Silsden emerged victorious in a local derby clash against high-flying Campion at The Office Interiors Stadium last evening in the Bradford District. A pair of goals in the first half from new summer signing Kayle Price secured a 2-1 win for the Cobbydalers over their nearby rivals.
The match was a thrilling display of football, characterised by numerous moments of excellence. The outcome marked the end of the visitors’ unbeaten start to the season.
In an interview earlier this week, Matt Cavanagh praised Campion’s quality. Therefore, he was eager for Silsden to commence strongly and demonstrate their abilities from the outset. The team rose to the challenge admirably, with the opening goal arriving just eight minutes into the game.
Ellis Hudson, making his first start after recovering from an injury, showcased his skill inside the penalty area. He delivered a precise pass across the six-yard box, allowing Price to secure his debut competitive goal for Silsden.
The excitement continued as the match progressed. Hudson’s fine play set up Jake Maltby’s attempt from 25 yards out, which was expertly saved by Bradley Emmerson, tipping the curling shot over the bar.
Nonetheless, Campion had already proven themselves to be a potent force on the attack, led by Marcus Day who was the top scorer in the NCEL. Day levelled the score at 1-1 on the 25th minute, capitaliSing on a well-placed long ball to volley the ball into the net from just within the penalty area.
Day had a golden opportunity to net his second and put the visitors in the lead shortly after. A misplayed backpass from Adam Clayton gave Day a clear path to the goal, but former Campion player Kyle Trenerry swiftly charged off his line to deny him.
The intense back-and-forth action continued. Hudson’s attempt from a corner was cleared off the line, and in a counter-attack, Michael O’Brien’s shot narrowly missed the target.
As the first half concluded with a flurry of activity, Price displayed brilliance to grant Silsden the advantage. A well-aimed long pass from Casey Stewart found Price, who deftly lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper with his left foot after a single touch.
Despite the energetic first half, the pace seemed to subside in the second. Silsden adopted a calculated approach to retain their lead and manage the game effectively.
Isaac Baldwin had a chance from the left flank, but his effort comfortably cleared the crossbar. The most promising opportunity of the half came for the visitors in the 62nd minute. Junayd Cassius-Gill, formerly of Emley, skillfully maneuvered within the box and attempted a curling shot towards the top corner of the net. Trenerry once again demonstrated his excellence, diving skillfully to redirect the ball out for a corner, which Silsden subsequently cleared.
Despite the visitors’ numerous dangerous set-pieces, Silsden stood firm, securing a valuable and well-deserved three points against one of the division’s most formidable opponents.
League action takes a pause this Saturday as Newcastle Blue Star visit The Office Interiors Stadium for the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round.
