SILSDEN’S FA Vase campaign ended in a 5-3 penalty shootout defeat to Harrogate Railway Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

Railway took an early lead through Keiran Greenway before Cobbydalers substitute Jos Bradshaw hit a late leveller to send the game to penalties.

But Luke Brooksbank sent Silsden’s second spot-kick over the bar, while the hosts converted all five of their penalties to progress through to the first round.

Things didn’t get off to the best start for the Cobbydalers, when a cross from the right was only headed as far as Greenway, who smashed home a left-footed volley to open the scoring.

After the goal, both sides struggled to break down the opposition's defences, being forced to shoot from range, with the majority of shots failing to hit the target.

There was a tense moment at the back for Silsden on the verge of half-time though.

A long through ball forced goalkeeper Sam Kelly to try and sweep up and head the ball, only for him lose the aerial challenge, forcing Jacob Smith to loop a clearance high over his own crossbar.

The second half saw the hosts press for a second.

A scramble in the box looked promising for Railway but the visitors were eventually able to clear away the danger.

An audacious attempt from the halfway line from midfielder Jack Lazenby almost caught Kelly off his line, but the former Emley man was able to get back just in time to prevent what would have been a great goal.

The Cobbydalers were being forced to defend under intense Harrogate pressure.

Smith made a brilliant goalline clearance from an acrobatic effort, before captain Liam Hudson make a huge block with his face to keep the visitors in with a chance.

That chance came after 92 minutes.

Finn Donovan brought the ball down in the box before laying it across to Bradshaw, who rifled home a low and accurate finish to send the game to a shootout.

After the opening spot-kicks were converted by Daniel Thirkhill and Bradshaw respectively, Lazenby placed home Railway’s second before Brooksbank sent his penalty over the bar to give the hosts the advantage.

Despite Silsden scoring both of their next two penalties, Kelly was unable to prevent Albert Ibrahimi smashing home the winning kick and sending the Northern Counties East League Division One side through to the next round.

It’s back to the training ground for Silsden this week, who have much to do ahead of this Saturday’s NCEL Premier Division fixture with Golcar United.