Silsden Academy came within seconds of forcing extra time in the Northern Alliance U19’s league Cup Final after a sterling second half performance, in which they were reduced to 10 men, but in the end fell victim to another last minute strike. The final against Fields AFC, which was played on a heavy pitch at Liversedge, was the proverbial game of two halves with each team being far the superior either side of the break. Silsden’s leading goal scorer Sam Rooke had equalised in the 56th minute and despite numerous chances to win the game it was Fields who took the trophy with a goal in the 93rd minute. Silsden had a clear opening in the second minute when Rooke flicked on to Lewis Barker but he shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat. It was typical of Silsden’s nervous start and again when Dunn had only the keeper to beat he struck the post. Silsden, in the opening 45 minutes, were a shadow of the team that had provided so much attacking flare and solid defending throughout the season. The first 20 minutes was a real scrappy affair with neither side passing the ball well. More