Silsden AFC 3

Colne 2

A LATE Reece Kendall strike ensured that Silsden maintained an unbeaten start to the 2018/2019 pre-season, as they overcame Evo-Stik North side Colne.

A much-changed Silsden side saw club captain Josh Kaine rested, as Dan Illingworth took the armband.

The game started in a competitive fashion, which was unsurprising given this was somewhat of a local derby.

The chances started flowing early on, as Colne had an effort saved well by Callum Jakolevs, while at the other end of the pitch, Luke Rhodes charged forward from the halfway line, but saw his long range effort blocked.

The breakthrough came after just 12 minutes when a dangerous free-kick was whipped into the area where stand-in captain Dan Illingworth took advantage of a free header to nod home the opener for the hosts in Saturday's clash.

Silsden continued to threaten. Will Storrie on multiple occasions caused the visitors a headache down the right hand side, but his balls into the area couldn't be converted.

Colne did have the ball in the net after 22 minutes. A ball over the top slipped in the forward who raced clear to lob the keeper, but was to find the linesman with his flag up.

Silsden looked dangerous throughout the half, as they counter attacked frequently.

Late into the half it was nearly two when Kyle Hancock forced a great save from the keeper.

The Cobbydalers did indeed double their lead on the stroke of half-time. Lee Spires with some fantastic hold up play to tee up Mark Everingham from all of 30 yards out, and he duly took his chance with a beautiful curling effort into the top corner of the Colne net.

Silsden manager Danny Forrest rung the changes at the break, Kaine, Tomas, Barnes and Bentham replaced Lyndon, Storrie, Rhodes and Moses.

The second half began in the same fashion as the first had ended, as Silsden pressed again.

But it was to be the visitors who would to seize the initiative first. Former Silsden AFC striker Nicky McNally, on trial at Colne, did well to round Jakolevs and slot home to give Colne hope of a comeback.

Silsden huffed and puffed in an attempt to put the game to bed. Kirby hit the side netting, before Lee Spires' attempt at a delicate chip just rustled on the top of the netting.

After 76 minutes, though, the visitors drew level. Nicky McNally again involved as he persevered to win a penalty, after being felled by the Silsden keeper. McNally stepped up to fire the spot kick in off the crossbar.

The lead was to be short lived. From kick-off Silsden again went for the jugular. Full-back Reece Kendall found himself on the edge of the area, and did well to control and fire a low shot into the corner of the net to send The Cobbydalers back into the lead.

It could have been four late on, when Arley Barnes found himself in space in the area, but his effort forced a fantastic save from the Colne stopper.

Forrest is delighted with the way Silsden's pre-season is shaping up. He said: "I'm just really happy with the application of the players and coaching staff.

"We're identifying areas that need attention.

"So far it's good to see the lads trying to implement what we've done in training which we believe will help us grow and improve."