Dramatic homecoming for Silsden in FA Cup (From Craven Herald)

Dramatic homecoming for Silsden in FA Cup

10:15am Thursday 19th August 2010 in

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Silsden 2,Crook Town 2

A crowd just short of 230 witnessed an incident-packed first match at the Asda Foundation Stadium.

Silsden's return to their Keighley Road ground after a seven-and-a-half year spell at Cougar Park looked set for a fairytale start.

In what was the first FA Cup game to be staged in the town, they led 2-1 with just four minutes to go, despite having had to play more than half the match with ten men.

But an equaliser from Tom Appleby forced a replay, which took place last night.

Nevertheless, Silsden general secretary Peter Hanson said the opening day had been a big success.

“We were really pleased to get a big crowd. The facilities looked fantastic and the pitch looked fantastic. It will look even better when under floodlights.”

It looked like the party had been spoiled after just 20 minutes when Silsden’s Damian Whiteoak was sent off for a handball on his own goal line.

Connor O’Reardon slotted in the resulting penalty but the Cobbydalers refused to give in. They equalised in the 67th minute when Sam Heap converted the rebound after Lee Reilly’s spot-kick had been saved.

Three minutes later, the Cobbydalers were awarded another penalty and Heap stepped up to net his second.

Heap went close to clinching his hat-trick and Lee Thompson also nearly made it 3-1 before Crook snatched a replay.

oSilsden visit Maine Road in the league on Saturday, then take on Rossendale at homeunder lights on Wednesday.