Ramsbottom United 3 - 2 Silsden

Silsden’s first league defeat in 5 games came at a heavy price as Lewis Barker left the field injured and Martin Bland through a late red card.

With seven first team players not available, it was a new look side after the weekend cup defeat and a new formation that took the field at Ramsbottom.

The home side dominated possession for the first half but debutant goalkeeper Gavin Phillis only had one save too make in the fortieth minute when he kept out a far post header.

The second half was much the same as Silsden’s work ethic thwarted the home side until Lee Connell was given time to run at the defence and loop a long range shot high and over the stranded Phillis. Barry Massey then doubled the lead on 70 minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the box after marker Rob Morgan had slipped in a challenge to win the ball.

The response was swift as substitute Pete Hanson, neatly side footed a deep left wing cross from Rob Barraclough to make it 2-1. After the sending off home substitute Matt Ellis made it 3-1 with a back heel that took a wicked deflection of James Nettleton and nestled in the bottom corner. Still the game was not up as Nettleton powered home a 25 yard screamer, but with time running out the equalizer failed to materialize for the “Cobbydalers”.

Manager Paul Schofield was upbeat with his side’s performance, “We had to cope with a lot of late changes today, and the side that played were fully committed and deserved something from the game”.

The league campaign continues this coming Saturday 05^th September v New Mills at Cougar Park (3pm KO).