Following an excellent end to 2019, the young Town lads started the New Year with what looked on paper a close game away at a Silsden side just a couple of places above them in the league table.
From the off Silsden were on the front foot pressing Town high up the pitch and getting an early reward.Following a cheap free kick given away on the edge of the Town penalty area Silsden pounced on the loose ball after an initial save from 16 year old debutant Jack Wade in goal as the visitors were caught ball watching, waiting for an offside decision from the linesman that never came.
The hosts didn't have to wait long for their second, on 15 minutes from a Town corner, Silsden cleared the ball long and caught the Town defenders napping with the home striker having a clear route to goal slipping the ball past the advancing keeper.
On the stroke of half time Silsden got their third with their centre back rising unchallenged in the area to nod home the corner. 3-0 to the hosts at the break and all to do for Town in the second 45.
Following the break Town came out with renewed vigor and the wind at their backs looking to grab something to bring them back into contention, but for all their efforts they were repelled at each opportunity by resolute defending from Silsden.
After 20 minutes of constant Town pressure the home side broke quickly and a deep cross-field ball landed at the feet of the Silsden winger who had positioned himself in between the full back and centre back and finished with all the confidence of a side now in cruise control.
Two final goals sealed the game for Silsden, their fifth came from a decent cross from the right with the Town defence failing to clear and the sixth following soon after.
A chastening night for the young Town team against a highly motivated side. A lesson in what happens when the high standards you have set yourself drop below what is expected.
Time to lick the wounds and move on to next week where they face an undefeated Town U23s side before a trip to league leaders Hemsworth. On the evidence of tonight January could be a long learning curve for the young Town lads.
Town: Wade, Richardson, Lee, Thornton, Latimer, Stuart, Lawn, Barker, Humphries, Anderson, Lambert
Subs: Johnson, Gulzar, Hields