SILSDEN AFC 5 v 2 GLASSHOUGHTON WELFARE AFC

Simpson 45,56(pen) Malone 40, O.g. 45

Thompson 46,68,74 Att. 45

A HAT-TRICK FROM THE “MAGICIAN” BUT SIMPSON IS THE REAL STAR

The Cobbydalers recovered from a two goal deficit to net three themselves in a ten minute spell, spanning the half-time interval, to set up a mouth watering tie against Bradford Park Avenue on December 2^nd. Two further goals completed a comprehensive victory for the Cobbydalers.

With the transfer of leading scorer, Kevin Ryan to Ossett Town, manager Chris Reape had to adjust his tactics once again. Chris Simpson was asked to lead the line, whist Harry Thompson was moved inside to support him. Thompson was to go on to complete a hat-trick but it was the selfless running and hold up play of Simpson that was so vital in the Cobbydalers’ success.

Silsden were caught cold from the kick off when Rob Barraclough, at left back, was out of position. “Welfare” worked the ball down the right flank and Booth brought a fine save from Thorpe, before any other Silsden player had touched the ball. The pressure continued as Malone tested the keeper with a low drive on the wet surface.

Silsden’s first effort came from a free kick. Bland headed on and Simpson headed down but Thompson was thwarted by an interception by Cressley. The fullback also cleared Simpson’s low cross before the Silsden striker was denied by the Welfare’ keeper after good build-up play from Blackstock and Thompson. Cressley headed Kearns’ free kick wide at the other end before Barraclough broke up the left to set up another chance for Simpson.

Glasshoughton’s opener came out of the blue. Bland headed a corner clear of the penalty area. It fell kindly for MALONE who hit a superb volley into Thorpe’s net. Three minutes later the Welfare were gifted another. Kearns hit a low shot towards Thorpe’s near post. The ball squirmed under the keeper’s body, hit the post and rebounded, agonisingly over the goal line. Silsden were looking at a two goal half time deficit. Three minutes were added and in that time, Sykes parried Simpson’s free kick clear. Welfare squandered a chance to make it three, when they opened up a retreating defence and Silsden netted, SIMPSON breaking into the area to blast his shot wide of Sykes.

Silsden equalised from the restart when THOMPSON, finding himself in space at the edge of the area, shot low across Sykes to make it all square. The Cobbydalers were rampant. Finn had a long shot saved, before immediately shooting over after being put through by Simpson. Thompson then sent Simpson free in the box. The keeper upended the striker and SIMPSON struck home the spot kick. Longley replaced the injured Hird and Silsden began to open up a ragged defence. THOMPSON made it four with another low drive across the Welfare keeper. A great run by the magician set up Blacklock, who saw his shot deflected wide and then Barraclough crossed low and hard but there were no takers. Malone nearly netted his second following an astute pass from Kearns but it was Silsden who scored next. It was a classic. Barraclough received the ball on the left from Longley. He slid the ball to Simpson who immediately laid it off. THOMPSON looked up and curled the ball into the top corner.

The Cobbydalers took their foot off the gas but the visitors couldn’t take advantage. Forsyth, Booth and Malone contrived to miss the opportunity to net with only Thorpe to beat and Barraclough

cleared off the line when the follow-up corner was headed goalwards. Longley saw a rising drive tipped over in the final minute.

If nothing else, the games involving the Cobbydalers don’t lack fireworks. In twenty one matches to date Silsden fans have witnessed eighty-eight goals. No doubt Chris Reape would settle for a few one-nil victories at the moment!

SILSDEN AFC Thorpe, Hanson, Barraclough, Martin Bland(McNulty), Morgan, Finn, Blacklock(Kershaw), Hird(Longley), Thompson, Simpson, Whiteoak Subs dnp Russell, Bathers.

GLASSHOUGHTON WELFARE AFC Sykes, Smith, Cressley, Hazelden, Banks, Gibbons (Wood), Kearns(Matthews), Flower, Malone(Hayley), Forsyth Subs. dnp Harrison, Whittleston,