Silsden 0 City of Liverpool 2

THE COBBYDALERS were unable to claim another cup scalp as they bowed out at the last-eight stage.

Having beaten Hallmark Security League Premier Division sides New Mills and 1874 Northwich in earlier rounds, Silsden were hoping to create another upset against Division One title contenders City of Liverpool.

The visitors had already done the double on them in the league and proved too strong again.

City’s fans provided a great atmosphere at the newly-named Cobbydale Construction Stadium.

Before the game Matty Moses received a trophy marking his 200th game from club president Barry Thomas and centre-back Dan Illingworth received the Macron award of Division One Player of the Month for February.

Silsden’s first significant attack came on 12 minutes with Danny Bunch sliding the ball to Will Storrie who had burst through the middle. Storrie shot but Stephen Longrigg saved at the near post.

The opener, on 15 minutes, was rather fortuitous, as Silsden skipper Josh Kaine was receiving treatment after being fouled. With Kaine off the field, Sean Cookson crossed in from the left. The ball was cleared to Joe Connolly, whose curling ball in was tipped on to the bar by Callum Jakovlevs only for Elliot Nevitt to head home from the rebound.

The Purples went close five minutes later but Connelly shot wide of the far post after being set up by Nevitt. A quickly-taken free-kick caught the Cobbydalers out but Connolly hit his shot wide of the far post.

Ten minutes before the break Josh Eastwood drove a pass for Chris Wademan to latch onto but City’s keeper denied the Silsden marksman with his feet.

The visitors almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. Aaron Ray cut inside Moses to drive in a low shot. The ball ricocheted between attackers and defenders before finally being gathered by Jakovlevs.

The game flowed from end to end in the second half. Silsden were becoming stretched as they sought an equaliser, leaving gaps at the back.

With the forwards busting into the Silsden area, Illingworth tripped Connolly, who drove the spot-kick home after 54 minutes.

Joe Camozzi hit the post five minutes from time for the visitors as the Cobbydalers chased the game in vain.

Boss Danny Forrest said: “I can’t complain at the lads’ effort and workrate.

“Everyone in the team knows what is expected and it’s just a case of making progress after training sessions and after matches.

“The players are gelling well and the new additions to the squad are making a difference. Good luck to them in the semi-final and in the chase for promotion. Their fans made for a great atmosphere.”

City of Liverpool play Chadderton over two legs in the semi-finals while Barnoldswick play Bootle.

On Saturday, league leaders Litherland REMYCA visit Silsden. That game is followed by a visit to fourth-placed Charnock Richard on Tuesday, March 21.

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Moses, Vincent (Henderson 62), Kaine, Illingworth, Trueman, Storrie, Eastwood (Cox 76), Bunch, Wademan, Davis (Clarkson 62).