MATCH DETAILS
Maltby Main 0-1 Silsden AFC
NCEL Premier Division
Saturday 10th February 2024
Muglet Lane
MATCH REPORT
Silsden put an end to a six-game winless run with a 1-0 victory over a struggling Maltby Main side at Muglet Lane this afternoon.
In a relatively even NCEL Premier Division affair, it would be a first half goal from Sils debutant Nash Connolly that split the two sides and saw the travelling Cobbydaler’s head back to West Yorkshire with all three points.
With the recent poor weather, the Maltby pitch was in a muddy yet thankfully playable condition ahead of the game. Winger Casey Stewart looked to make a fast start as he fired in a near-post effort that was well saved by Louis Hood in the Miner’s goal.
The hosts would then begin to come into the game however, Jacob Rabone forced into a good low stop with his feet from a Jake Bradford shot before Rostslav Yaramenko fired wide of the upright after good build up play.
Connolly would go within a lick of paint of opening the scoring for Silsden just after the half hour mark, with Maltby failing to clear a set-piece allowing the winger to rifle in a low strike that rattled the post and went behind.
The former Garforth man would have more luck just five minutes later.
A brilliant run from Kayle Price down the left side of the pitch saw him drive into the penalty area before a dangerous cross along the six-yard box was met by the knee of Connolly to break the deadlock for the away side.
After the interval, the game took on a rather slower tempo with chances few and far between for both sides; Stewart’s wide, curling effort the only real opportunity of note for Sils early in the second 45.
New keeper Rabone has impressed Cobbydaler’s supporters with his shot stopping in recent weeks and was called upon again on 56 minutes.
After rushing out to punch clear, the ball dropped to Nathan Perks whose shot on the turn was met by a strong hand from Rabone to deny him.
The only other real second half opportunity fell the way of Price, as he looked to meet a Luke Brooksbank cross only to see his header hooked clear.
A fairly quiet second half then, but an important one for Silsden who pick up a crucial win to stop the recent poor run and climb the table to 9th.
There’s a chance to build on the result this Tuesday as we welcome Tadcaster to the Office Interiors Stadium.
