The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON

Cup ends at Crook for Silsden

By Declan Taylor - Thursday, 19 August, 2010

Contentious goal sees home team through in replay.

Crook Town 1-0 Silsden
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Extra Preliminary Round Replay
Wednesday 18 August
Millfield Ground, Crook Town FC
Click here for all results

Andy Appleby's contentious goal saw Crook Town dump Silsden AFC out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory. After the pair drew 2-2 in Saturday's initial tie, there was again very little to choose between the sides in the replay.

But Appleby struck what proved to be the decisive blow early on in the game when his effort ricocheted off the post and the referee ruled that it rolled just over the line.

Silsden piled forward in the second half in search of an equaliser but there was no way through Crook's stern defence.

"Silsden were very good in the second half," said Crook's chairman William Penman. "I didn't think the referee would ever blow the final whistle.

"I must say I couldn't see Appleby's goal, it's hard to comment. I heard the noise and I saw the referee gave it. But all the supporters who were there insist it was in and the referee got it right."

Silsden manager Mick Tilletson had no complaints about the goal and said Crook's experience made the difference in the end.

"It was a very crowded area," he said. "It was a tough decision but the linesman has given it.

"Both games were decent but they are a more experienced team than us. Our average age is about 20 while theirs between 25 and 30. It made the difference I think."