Abbey Hey 0 Silsden 1

THE Cobbydalers moved into the second round of the Men United League Cup with a narrow victory despite a depleted squad.

Manager Ryan Haigh had only 14 players available out of a squad of 28. Craig Nicholls was back, having recovered from a niggling injury lay-off but, at the back, Will Storrie came in on the right and Arron Hollindrake partnered Kevin Ryan at the heart of the defence. New signing Wayne Morrison made his full debut leading the attack.

Goalkeeper Joe Taylor, on loan from Fleetwood Town, was soon in the action saving from Abbey's Justin Pickering in the second minute and then Steve Yarwood's low drive from the edge of the box.

On eight minutes Silsden had their first attack of note when Andy Lee drove the ball to Nicholls, who burst forwards into the area where he was tripped by James Moss. Chris Wademan scored from the resulting penalty.

Silsden almost had a second when Ollie Hunter sent Nicholls free again. He reached the byline but his cross was just behind Wayne Morrison.

Two superb tackles from Ryan, a headed clearance from Hollindrake and good pressing by the midfielders denied Abbey any chances, until Pickering finally broke through on 20 minutes. Taylor pushed his cross-shot past the far post.

The Cobbydalers were much improved in midfield. Without skipper Joe Mitchell, Charlie Collinge took charge. Hunter was superb in the air and composed on the ball but the revelation of the day was the form of Talent Ndlovu.

He was everywhere, challenging back, breaking up moves in midfield and breaking forwards to set up some super counter-attacks.

Late in the half Silsden went close through Morrison and Nicholls but they were happy to go in ahead at the break.

In the second half, a super ball from Wademan released Morrison but he was denied a shot on goal by Kane Hickman. Ndlovu stole a ball in midfield, burst forwards and shot over McIlwaine but his effort cleared the bar.

Abbey went down to ten men when Yarwood threw a punch at Andy Lee. It should have been to Silsden's advantage but fatigue crept in after the team had battled for 85 minutes with ten men at Padiham in midweek.

James Moss hit the Silsden bar with a dipping free-kick and Ndlovu cleared up after Taylor could only parry the full back's next shot. In the final minute Ashford Blake pulled Taylor to the right before cutting back and curling a shot to the far post. Ryan headed clear and the final whistle went.

Haigh was delighted with the performance.

He said: “We looked drained at the end but the lads were magnificent. Hopefully the new signings will continue to gel and we can shorten our injury list. We have ten wins from 20 fixtures and, although we want to move up the table, we still want success in the cups.”

The Cobbydalers now have only their second free week since the season began at the start of August. Then they have two mouth-watering cup ties at home – in the FA Vase on Saturday against Sunderland RMC and then, on Tuesday, Guiseley travel to the Angel Telecom Stadium in the second round of the West Riding FA County Cup.

Silsden: Taylor, Storrie, Lee, Ndlovu, Hollindrake, Ryan, Hunter, Collinge, Morrison (Scott 82), Wademan, Nicholls (Midgley 74).