Silsden 0

Farsley Celtic 3

WITH just over a week to go, Silsden manager Danny Forrest is beginning to plan for the opening fixture against Squires Gate.

The Cobbydalers had a tough workout last night against Evo-Stick Premier League visitors Farsley Celtic, who for much of the game were much sharper and slicker than the home side.

That said, Forrest had skipper Josh Kaine and goal machine Aidan Kirby on the bench, both of whom are suspended for the opening fixture against Squires Gate. Also absent was Kyle Hancock and Chris Wademan.

The visitors applied pressure from the kick-off and a defensive mix-up almost led to an opener in the third minute from a fierce drive from left-back Lewis Turner. Callum Jakovlevs made an excellent save before an Adam Clayton shot was cleared for a corner.

Silsden's first effort from Reece Kendall cleared the bar before Niall Sultan went close following another corner.

Twenty minutes in, slick passing from Celtic almost led to the opener but Dan Illingworth eventually cleared for a corner which Matty Moses headed clear.

Skipper Arley Barnes was injured midway through the half. He was replaced by Luke Rhodes.

The highlight of the half was a 30-yard thunderous volley from Celtic left-back Will Hayhurst. It drew rapturous applause from all quarters.

The Cobbydalers did have chance to equalise but Lee Spire took a touch to many in front of goal and was closed down.

Celtic should have extended their lead when they had a three-on-one break, Moses being the only man back. However a 'trialist' shot over.

Farsley netted a second five minutes after the break. The Silsden defence were looking for offside when Hayhurst drove the ball into the box. Nathan Cartman slotted the ball home. Ryan Watson added a third on 70 minutes after a break down the left.

Forrest brought on Kirby, Kaine, and Matty Tomasz. Immediately the gap between the teams closed.

Kirby harassed the Farsley defence, Tomasz's pace posed problems and Kaine's reading of the game closed the gaps in the defence.

Thomas almost created a goal before sliding a pass to Kirby, whose shot was saved by Kyle Kennery. Jacovlevs denied the trialist in the dying minutes.

It had been an entertaining game and allowed Forrest to try new tactics for the opening game, but it also reassured the fans that they can expect a competitive team to make sure the Cobbydalers make their mark after their promotion.

On Saturday the Cobbydalers and their under-21s entertain two teams from Carlisle before a visit to Ilkley next week.