Garforth made it 2 wins in the space of 4 days with a big performance
to secure all 3 points away to Silsden. An impressive first half
performance saw the Miners head in 2-0 up at the break with goals
from Charlie Marshall and Rinor Ejupi being the difference.

A strong boost for Paul Marshall’s side who extend their winning
streak to 3 and climb up to 3rd in the table for the timebeing.

The first chance of the afternoon came early and it fell to Matt
Ancliff, who was laid off by Charlie Marshall after he burst through
the middle. The forward got the better of his man but saw his drilled
effort tipped wide of the post.

Garforth were well on top early doors and searched for an opener,
pressuring their opponents through a series of corners but failing to hit
the target from any.

It wouldn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken however, as on the
10 minute mark Marshall showed great control to bring down a ball
played over the top, before firing a volley home from inside the area
and giving us a deserved lead.

Shortly after he nearly grabbed his second, bursting down the left
flank and striking low towards the far post, forcing Silsden’s
goalkeeper Jacob Rabone to push wide for another corner.

Silsden’s first effort on goal very nearly levelled the scores, after the
ball dropped to the feet of Ellis Hudson from a corner, who shifted
past his man and struck a powerful effort just over Harry Flatters’
crossbar.

Towards the end of the first half Silsden came close again, as Kayle
Price cut inside and opened up his body before curling a shot just shy
of the top corner.

But it would be Garforth who snatched the second goal of the game,
as shortly after Rinor Ejupi slotted home having been played through
on goal.

Dan Coupland later forced a good save out of Rabone, shooting from
inside the box after the ball dropped to him from a corner. This
proved to be the last action of the half, and we headed in at the break
2 up for the better.

HALF TIME: Silsden 0-2 Garforth Town

Play resumed and soon after Garforth were presented with a great
opportunity to put the game to bed, but Marshall narrowly shot wide.

Jordan Emery played a great ball over the top from deep, which was
picked up by the forward who then got the better of his man, but
unfortunately lifted his shot aimed towards the top corner a little high
and clear of the upright.

The rain began to pour in Silsden as both teams battled for the ball.
Paul Marshall opted for some changes as Garforth sought to manage
their 2-0 advantage, with Sam Cable and Ashton Peltier being
introduced in replacement for Marshall and Davis. Later, Ancliff was
swapped for Max Davies.

Garforth had remained comfortable in and out of possession as the
match entered its closing stages, until Silsden were gifted a lifeline. A
late corner was flicked home by Arley Barnes, and suddenly Garforth
would have to dig in to secure the 3 points.

Momentum swung in the home side’s favour for the final few
minutes, with a number of troubling crosses being sent into the box.

But the Miners’ backline had been resolute all afternoon and
successfully managed to see the game out despite the late spell from
the opposition.

FULL TIME: Silsden 1-2 Garforth Town

The Miners weathered a tricky ending with a composed and dominant
performance to head back home 3rd in the table. Paul Marshall’s focus
will now switch to Goole AFC who make the journey to the Bannister
Prentice stadium next weekend.