SILSDEN AFC 1 v 3 MAINE ROAD FC

Ryan 53 Beckford 13, Self 33,

Chappell 29 Att 85

SILSDEN UNDONE AT SET-PIECES

The Cobbydalers, with the same outfit who won at Squires Gate a week ago, were off the pace against a slick Maine Road outfit at Cougar Park. Manager Chris Reape could not understand the character of the team which had competed so well in their last outing. Despite being outplayed in midfield, the manager was of the opinion that the Cobbydalers could have won this game with more commitment and discipline. “ We can’t expect to win if we keep conceding soft goals, everyone has to concentrate more on defence” said the manager.

The Cobbydalers were hardly in the game as an attacking force in the opening half where Maine Road’s skipper, Neil Chappell, was pulling the strings. The opening goal came from Brocklehurst’s corner. Silsden keeper, Daniel Thorpe, called for the ball but completely missed it and Liam BECKFORD volleyed it home at the far post. Neither Thorpe nor any of the Silsden defenders attacked Brocklehurst’s free kick in the twenty-ninth minute allowing CHAPPELL a free header from six yards.

Within four minutes the game was virtually over. With Longley high upfield on the right, full back David Blacklock was left exposed by Beckford’s pass down the line. Daniel SELF picked up the ball and after turning the full back one way and then the other, curled the ball beyond the reach of Thorpe.

As the half came to a close, Thorpe made a fine save at the feet of Crooks, who had broken through the square defence.

Reape brought on Damian Whiteoak and James Russell for Blacklock and McNulty, gambling with three at the back. The move nearly backfired when Brocklehurst cut in from the left hand touchline only to hit the post from a narrow angle with barely five minutes gone in the second half. Finally, Silsden were seen as an attacking force, when a long ball from Rob Morgan was flicked on by Chris Simpson to Kevin Ryan. RYAN turned his man on the edge of the box before volleying home, across the Maine Road keeper. The goal lifted the Cobbydalers. Bland denied Hibbert before Silsden were awarded a free-kick in the centre circle. Longley struck the ball firmly and Morgan climbed high to head the ball goalwards. The header beat keeper Jones but drifted just wide of the far post.

The Mancunians heeded the warning. Although Hird and Hanson worked hard, they couldn’t get a grip in the midfield where Maine Road created several openings with some neat football When Silsden did regain possession, they soon lost it with some wasteful passing. Thorpe got a good punch on Cheetham’s inswinging corner before saving well from Beckford, who was always a threat down the flanks. Morgan began to impose himself at the back with some commanding headers but Bland was lucky that Barraclough was on hand to deny Hibbert a clear opening.

Up front Kevin Ryan always posed a threat with his instant control and vision. His super ball to Russell saw the winger break through into the penalty area. His volley was powerfully hit, but marginally high. Silsden’s threat was over and Thorpe was once again in the action denying Self his second with a dive at the winger’s feet.

Next week the Cobbydalers entertain Abbey Hey, the division’s bottom club. However this won’t be a walkover. The Abbey suffered an undeserved defeat at home to Runcorn Linnets on Saturday having signed no fewer than seventeen new players from the likes of Mossley, Ashton United and Curzon Ashton. No doubt the manager will be focussing on team defending, especially at set pieces, this week.

SILSDEN AFC Thorpe, Blacklock(D. Whiteoak), Barraclough, Martin Bland, Morgan, Hanson, Longley(Bathers), Hird, Simpson, K. Ryan, McNulty(Russell). Subs dnp Dibb.

MMAINE ROAD FC Jones, McGregor, Jay, mason, Cresty, Chappell, Cheetham, Brocklehurst, Beckford(Stewart), Hibbert(Crookes), Self. Subs. dnp. Bailey, Robinson, Gittings.