Sweet Success

Today saw two sides desperate to claim three points as both have had a difficult start to the season. Silsden having been in the top two divisions for a number of years but having seen a big change in playing staff and Hepworth having gained promotion but having not had a full squad available and just not finding the same rich vein of form as their last campaign. Hepworth started the stronger playing up the slope and had Silsden on the back foot from the off as they surged forward in numbers. They deservedly took the lead on 16 minutes after a surging run from Abigail Iggleden who was released down the left from a Nikki Swift pass. Iggleden worked her way past the defence before sending a superb ball over into the box and Sophie Walsh was on hand to smash the ball home into the top corner of the net leaving the keeper with no chance. within three minutes the same combination had doubled the lead for Hepworth as Iggleden once again broke free and her cross again found Walsh two yards out with a simple tap in she could not miss!
Silsden were spurred into life after their shocking first 20 minutes, but they found Hepworth strong and resolute in defence, some excellent goalkeeping and positioning from Dani Robinson and some poor finishing kept the score at 2-0 to Hepworth going into the half time break.
The visitors were certain to come out looking for goals in the second half playing up the slope but again the home side were determined not to give an inch as they defended well with Forbes Schofield and Wakefield working their magic. The midfield did their job with Captain Claire Berry linking up well with Swift Lawson playing the ball around well. Prebrezova was challenging well for everything and Kirton and Walsh were working hard to extend the lead further, but the home side could just not get that stroke of luck in front of goal as Silsden had tightened things up. It was not all Hepworth however as Silsden kept plugging away, but they were forced into rushing their shots which were often wayward leaving Robinson only a handful of efforts to save but she made them look easy. Hepworth brought on Levitt and Charlsworth to add some fresh legs going forward and extra strength in the midfield as both teams slugged it out. The match swung from end to end without any major chances for either team and Hepworth saw the game out to claim the points. The Gallery Hairdressing sponsored player of the match was awarded to Dani Robinson.