Silsden kick off new year in winning style (From Craven Herald)

Silsden kick off new year in winning style

9:46am Thursday 5th January 2012 in Sport

Padiham 0 Silsden 4

The Cobbydalers started the year in style with a comprehensive victory to leapfrog their Premier Division opponents.

Following a fairly barren spell, Silsden scored four goals for only the second time this season.

Boss Chris Reape made one change, skipper James Nettleton replacing the unlucky Ben Lamb, while Padiham included former Cobby- daler Sam Heap.

The Arbories pitch had withstood the weather well, although a strong wind blowing down the slope made dealing with the high ball tricky.

The Storks had the advantage of both slope and wind in the first half but Joe Gaughan had the first two efforts of the game.

Padiham looked dangerous on the break as a speculative 45-yard shot from Heap caught James Mann off his line but flew over the bar.

At the other end, a free-kick from Arley Barnes was headed out to the edge of the box, where John Douglas volleyed wide of the far post.

The Storks then created two good chances. A neat turn from Damien Morrison set up Lee Morris but he shot wastefully over.

Within a minute, Morris broke free again but goalkeeper Mann narrowed the angle well and Morris shot straight at him.

Silsden’s opener came from the penalty spot after 37 minutes. Andy Lee’s corner was handled by John Blackley and John Douglas dispatched the spot-kick.

Padiham had two more chances before the interval but both were wasted. Again Morris was the culprit, shooting over after some good build-up between Heap and Morrison and then firing directly at Mann.

The Storks attacked down the right at the start of the second half. Chris Ridehalgh shot over and then Morrison brought a save from Mann.

Danny Bryan then got the better of Shaun Carey but goalkeeper Josh Boothman parried his shot.

However, Silsden got a second goal after 60 minutes when another Lee corner was punched out and Douglas drove it into the top corner from the edge of the box.

The Storks made a triple substitution and it almost paid dividends when sub Craig Winters crossed from the right.

Mann was at his near post but somehow managed to save Heap’s close-range volley at the far stick.

From the corner, Andy Haworth hit the bar.

The ball bounced on the line and Mann gathered. With the hosts pressing, they were vulnerable to the counter attack as Bryan and Lee threatened for the Yorkshiremen.

Silsden sealed the points with a third goal after 88 minutes.

Lee’s inswinging corner went beyond Boothman and was heading for the net but Husband made sure.

The icing was put on the cake in the dying minutes when Lee sent Bryan free and he rounded the keeper to make it four.

The result might have flattered the Cobbydalers a little but the Storks paid for wasted opportunities.

Silsden have had games themselves when chances have gone begging.

On Saturday, Glossop North End are the visitors to Silsden.