SILSDEN crashed to a 7-1 defeat in their first pre-season friendly after a triple signing swoop.

Danny Forrest's side suffered the heavy loss to North West Counties League side Avro at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium.

The match started off badly for Silsden as they found themselves 2-0 down after the opening seven minutes, including a penalty which home goalkeeper Alfie Darke almost got a finger to.

Avro made it 3-0 after 21 minutes as Silsden struggled in the sunshine. A fourth followed on 32 minutes as Avro finished off a counter attack, which is how the match ended at the interval.

But the visitors started the second half the better of the two sides, grabbing a fifth in the 52nd minute.

Avro grabbed a sixth goal in the 72nd minute, but Silsden were plus point from the match when Khan, who signed last week, scored 10 minutes from time. But Avro quickly responded with a seventh strike from then kick off.

Meanwhile, Silsden made their fourth signing this pre-season as a familiar face returned to the club.

Left-back Jake McEneaney returns to the club after a six-year absence after originally joining from Guiseley in 2011.

He is a local lad and knows the club well after playing all his junior football for Silsden AFC.

Manager Danny Forrest is understandably delighted at McEneaney’s arrival.

He said: “I know Jake well as we played alongside each other at Guiseley seven or eight years ago.

"I know all about his character and the quality he possesses, he’s a great fit especially given his history with the club and his consistent level of performance at counties level.

"He’ll bring balance in that we don’t have too many left footers and he has an abundance of ability.”

McEneaney follows the arrival of forward Khurram Shazad, who played for Eccleshill United last season.

Shazad was part of the C Halifax Town Youth Team before having a short spell at local side Brighouse Town. Following this, he played as a professional in the USA and in Austria.

Forrest said: “Khurram is right up my street in that he has a great attitude and just enjoys playing football.

I feel we were missing something in the final third last season and he’ll certainly bring creativity and make things happen for us.

"He joins the club off the back of a strong season and I’m sure he’ll kick on with us now.”

Silsden have also signed 17-year-old Darke from Bradford City.

Darke, who played the final three games of last season on loan at Silsden obviously impressed as he now returns to The Cobbydalers.

A Bradford City scholar for the last few years, the young goalkeeper showed plenty of potential as well as a maturity in his game not often found at this level, proving himself to be a valuable asset for Forrest’s outfit.