Bootle 2-0 Silsden

A first day defeat at the hands of newly promoted Bootle was not how Silsden wanted to kick off the new “Vodkat” Premier league season.

On a hot afternoon in Liverpool, neither team played to their potential as many passes went astray resulting in a lack of rhythm to the game!

The Cobbydalers, with six players making their debuts for the club, wasted possession far too often, with long hopeful balls that were dealt with by a deep lying defence and a midfield that collected the loose ball.

Silsden’s own defence, which has rarely being breached during pre-season, looked solid again until the referee gave the home side the softest of penalty kicks in the 21^st minute. A ball into the box cleared two defenders and a striker, with goalkeeper Danny Thorpe collecting the ball. The whole 120 crowd was left gasping as the official indicated a push had taken place and Andy Flower slotted home the spot kick.

The final ten minutes of the half saw Silsden sustain pressure on the Bootle goal as a free kick was deflected for a corner. The resultant kick leads to a goalmouth scramble, Clifford raises an arm as he thinks he’s scored, but the official’s wave play on as the ball kicked off the line. Matthew Morgan finishes the first period with a 35 yard drive that dips narrowly over the crossbar.

The second half is much of the same fare. A lot of stop start and although Silsden have the ball out wider the forwards are unable to get a killer touch as balls fly across the area and to safety. Chris Simpson did make space for himself outside the box, but his left foot shot drifted wide of the post.

With both sides making changes, Silsden threw caution to wind, with extra attacker Adam Whiteoak coming on for defender Jerome White. Eventually home substitute Tom Obasi wriggled his way into the box, hit a weak shot that was blocked, the ball fell kindly to Dan O’Connor who was on hand to unleash a twenty yard strike and settle the game.

Manager Paul Schofield was disappointed with his side’s performance, “We had a lot of new faces in the side today, but that is not an excuse for today’s poor showing. Pre-season has gone now and were all playing for points, it’s time to stand up and be counted, starting Wednesday at home”.

The league campaign continues this Wednesday’s, 12^th August, home fixture v Padiham at Cougar Park (7.45pm ko).

Saturday 15^th August is FA CUP Extra Prelim day and local rivals Colne visit Cougar Park for a crucial tie (3pm ko).