Report : Silsden (A)

Emley were already two goals to the good and in control when Curtis picked up the ball on the edge of the box, breezed past two defenders and unleashed a curling left foot shot from 20 yards out into the top corner - pinging in off the the bar for good measure.

The Pewits started the game the strongest on a difficult pitch that narrowly passed an inspection earlier in the day. The match was only two minutes old when the first moment of danger as Gooden started his first of many tormenting runs at the Sils defence. This first foray brought a free kick which sailed narrowly wide after evading all and sundry.

It wasn’t much later when Emley got the breakthrough their early efforts deserved. Another Gooden run resulted in a corner and it was Sam Pashley, in his now trademark back post cameo, who poked home Ross Hardaker’s delivery. In truth, the ‘keeper’s shout to claim the ball meant his colleagues remained rooted to the spot to gift Pashley and Emley the advantage.

Silsden were briefly awoken by going behind but Emley’s defence restricted them in territory and possession. When they did get within sight of Dec Lambton’s goal, he was able to mop up the danger when called upon.

Emley doubled their lead just after the half hour mark through what could kindly be called a defensive mix up. The centre backs assumed a long ball forward was heading through to their goalkeeper. It didn’t. And Gooden was first to the 50/50 ball to leave Kyle Trenerry clutching at thin air. He could only look on helplessly as the Emley forward walked the ball into the unguarded net.

Gooden could have been challenging Curtis for the day’s sweetest strike award but, after beating the full back all ends up, cutting inside and unleashing his effort past Trenerry the sound of ball on post and oohs and aahs from the crowd meant the score remained 2-0 at the break - despite Hardaker and the industrious Ruben Jerome also going close.

Silsden’s best spell of the game came in the opening period of the second half as they came back out with more intent. Unfortunately for them, that intent came up against a yellow brick wall in the shape of captain James Knowles and Man of the Match Jack Cowgill.

Knowles was next in action at the other end of the pitch as he met Hardaker’s corner with a thumping header. It didn’t hit the back of the net and, even if it had, the referee had already penalised him for a push.

Then came the moment of the match. Emley were patient in the build up as play was switched from right to left and back again. That was when Curtis decided to dispense with any more restraint and let loose his rocket into the top left corner.

Silsden huffed and puffed for a while longer as they sought to get something from the game but even a consolation goal was beyond them. It could have gone from bad to worse had Emley substitute Joe Clegg got a cleaner connection when he was bearing down on goal in the last five minutes.

Routine would be too strong a word as Emley’s 10th consecutive league game without defeat was one of control mixed with grit. Against another promotion contender it was also as sweet as that Curtis strike.

FT: Silsden AFC 0 - 3 Emley AFC

ATTENDANCE – 284

EMLEY – Lambton, Pashley, Hardaker, Metcalfe, Knowles, Cowgill, Haigh, Kenny, Jerome, Gooden, Curtis

Subs used – Walker, Walshaw, Clegg, Porritt, Kelly
Unused – x 
GOALS – Pashley (8’), Gooden (31’), Curtis (67’)


Moxon and Co. Man of the Match – Jack Cowgill