Ashton Athletic 2 Silsden 2

A LATE goal from Silsden’s man of the match Craig Nicholls clinched a point for Andy Geary’s depleted side against fifth-placed Ashton Athletic.

With Matty Moses, Joe Mitchell and Danny Gleave all carrying ankle injuries, Ryan Brereton suffering with a knee problem and Phil Rishton having damaged a finger, Geary brought in keeper Danny Thorpe and started with Owen Deakin-Pickard and Josh Brown.

Ashton, as usual, played some super pass-and-run football against the Cobbydalers, who were looking for a confidence boost after successive defeats.

When the hosts’ opener came on 15 minutes, it was no surprise. The defence was square and Michael Downing ran on to a through ball to leave Thorpe with no chance.

Silsden had posed little threat up front but they surprised the home defence with their first break. Zack Dale hit a ball up the right to Tom Henderson, who turned inside Paul Casey to slide the ball to Nicholls, who drove the ball home to equalise at the near post after 20 minutes.

Silsden were almost caught out immediately when Ryan Small hit a dipping volley but Thorpe pulled off a magnificent save. However, a superb inswinging corner was met with a firm header by Ian Rowlands, who put Ashton back in front on 23 minutes.

Rowlands just failed to increase Ashton’s lead with another far-post header as the Cobbydalers trailed by a goal at the break.

They had the advantage of a strong wind and the slope in the second half and, from the kick-off, there was more urgency in their play. However, only a superb tackle by Kevin Ryan prevented Jamie Harrison from notching a third.

Dale pushed the ball to Nicholls, who rounded the Ashton keeper and slid the ball into the box, where Joe Jalil set up Andy Hill, who shot marginally over.

Silsden were getting on top as sub Chris Wademan made a lively impact. The equaliser in the 85th minute came when Brown made a tackle before the ball was moved to Nicholls wide on the right.

He was only ten yards into his opponents’ half but he burst down on goal chased by Rowlands and Luke Holden.

The defenders got ahead of Nicholls but he managed to squeeze between them and drive the ball home at the far post.

Silsden had a chance to steal it but Nicholls (pictured) couldn’t keep his shot down.

The Cobbydalers host in-form Colne in the League Cup second round on Saturday before welcoming Brighouse Town in the County Cup the following Tuesday.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Deakin-Pickard, Fagan, Brown, Hill, Jalil, Ryan, Henderson (Feather 72), Dale (Wademan 72), Nicholls.