Airey strikes to sink his old club (From Craven Herald)

Barnoldswick beat Silsden in deby as Airey strikes to sink his old club

9:07am Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport

Barnoldswick Town 2 Silsden 0

Two first-half goals were enough to earn Barnoldswick Town victory in Tuesday night’s North West Counties Premier Division clash at the Silentnight Beds Stadium.

Town started off shooting towards the Barn End and had an early chance when former Silsden winger Andy Lee found himself one on one with the keeper, but was unable to score.

As the half wore on Town started to turn the screw and were looking the better side. Chris Wademan picked up the first of Silsden’s five bookings with a late challenge on Tom Bradley.

A minute later and Town were 1-0 up when Shaun Airey turned his man and in one movement smashed the ball into the top corner.

Silsden tried in vain to respond straight away as Joe Gaughan found some space from 25 yards out and let fly but his shot went over the bar.

Josh McNulty put in a dangerous free kick but another ex-Silsden man James Nettleton headed clear.

Kevin Ryan was the second player to be cautioned after 25 minutes for a late lunge on Billy Priestley which finished his game at half time.

A Bradley free kick saw top scorer Mark Threlfall attempt an overhead kick which he miscued straight to Lee who headed wide.

The second goal wasn’t long in coming. A set piece caused confusion in the Silsden penalty area and Danny Morton knocked the ball goalwards where Threlfall was on hand to net his 21st goal of the season.

Threlfall almost netted a third goal two minutes before half-time. His shot rebounded off the bar after Airey had stepped over a cross from Liam Blades.

From the resulting break Billy Carrington had to be quick off his line to deny Mike Garrod, diving smartly at his feet to clear the danger.

Morton, Blades Lee and Threlfall went close before Silsden had to replace keeper Jordan Watson who pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Hall.

Michael Garrod was cautioned for a late tackle and Matthew Moses joined him in the book for simulation.

Silsden did have the ball in the back of the net deep into injury time but the referee had blown the whistle long before it got there. Town are home on Saturday to Wigan Robin Park (3pm).