saturday. The Ambers are one point below Silsden, having played five games fewer.
SILSDEN AFC. Higginson, Foley, Thompson, Kaine, Illingworth, Trueman, Barnes, Mitchell, Sorhaindo, McKiernon (Luke Hudson 64), Riley (Britton 64). Subs not used. Bentham, Forrest, Fairlie.
ATHERSLEY RECREATION F.C. Snaith, Briscoe, Birks, Miller, Shepherd, Bucknall, Purcell (O’Connor 88), Walker (O’Brien), Kelsey, Swinburn, Salmons. Subs. not used. Hutchinson, Wordsworth, Slater.
Referee. Mr. J. Waters. Assistants. Mr. R. Coller-Booth and Mr. G. Greaves
