ASHTON ATHLETIC FC 0 v 2 SILSDEN AFC

Lee 63, Douglas 85. Att.38

BOUYANT SILSDEN MAKE IT THREE ON THE BOUNCE

Manager Chris Reape was able to keep the same starting line up for the third match running, against a spirited Ashton Athletic outfit. Three seemed to be the order of the day; three wins, three clean sheets, six goals and this was the Cobbydalers three-hundredth league match in the North West Counties.

The Cobbydalers had to fight all the way, in a game where defences were on top for much of the time. The pitch was very greasy after heavy overnight rain and on odd occasions players could be excused for mistimed tackles and misplaced passes. Athletic had the first clear shot from Steve Cunningham, which Arley Barnes deflected for a corner. Ten minutes into the game, Danny Bryan broke into space down the right but shot wide of the target, with both Joe Gaughan and Andy Lee well positioned in the centre.

Athletic, driven on by Danny White, were pushing Silsden back, but the Cobbydalers defence, with the outstanding James Nettleton, stood firm. Only twice in the half did Athletic come close to scoring and, on both occasions, Chris Baguley shot across the face of the goal. Ten minutes before the interval, Silsden took the initiative. A flowing move involving Gaughan and John Douglas ended when Lee failed to get a strong enough contact on Barnes’ cross.

A superb ball up the left by Jake McEneany freed up Lee, who skipped past Lloyd Balazs and cut into the box. Liam Foster managed to block Lee but Silsden were able to maintain the pressure. Hargreaves crossed to the far post, where Gaughan saw his header parried by Jamie Scott. With the whistle about to blow Lee cut in from the right to reach the edge of the box. His left foot drive just cleared the bar.

Silsden started the second half as they had finished the first. Gaughan had a fizzing shot saved at the second attempt. Lee had a shot deflected for a corner. Hargreaves reached the cross at the far post but Balazs managed to scramble the header off the line. Athletic then created two chances. Danny Husband blocked a good effort from leading scorer Lee Barrett and then the striker fired over the bar, after an excellent break up the right.

Silsden took the lead on sixty-three minutes. Barnes threaded the ball through to Gaughan who swiftly found Lee in space. LEE coolly guided it wide of Scott to give the Cobbydalers the lead. With the third meanest defence in the league, the Cobbydalers were not to be denied. Every player chased hard to close down opponents. No one epitomised this more than Tim Hird, who fought for every ball. This season we are seeing a more mature Hird, who is more disciplined. Douglas encouraged the team to keep possession but the result was still in doubt.

Both Nettleton and Barnes headed clear, as White and Dunn tried to push Athletic forwards but Silsden, and Lee in particular, were always dangerous on the break. Ben Cartwright just managed to clear Lee’s header off the line. Cartwright then tested Mann with a low shot but the keeper had all his body behind the ball.

Darren Thornton, on for Gaughan, then freed Bryan down the right but when the ball reached Lee in the box, the striker’s touch was a tad too heavy. Finally, Silsden eased the manager’s nerves five minutes from time. Lee controlled a long ball and slid it to the unmarked Douglas. DOUGLAS drove it home from thirty yards out. Baguley still had one more opportunity but once again his shot was off target.

Assisstant manager, Danny Bolton, recognised the value of this win as a confidence booster and a supporter of Athletic praised the Silsden boys for their fitness levels and work rate. There was also considerable skill on show.

On Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain Runcorn Linnets FC

ASHTON ATHLETIC FC Scott, Balazs, Cartwright, Foster, Blundell(Cringle 46), Dunn, Cunningham, Cooke(Dunne A 62), Barrett, Baguley, White(Dixon 84) Subs not used. Dixon Wilkes.

SILSDEN AFC Mann, Barnes, McEneaney, Hird, Husband Nettleton, Bryan(P. Hanson. 85), Douglas, Gaughan(Thornton 65), Lee, Hargreaves(Williams 74)

Referee. Mr. D. McNamara