Alsager Town 1

Silsden 0

Silsden's adventure in the FA Vase ended in defeat on Saturday but fans could not believe how they failed to equalise in the dying minutes .

Deep in injury time Ben Furness went on a mazy run, twice he rode illegal challenges, and the referee did well to play the advantage rule. When he reached the penalty area he drove the ball low to the home keeper's left only to be thwarted by an excellent save.

From the resulting corner Adam Ackroyd headed the ball to the far post and Adam Reed thundered a header from two yards into the top corner only to see his effort headed off the line.

The ball fell to Jimmy Hedges and his strike was again blocked on the line as the whistle went and Silsden's tream of cup glory came to an end.

The Cobbydale side went into the match with confidence gained from their victory over Thackley in Preliminary Round 2. This time their opponents were from the top division of the North West Counties League.

At the outset Silsden were put under pressure by the home side who were playing down the slope. Foulger had to punch away two high crosses and Alsager broke the offside trap only to shoot wide.

The pace of the game was fast but Silsden held firm. They were relying on long balls to relieve the pressure, but Alsager poured forward with both wingers to the fore.

Silsden's attacks were spasmodic and the front men Ward and Hedges were very tightly marked. Silsden weathered the storm and eventually put pressure on the home defence.

Jimmy Spencer hit a snap shot over the bar from 25 yards and he later shot wide when put through by Martin Bland.

Midway through the half Silsden created the best opening of the match when Gavin Finn slid a ball through to Andy Holden who ran to the edge of the box, but fired over the bar.

Holden drove in an inswinging corner from the left and the ball was missed by two defenders. The ball fell to Michael Ward two yards out but was cleared.

Alsager built up more pressure but great tackles by Martin Bland and Adam Reed denied them scoring opportunities. The only time either goalkeeper was forced into making a save occurred five minutes before half time when Martin Foulger theatrically saved from Carl Bayley.

The half ended with another missed opportunity. Gavin Finn fed Matthew Bland 30-yards out and his through ball was crossed by Jimmy Hedges. The ball bobbled as Finn roared in and his effort shaved the post. Silsden had weathered the storm and created several good efforts but had nothingto show for their endeavour.

The second half started with Silsden were in ascendancy, great interplay between Michael Rosser, Michael Rhodes and Jimmy Hedges created a chance for Matthew Bland who headed over.

It was Alsager who were now reliant on breakaways and Foulger did well to clear the danger but Reed lost the ball.

Fortunately Finn, who was enjoying the battle in midfield, saved the day with an excellent tackle.

Silsden were having a lot of success down the right and Holden again crossed for Matthew Bland but his effort was just over the bar. Hedges crossed into the keeper's arms. Silsden were again attacking down the right midway through the half when they lost the ball.

Alsager broke up the left and fopund themselves with five attackers facing three defenders, Kinsey cut in from the left and fired in at the rear post. Foulger made a great save but the ball spun up and Verow rose at the far post to head home.

With 20 minutes left manager Andy Geary send on Adam Ackroyd and Silsden used his height to create panic in the home defence.

Ackroyd had two good headers saved and created chances for Matthew Bland and Jimmy Hedges whose overhead kick fell kindly to the keeper.

Matthew Bland burst through and from the edge of the box fired in to the bottom corner only to see his effort swerve the wrong side of the post.

In the dying minutes Silsden launched their last-gasp attack, but Lady Luck was not on their side.

Silsden had failed but the margin between success and defeat was a narrow one. Silsden will learn from their experience, three years ago they outplayed County Cup Stars Storthes Hall at home but lost 3-0. The following year they won at Storthes and went on to win the County Cup which they retained last season.

The hundred plus supporters who made the journey to Cheshire were well received and supported the team enthusiastically. A crowd of 249 was a record for the home side.

Silsden are away at Ovenden on Saturday in the League Cup and on November 1 entertain Keighley Shamrocks at Cougar Park in a mouth-watering County Cup tie.