Consett 2 Silsden 1

THE Cobbydalers just failed in their bid to reach the second round of the FA Vase for only the second time in their history.

Silsden had trained on astroturf to prepare themselves for Consett's 3G pitch, which gave the home side the advantage in a game quicker than usual because of the fast-flowing surface.

Consett had won 2-0 earlier in the season when the side met in the FA Cup but Silsden's confidence was high following a midweek victory over Brighouse Town.

The hosts got off the mark within 16 seconds when Michael Mackay latched on to a lofted ball over Silsden’s defence, though there was a suspicion of offside.

The visitors began to adapt well to the pitch but Danny Thorpe needed to pull off a great save to prevent Mackay getting his second.

The Cobbydalers had a few good chances, Joe Mitchell and Zack Dale going close before Craig Nicholls left the Consett defenders all over the place but nothing fell for Silsden.

At the other end, a looping header in the 39th minute looked as though it was going straight in but Thorpe produced a superb fingertip save.

Silsden began the second half well but Consett went 2-0 up on 54 minutes when Matty Slocombe was brought down and Mackay netted his second from the spot .

The tireless work from Mitchell in midfield gave Silsden a few opportunities to change the game but the ball would not go in.

On 78 minutes a piece of magnificent goalkeeping by Thorpe kept Silsden in the game with a cracking double save, which was applauded by both sets of fans. This save spurred the visitors on and they pulled one back with eight minutes left when Ben Crabtree curled home a free-kick off the inside of a post.

Silsden piled on the pressure but it was not enough.

Manager Andy Geary said: “This was always going to be a tough test – games against the teams from the north-east always are – but I thought we came through it well.

"We played some cracking football but couldn't quite stick the ball in the net when we were on top. We're still largely a young outfit and learning all the time.”

This Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain 1874 Northwich in a game which follows the club's memorial service to honour players who lost their lives in World War One.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Deakin,-Pickard, Crabtree, Fagin, Nettleton, Ryan, Hill, Mitchell, Henderson, Dale, Crabtree. Subs: Wademan, Feather, McNulty, Brown, Jalil.