SILSDEN AFC 2 v 2 COLNE FC

Ryan 8, Morgan 52 Whitaker 26, Stansfield 70(pen)

ONCE AGAIN THE COBBYDALERS FAILEDTO HOLD ONTO THE LEAD

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When the Cobbydalers went one goal up after eight minutes they looked in little danger but two goal-keeping errors by Daniel Thorpe gave the Lancastrians the edge. Keeper Thorpe made amends with two fine saves to ensure the Cobbydalers a share of the points.

Schofield switched Rob Morgan into midfield with Steven Throup taking over at centre back. Danny McNulty replaced Jamie Longley. Kevin RYAN opened the scoring in the opening period when he latched on to Sean Airey’s through ball. The striker netted his sixth goal in four starts with a cross shot from the edge of the box which went in off the far post. The Cobbydalers looked comfortable without actually threatening the Colne defence. When Tinker did break through Thorpe was swiftly out of his area to clear the danger. Colne did manage to put the ball in to the Silsden net but the assistants flag had already been raised...much to the relief of Tim Hird whose misplaced pass lead to the breakaway.

When Colne left back Chris Whitaker crossed from the left, it looked as if Thorpe would gather the ball and initiate another attack. Without pressure from any attackers, Thorpe chose to allow the ball to go beyond the far post. Much to his chagrin, WHITAKER’s cross hit the inside of the side netting in the repeat of the goal which Phillis had conceded at Padiham.

Silsden’s response was swift, with McNulty rifling in Simpson’s cross. Saunders saved the effort at the expense of a corner. With the desire to snatch a swift equaliser, Silsden pushed too many men forwards. Colne broke down the right where Garbutt crossed low to the unmarked Tinker. Airey failed to clear but Thorpe made an outstanding save from Tinker to keep Silsden in the game. Minutes later, Silsden were once again caught stretched at the back. Fortunately Throup managed to run the length of the field to clear the danger.

The second half began with stalemate in the middle of the park before Rob MORGAN restored Silsden’s lead with a low shot from the edge of the box, which Saunders allowed to squirm under his body.

Shots from Sean Clifford (on for Thompson) and Hird tested Saunders before Colne netted their second equaliser. Once again the Silsden back line was all at sea. Tinker chased down a through ball, whilst the Silsden defence looked on in disbelief. Thorpe rushed out of his box but Tinker beat him to the ball. Tinker crossed into the box, where substitute Rosser and Nettleton had responded to the danger posed by Garbutt. Thorpe got back but upended the striker. STANSFIELD punished the errant keeper.

Danny McNulty nearly netted a spectacular equaliser. Killing the ball in midfield thirty yards out McNulty swivelled and volleyed right footed over the stranded Saunders. The ball went agonisingly wide.

From then on Colne looked the more likely winners. Rosser headed clear at the back post and Stansfield shot weakly following a cross by Brodrick. Colne thought they had netted the winner when Stansfield rose above the defence to head in from close range. Thorpe made a point blank save to give Silsden a share of the points.

Front men Ryan and Simpson were starved of possession for much of the game. Both Thomson and Hird in midfield are struggling for form and, too often, good opportunities fell away through misplaced passes. As a result the defence became stretched and exposed. However Silsden have to curb their desire to commit too many men forwards, especially when they are in the lead. The defence’s priority is to defend. The team has only failed to score in two of thirteen games played to date but they have yet to keep one clean sheet.

SILSDEN AFC Thorpe, Nettleton, Barraclough, Airey, R Morgan, Throup(Rosser), Thompson(Clifford), Hird, Simpson, Ryan, McNulty(Bathers).

COLNE FC Saunders, Pickup, Whitaker(Stansfield), Brodrick, Priestly, Johnson, Cruz, Tinker, Tindle, Crorken. Subs. dnp. Brennan, McNamara, Crocket.