THERE was only one game played in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division last Saturday due to the wintry weather, although Silsden had no game anyway.

The Cobbydalers travel to the Fylde Coast on Saturday to re-play Squires Gate, after the scheduled game was called off at half-time because of a floodlight failure earlier this season.

Since that abandoned game in mid-December the Yorkshiremen have played seven games losing five and winning two. Each of the five defeats was by a one-goal margin. The victories were at Litherland and City of Liverpool.

When asked about the defeats, Silsden manager Danny Forrest said: “We probably didn’t get the rub of the green in some of those matches, but I thought the way that a couple of those teams set up against us was a compliment by getting a lot of bodies behind the ball and trying to nick something from a set piece.

"When that happens we have to find a way to win and force the issue.”

With only 10 league games to play out of a total of 38, with six at home, there are still three blank Saturdays. This has its advantages and disadvantages.

He added: “The break in games has given the likes of Chris Wademan and Laurence Sorhaindo time to get some valuable work in with our physio Andy Henson. Hopefully we’ll see those two pushing towards full fitness during the next few weeks.”

"Andy who has been busy throughout the year with many weeks involving two games which has put more pressure on players suffering from little niggles."

Forrest is always positive and even in defeat can find some “plusses”.

He added: “The challenge has been trying to get some consistency from the group.

"We had a 15-month period where we won a lot of football matches.

"We’ve been on a poor run recently and results haven’t been good enough.

"Maybe it’s knocked a bit of confidence as the lads haven’t been used to it but, hopefully, we’ve turned the corner with the victory at league leaders, City of Liverpool.

"The group have become mentally tougher as a result.

"It has been a frustrating period because we’ve missed some very realistic opportunities to put more points on the board.

"Every single person in the group has to take something from it to learn and develop.

"I’m sure we’ll come out stronger. Having gaps in the schedule is very frustrating, but we do have a run of home games coming up so hopefully we can reward the loyal supporters who have stuck with us by playing some entertaining football and pick up some results.”

Meanwhile, Silsden will host a sportsman's dinner on Saturday, February 16, from 7pm.

The theme of the evening will be mainly targeting how players, managers, and club officials can improve and make the most of their resources or abilities.

Former Bradford City captain Peter Jackson, ex-Bantams chief operating officer James Mason and Sam Boatwright will be describing their own individual careers but also highlighting ideas for all levels of sportsmen and women to improve.

Boatwright, of Silsden, swapped the classroom for the open road in the summer of 2017. With a couple of pairs of trainers and a second-hand bike, he covered 3,000 miles crossing America coast to coast in 32 days, running 50 miles one day and cycling 150 the next.

The journey took him through 14 states and brought his fundraising total for Help for Heroes to £30,000. He is now in training for an Epic Triathlon in July which takes in a run and cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End and a swim across the English Channel.

Tickets are £25, which includes a two-course meal, can be obtained from any member of Silsden's football committee or John Lohan on 07725 703937.