Horsforth St. Margarets Reds U-11s 3
Silsden B U-11s 1 1

Date: Sunday, December 9
Competition: Craven Aire Wharfe Junior League Division 11C
 
Following their thrilling comeback against Thackley, the Horsforth Reds faced Silsden with confidence and were determined to avenge their narrow defeat earlier in the season.

The strong squad was further bolstered by our recent acquisitions, Michael Gibbon and Kaylem King, who were both eager to make an impression.

On a muddy pitch, Silsden kicked off and any thought of a comfortable morning were dashed as Silsden seized the early initiative. Excellent defensive work by Andrew Parsons, Oliver Poulton, Thomas Filarowski and Sam Cole managed to repel the early attacks and, when called upon, Alex Fox-Bullivant was as dependable and secure as ever in goal.
Gradually, the Horsforth midfield began to exert control, with Miles Tidman,Josh Pheasey, Joseph Snowdon and Joe Rainford working very hard to win the ball and supply the strikers Callum Sharp and Matthew Raby.

Opportunities gradually came the home team's way, but Horsforth couldn't find the net.

A magnificent run by Joseph Snowdon left him clear on goal, with Joe Rainford in support, but he couldn't quite find the finish it deserved. Shortly afterwards Joe Rainford hit a searing free kick from long distance which the Silsden keeper could only parry.

Matthew Raby and Callum Sharp were making some penetrating runs up front and were keeping the Silsden defence busy. The breakthrough eventually came when the ball was cleverly slipped through to Matthew Raby who outpaced the defence and slid the ball deftly past the despairing keeper.1-0.

To freshen the team up, Horsforth then introduced the new signings Michael Gibbon and Kaylem King, together with Leon Cornielle-Cowell.

All three made a good contribution, with Kaylem's energetic tackling, Leon's telling interceptions and Michael's steadfast defending. It wasn't long Horsforth doubled their lead, when Matthew Raby won the ball from a defender and again stroked past the stranded keeper. 2-0.

There followed the best move of the game, involving Joseph Snowdon and Josh Pheasey who put Matthew Raby through only for his tantalising lob over the keeper to roll just wide.

After half time, Horsforth continued to dominate and the third goal followed soon afterwards. Another teasing corner by Joseph Snowdon resulted in a goalmouth scramble, which Matthew Raby pounced on and smashed home to complete his hat-trick.3-0.

This should have resulted in a relaxing last 20 minutes for the home supporters but nothing of it! Silsden were stung into action and produced an excellent goal.

This followed a run down the right that produced an accurate cross and clinical finish that gave Alex Fox-Bullivant no chance.
Silsden, with renewed hope, poured forward and dominated the last 20 minutes. It was all hands to the pump and required superb defensive work from Sam Cole, Thomas Filarowski, Andrew Parsons and Michael Gibbon, who was making an impressive debut. Fortunately, whenever the defence was breached, Alex Fox-Bullivant was in outstanding form and made several outstanding saves to protect our lead.

Try as they might, Silsden could not find the net again and the final whistle blew. Overall, it was a magnificent performance from a team that is going from strength to strength as the season progresses.

Horsforth Reds are now up to 6th with 10pts from 6 games.

Team: 1. Alex, 3. Thomas, 4. Andrew, 10. Sam C, 5.Oliver, 12. Miles,15. Josh, 11.Joseph, 2.Callum, 7.Joe, 9. Matthew. Subs: 14.Leon, 16.Michael,21.Kaylem.