Silsden 1 Albion Sports 2

THE RETURN of the experienced Luke Richardson in midfield couldn't prevent defeat for Silsden in their fourth pre-season game against a very competitive Albion Sports.

Manager James Gill, who had come on as sub in the previous 2-0 defeat against Thackley, was in the starting XI, as was Jamie Longley.

Albion's front pair Danny Facey and Omar Habib combined well, testing the Cobbydalers defence early on before the visitors took an early lead.

In a crowded area, Silsden keeper Callum Jacovlevs, having just punched the ball clear, failed to gather a follow-up lob and Facey drove the ball home.

The home side had their first effort from Danny Forrest, who had drifted across the penalty area only to shoot narrowly wide.

On 30 minutes the visitors doubled their lead when Michael O’Brien chipped the ball into the Silsden area. Facey took the ball on his chest, held off Sam Jacomb and swivelled to volley the ball home.

A swift move involving Leon Smith and Danny Forrest set up Richardson, who drove the ball firmly but wide of the target as Silsden looked to respond.

Chris Wademan stole the ball on the half way and headed for goal. He reached the edge of the box but had three defenders bearing down on him. His persistence took him past two before he squared the ball to Leon Smith, who hit it home.

Twice illegal challenges halted Silsden breaks on the half way-line before a superb tackle from Josh Kane denied Facey his hat-trick just before half-time.

The first 15 minutes of the second half saw a succession of substitutions which led to reorganisation. The Cobbydalers wasted four free-kicks before found Richardson at the back post. The ball sped off the ground but Kyle Trenery tipped it over the bar.

The visitors were pushed back but Silsden could not find an equaliser, one corner being cleared off the line.

Gill’s initial assessment was “not good enough” but, in the cold light of day, the game was useful to get players match-fit. It was very competitive with some slick passing moves, especially from the visitors. Richardson and Kane had excellent games and there were cameos from the likes of Matty Moses, Will Storrie and Wademan.

There are still problems to be addressed and questions to be asked before the season starts with an FA Cup trip to Bridlington on August 6.

Silsden are away to Campion tomorrow, Harrogate Railway on Thursday and Hemsworth Miners Welfare on Saturday.