Silsden edge out Maltby Main as debutant ends winless run

In a relatively even Northern Counties East League Premier Division affair, a first-half goal from Sils debutant Nash Connolly was all that split the two sides, but it was enough to ensure the travelling Cobbydalers headed back to West Yorkshire with all three points.

With the recent poor weather, the Maltby pitch was in a muddy yet thankfully playable condition ahead of the game.

Silsden winger Casey Stewart looked to make a fast start on Saturday as he fired in a near-post effort that was well saved by Louis Hood in the Miners’ goal.

The hosts began to come into the game thereafter, forcing visiting keeper Jacob Rabone into a good low stop with his feet from a Jake Bradford shot, before Rostslav Yaramenko fired wide of the upright for the hosts after good build-up play.

Connolly went within a lick of paint of opening the scoring for Silsden just after the half-hour mark.

Maltby failed to clear a set-piece properly, allowing the winger to rifle in a low strike that rattled the post and went behind.

But the former Garforth man had more luck just five minutes later.

A brilliant run from Kayle Price down the left-hand side of the pitch saw him drive into the penalty area before putting in a dangerous cross along the six-yard box.

That was met by the knee of Connolly, who turned the ball into the net to break the deadlock for the away side.

After the interval, the game became slower, with chances few and far between for both sides.

Stewart’s curling effort that went wide of the target was the only real opportunity of note for Sils early on in the second half.

Casey Stewart (right) had some bright moments for Silsden but it was his new team-mate Nash Connolly who hit the winner. (Image: Mike Bayly.)

New keeper Rabone has impressed Cobbydalers supporters with his shot-stopping in the last few weeks, and he was called upon again on 56 minutes.

After he rushed out to punch clear, the ball dropped to Nathan Perks, whose shot on the turn was met by a strong hand from Rabone to deny him.

The only other real second half opportunity fell the way of Price, as he looked to meet a Luke Brooksbank cross only to see his header hooked clear.

A fairly quiet second half was probably just what Silsden needed, as they picked up a crucial win to stop the rot which had left them without a league win since before Christmas.

Saturday’s success means they climb the table to ninth and there is a chance to build on the result and push for the play-offs tomorrow, when they welcome 14th-placed Tadcaster Albion to the Office Interiors Stadium.