Silsden 3 Holker Old Boys 2

SILSDEN got their season back on track after three straight defeats with a much-needed victory.

It came against a side who the Cobbydalers had played over a decade ago in their first foray in the FA Cup when current boss James Gill notched a 97th-minute equaliser to take Holker to a replay at Cougar Park.

The visitors won that 2-1 but Jamie Longley netted a screamer for Silsden and he opened the scoring when the sides were reunited on Saturday.

It came after just two minutes when a corner from the right was hit back into his path by Josh Kane.

Silsden had already had a penalty claim turned down when Nicky McNally’s shot seem to hit a defender's hand on the goal line.

Following consecutive away defeats, the Cobbydalers were more proactive, with the pace of Will Storrie and McNally testing the visitors.

Storrie hit the side-netting but the second goal was not long in coming, Chris Wademan bursting through from the edge of the box to drive in a low shot to make it 2-0 after only seven minutes.

The only other player to play in the cup game 12 years ago was Holker’s David Swarbrick. He had netted the winner in the replay and now, just like Longley, he scored Holker’s opener with a powerful shot, which left Callum Jakovlevs helpless.

The visitors were lifted by the goal and Kevin Watkin was wide with a free-kick before Jakovlevs denied the midfielder with a diving save.

When Josh McNulty was injured, he was replaced by Leon Smith, a pacy winger, and Tom Marshall moved to left back. Marshall has pace himself but neither he nor Smith had the speed of Chris Wraighte, who time after time broke down the right. The half ended with Wraighte hitting a cross-shot which Jakovlevs tipped past the far post.

The second half started with both sides determined to attack. Kaine halted another run by Wraighte before McNally broke down the right and crossed into the Holker area. Another penalty shout was turned down as Storrie appeared to be tripped.

However, the winger had the last word, putting the Cobbydalers 3-1 up following a break down the left by Smith.

The visitors responded with a break of their own as Luke Richardson conceded a penalty. Watkin hit a powerful spot-kick but Jacovlevs, diving to his left, tipped it over the bar.

Silsden threatened at the other end as Smith outpaced the visitors' defence and Calum McElroy advanced off his line. Smith won the chase for the ball but clattered into the keeper, who was injured and had to be substituted. A yellow card for the Silsden winger seemed harsh as forward Sam Joel took over in goal.

Jakovlevs saved two close-range efforts, leaving fans speechless, but with 18 minutes left, the visitors pulled a goal back. Watkin drove the ball in from the right and poor marking allowed Swarbrick to add a second from close range.

Silsden were put under pressure but held out, Jakovlevs making one last save before the final whistle.

It was a vital win for the Cobbydalers, with an outstanding performance by the keeper. Josh Eastwood continued to look competent at right back and Richardson had his best game, showing composure and tenacity.

However, with the injuries mounting and five cautions for the Cobbydalers, the squad is beginning to look lightweight.

Gill said: “Jakovlevs saved us, although in reality, with the chances we had, we should have made life more comfortable for ourselves.”

On Tuesday the Cobbydalers entertain Daisy Hill.

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Eastwood, McNulty (L Smith 30), Kaine, J Gill, Richardson, Forrest (McNally), Longley (Cox 80), Storrie, Wademan, Marshall, Moses, K Gill.