West Riding County FA Cup quarter-final: Tadcaster 4 Silsden 1

SILSDEN were unable to make the last four of the County Cup for the second year running as their Evo-Stik League Division One North hosts proved too strong.

Despite two divisions separating the teams, the Cobbydalers took a surprise lead through Mark Trueman’s sixth-minute penalty after Will Storrie had latched on to Josh Kaine’s astute pass, only to be tripped by Jordan Armstrong.

Moments earlier a downward header had struck the Silsden bar and, just after the penalty, Josh Barrett headed inches wide. The Brewers, who won the Northern Counties East League last season, almost levelled through former Manchester United and West Brom player Jonathan Greening.

And though Storrie went close with a low shot for Silsden, Tadcaster equalised on 20 minutes. Kaine blocked Rob Youhill’s cross but Sam Jacomb’s clearance was charged down and Carl Stewart levelled.

Seven minutes later, while appealing for offside, the Silsden defence lost concentration allowing Youhill time to drive in a cross, which stuck the bar. Conor Sellars, with his back to goal, bicycle-kicked the ball home from close range.

Tom Henderson replaced the injured Storrie after ten minutes of the second half but the tall, muscular Tadcaster defenders were in charge. The home side should have extended their lead on 60 minutes but Stewart headed Youhill’s pin-point cross wide.

However, he made amends when he followed up Callum Jakovlev’s fine save to slide the rebound home on 63 minutes before Greening was allowed too much time to pick his spot and put the game to bed soon afterwards.

Kyle Hancock always posed the best outlet in the Silsden attack and had a goal ruled out for offside. Sub Ben Cox nearly netted following a cross from Hancock and Eastwood was just wide with a 25-yard drive. Kaine denied the home side a fifth before the final whistle went.

Boss Danny Forrest was a little despondent at the scoreline but recognised that the Brewers had experience in their favour. He said: “This is a young Cobbydalers side which we are developing. We haven’t the resources of Tadcaster but we have lads who are willing to strive to improve.

"It was always going to be a tall order to reach the semi-finals for the second year running.”