SILSDEN fell to a 3-1 defeat at Eccleshill United after conceding three second half goals in the Toolstation Northern East Counties League Premier Division, writes Josh Horsfield.

Josi Bradshaw opened the scoring on seven minutes for Silsden, but goals from Jonny Irving, Sam Bradley and Luke Aldrich moved hosts Eccleshill up to second in the league, while the Cobbydalers remain 12th.

In truth, Eccleshill controlled the game for the majority and limited the visitors to few chances, particularly in the second half where the defence were put under almost constant pressure.

The game did start brightly for Sils, after seven minutes an early corner was worked short for Jack Normanton. His low shot was spilt by the goalkeeper and Bradshaw was on hand to turn the ball into the net, a real poacher’s effort from the number nine during Tuesday night’s clash.

 

Eccleshill reacted well to going behind, forcing a number of corners that were well dealt with by the Silsden defence.

Captain Arley Barnes, playing as a makeshift left back, was fortunate not to put past his own goalkeeper when a looping header drifted narrowly wide of the post, much to the relief of both him and George Dalton in goal.

While Bradshaw did get one-on-one with the keeper at one point before seeing the ball nicked away from him, the hosts continued to pile forward as they pressed for an equaliser, Dalton being called into action to push a snapshot over.

An Eccleshill strike then rattled the crossbar before the Silsden keeper made a good save from the rebound on the verge of half time.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the hosts finding their equaliser on 55 minutes.

A mistake at the back allowed Irving in behind and he made no mistake, slotting the ball beyond an onrushing Dalton.

They would take the lead just 10 minutes later. A cross looped into the box and an instinctive finish on the volley put the Cobbydalers 2-1 down.

With possible promotion at stake, the Eagles did not take their foot off the gas and would add a third through Luke Aldrich.

He brought down a long ball brilliantly, had one more touch to open himself up and then fired beyond Dalton.

There were no real chances to speak of as the game came to its conclusion, the score ending 3-1.

Eccleshill showed why they are fighting for promotion this campaign. Silsden will hope to bounce back on Saturday when they host Goole at home in the penultimate game of the season.