Hemsworth Miners Welfare 5 Silsden 0

THE COBBYDALERS finished their warm-up campaign with a heavy defeat against Wayne Benn's newly-promoted Hemsworth.

Having won last season's Northern Counties East League Division One by 12 points, the former Bradford City and Park Avenue player's team were always going to provide a stern test.

And Silsden, who were playing their fourth game in a week, struggled to come to terms with a confident side who dominated proceedings.

Billy Law, whose pace troubled the Silsden defence, had two efforts saved before Leon Smith put in a dangerous cross from the right which was eventually cleared by the home defence.

Sam Jacomb was sound at the back but, on 12 minutes, he handled Del Pollock’s shot in the area and Brice Tiani hit the spot-kick home.

Silsden were trying to play a pressing game but the hosts were too quick for the midfield. Up front, Chris Wademan looked lively and one run ended with a pull back to boss James Gill, whose shot was wide of the mark.

The Cobbydalers' desire to attack left gaps at the back. When Matty Moses broke up the right, no-one filled in at the back.

Gill was unable to benefit from Smith’s run up the right and later he lacked the pace to latch onto McNulty’s pass.

Looking more comfortable playing deeper, the player-manager then hit a through ball to Wademan, who shot low but the Miners keeper saved at full stretch. Wademan followed up with a dribble and a low shot which was just off target.

At the other end, Silsden were found wide open again. Pollock turned Josh Kane and hit a low shot past keeper Callum Jakovlevs to put the home side 3-0 up.

McNulty’s good run was ended on the edge of the box before Wademan, after a determined run, was thwarted by an excellent save from the Hemsworth keeper.

Silsden conceded early in the second half when they were opened up by a superb 50-yard pass from the back. Kane’s first touch let him down and Law stole in to make it four.

At the other end Kyle Hancock tried two ambitious efforts which both cleared the bar before his forward pass was intercepted. Instead of tracking back, he shrugged his shoulders.

Substitutes were used and there seemed more desire with fresh legs but chances weren't converted.

When Hancock was dispossessed in midfield, Hemsworth burst forwards. Silsden defenders chased the ball rather than tracking their opponents as Sam Jones made it five.

Wademan went close three times in the last 15 minutes but couldn't find a way through.

Maybe Silsden players were jaded after a busy pre-season schedule. They will certainly need to look at their shape and make sure they don’t concede too easily.

The pressing-game is very tiring and demands concentration but it needs all players to think defensively as well.

Assistant Danny Forrest is in charge for Saturday's FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Bridlington Town on Saturday. Hopefully the team will be at full strength and fans will see a performance more reminiscent of their early friendly win over Colne.

Harrogate Railway 1 Silsden 1

After the cancellation of last Thursday's Burnley Athletic friendly, a trip to Harrogate Railway was hastily arranged. Having suffered a 4-1 defeat on Tuesday at Campion, it was important for Silsden to show some resilience.

Kyle Hancock almost opened the scoring in the first minute but his 30-yard shot was tipped around the post.

The home side took the lead on five minutes from a disputed free-kick, Josh McNulty having been adjudged to have fouled one of Railway's forwards.

McNulty set the record straight on 18 minutes when his shot from the edge of the box was parried and Chris Wademan tapped the ball home.

Harrogate had the better chances but keeper Stuart Cross produced a string of fine saves.

Silsden hit the post midway in the second half but Railway almost notched the winner when Charlie Clamp’s low effort was turned round the post by Moses for a corner.