Silsden AFC secured an impressive 5-0 victory over Goole at The Office Interiors Stadium yesterday, further solidifying their hold on the top spot in the NCEL Prem and extending their winning streak to eight games.
The match got off to a slow start, but two rapid-fire goals from Casey Stewart and Jake Maltby gave Silsden the lead as they headed into half-time.
Stewart notched a second goal, followed by a strike from Luke Brooksbank, and T’Nique Fishley scored his first goal for Silsden, resulting in a comfortable scoreline against a tenacious and well-organised Goole side.
The initial half-hour saw little action and few noteworthy chances, with Goole’s only shot in the first 30 minutes sailing high over the bar.
In the 32nd minute, Stewart broke the deadlock, seizing a through ball and calmly slotting it beyond the keeper, who was caught off guard by the precise pass.
This goal appeared to unleash a flurry of opportunities, as just a minute later, Brooksbank’s cross was deflected into Maltby’s path, and he made no mistake in smashing home the second goal.
Goole would have narrowed the gap just before half-time were it not for the defensive heroics of Spencer Harris. After rounding the keeper, Goole’s striker looked poised to tap it in, only for Harris to execute a brilliant goal-line block.
Preserving their two-goal advantage, Stewart widened the lead in the 54th minute. Receiving the ball inside the penalty area, his adept footwork provided the half-yard he needed to smash it into the bottom right corner, marking his 8th goal of the season.
Brooksbank then added the fourth, surging into the box from the right wing and unleashing a powerful shot that the keeper could only palm into the net.
The fifth goal was a beautifully orchestrated team effort. A well-constructed buildup saw fullback Fishley charging into the penalty area, and with the precision of an in-form striker, he slotted it home.
As the game drew to a close, Brooksbank came close to securing his second goal after shifting the ball onto his right foot and drilling a shot off the post and out of play.
This victory marks Silsden AFC’s eighth consecutive win, ensuring they maintain their position at the top of the NCEL Prem with 24 points from the first 11 games.
