Silsden 2

Hyde United 1

AIDAN Kirby fired a brace as Silsden continued their pre-season with a friendly victory over Hyde United.

Silsden entertained Hyde United, of the Northern Premier League, who last season played MK Dons in the first round proper of the FA Cup.

The visitors were on the attack from the start with some slick pass and move-style football, giving a lesson on the quicker pace of the game at a higher level.

Illingworth was marshalling the defence well but, when Hancock lost the ball on eight minutes, the Cobbydalers were punished by Prince, a trialist.

For much of the half Silsden were pushed back and whenever Hyde lost possession, they hunted the Cobbydalers down in packs to regain it.

Silsden, having withstood pressure for 30 minutes, then managed to create some half-chances. Kirby had a header saved before latching onto Niall Sultan’s cross only to see his effort deflected for a corner.

Reece Lyndon went close after Mark Everingham has slid the ball across the goal area.

The second half was much more even with the Cobbydalers growing in confidence.

Five minutes after the restart, with the Hyde defence guarding Dan Illingworth, Sultan swung the ball over to the back post, where Kirby volleyed it goalwards.

The keeper saved but he was left stranded when his defenders allowed Kirby to run through unchallenged on 60 minutes to equalise.

Hyde almost regained the lead on the restart when Craig Bentham was replaced by Aaron Davis.

Bentham had been instrumental in controlling the game from the middle of the pitch but Davis soon began to weave some magic with swift movement and slick passing.

It lifted the home team and the crowd was sensing an upset.

The visitors almost took the lead after a rebound fell for another trialist following some slick passing.

Silsden boss Danny Forrest brought on youngster Matty Clavin who almost scored with his first touch after the Hyde defence had failed to deal with Mateusz Tomasz’ low cross.

Another young substitute, Harrison Blackwell, came on and set up the winner for Kirby with three minutes left.

Hyde pushed forwards. Illingworth cleared for a corner.

A back header was heading for the Silsden net but Jakolvevs made a great save to give the Yorkshiremen the victory.

Meanwhile, Silsden's fixtures for the forthcoming season in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division have been announced.

They are: August 4: Squires Gate (home), Aug 8: Charnock Richard (h), 18: Ashton Athletic (h), 22: Padiham (away), 25: Winsford United (h), 27: Charnock Richard (a); September 1: West Didsbury & Chorlton (h), 8: Whitchurch Alport (a), 11: Irlam (a), 22: City of Liverpool (h), 29: Northwich Victoria (a); October 6: Runcorn Town (h), 13: Bootle (a), 27: 1874 Northwich (a); November 3: Burscough (a), 10: Abbey Hey (h), 17: Hanley Town (h), 24: Bootle (h); December 1: Congleton Town (a), 8: Irlam (h), 15: Squires Gate (a), 22: Ashton Athletic (a), 26: Barnoldswick Town (h), 29: Litherland REMYCA (a); January 5, 2019: Whitchurch Alport (h), 19: West Didsbury & Chorlton (a), 26: City of Liverpool (a), February 2: Winsford United (a), 16: Litherland REMYCA (h), 23: Congleton Town (h); March 9: Padiham (h), 16: Runcorn Town (a), 23: 1974 Northwich Victoria (h); April 13: Abbey Hey (a), 20: Hanley Town (a), 22: Barnoldswick Town (a), 27: Burscough (h).