MORE DRAMA AS SILSDEN HOLD ON TO TAKE A POINT

The North West Counties Football League Premier Division 2012-13

Tuesday, April 9th 2013.

The game as a contest might well have been over at the break had the visitors converted only a few of the chances they created in the opening half. McNulty had a fine shot saved in the opening minute bu Dave Moran and with the ball fizzing about in the yellows penalty box, it was a relief to see it cleared by Athletic's skipper, Callum Jones. On five minutes Gill fired McNulty's corner over the bar and the Chris Wademan shot weakly, having woven his way into the box. It seemed the Yellows could not get into their stride and were struggling to get to grips with the Sisden's forward's pace.

When they did get going a break down the Athletic left ended when Connor Gately shot across the face of Jordan Watson's goal when he should really have hit the target. A poor clearance by the Silsden keeper led to some Ashton pressure but the defence held firm and McEneaney cleared the danger. Both McEneaney and Moses supported the attack well, where the ever willing Wademan was his usual lively self. Fortunately when he did break through the yellows defence, he twice shot poorly across the face of the goal.

A half-chance at the for Ashton came to nothing as Gareth Grant blasted over the bar. Storrie on the right showed some nimble footwork for Silsden to created another chance for McNulty, but again the final effort was too high.

At the beginning of the second half Silsden were immediately on the back foot. Paul Hynes hit an effort over the bar before Gill cleared a dangerous cross. Wademan chased a back pass at the other end and the Ashton keeper Dave Moran was relieved to see the rebound go over the bar. Athletic were just as wasteful as the visitors had been in front of goal in the first half, Ryan Mason hitting another effort over. A deflection off Geary provided another chance but Martin Jackson joined in the fun...another shot over the bar!

Storrie found space on the Silsden right and threaded a ball inside to Wademan who found team mate RYAN who's shot took a massive deflection off Paul Casey and the ball spun into the far corner of Dave Moran's goal on sixty minutes. Five minutes later Bland saw red when tripping Paul Hynes who was through on goal. The Silsden wall was set but Watson got his bearings wrong and GATELY drove the ball into the corner from the free-kick. Minutes later with Ashton pushing for a second goal they got caught on the counter attack when Storrie broke beyond Paul Casey and crossed low into the box. JALIL just on as a substitute, with his first touch of the ball, steered it wide of Dave Moran to put the Visitors back in the lead on seventy minutes.

Athletic pushed for the equaliser as the extra man showed. Connor Gately and Gareth Grant both had efforts off target, whilst Gill cleared the danger on more than one occasion. Silsden did have one more chance, Moses hitting a delightful ball for McNulty to run onto but the ball was cleared upfield. Athletic were awarded a corner. Silsden failed to clear their lines and Elvis BANYIHWABE swivelled to net the equaliser from close range, after Martyn Jackson had won a decisive header. A last-ditch tackle from Jalil ensured that the Cobbydalers held on for a point.

The first half was certainly the visitors but the second half belonged to Ashton ... after going behind twice in the game [both goals coming on the counter attack] the lads showed great fighting spirit that will stand them well for the future games ahead.