Bridlington Town lose at Silsden despite great goals from Stewart and Cooper
Bridlington Town suffered a 4-2 defeat at Silsden on Saturday, despite a spirited second-half display and two excellent goals from Casey Stewart and Riley Cooper.
The Seasiders started the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division East match brightly and created the first opportunity of the afternoon when Joe Batty produced a fine run down the left, beating his man before seeing his low cross blocked behind.
The away team continued to threaten from set-pieces, with the in-form Ahmed Salam seeing a low cross deflected away following a short free-kick.
However, it was Silsden who took the lead in the 11th minute.
A passing move across the pitch ended with an effort being saved by Brid keeper Alex Baird, but the rebound fell to a Silsden attacker who followed up to make it 1-0.
Bridlington looked for an immediate response.
Salam picked out Charlie Birdsall in the box, with the striker recovering after a mis-hit effort before sending a cross towards the back post.
Salam then attempted an overhead kick, but it went wide.
The home team continued to create chances and headed just over from a corner before doubling their advantage in the 32nd minute.
Baird saved the initial effort, but the rebound was converted from close range.
Baird was called upon several times as the hosts looked for a third goal, but Bridlington were given a lifeline just before half-time.
Stewart spotted the Silsden goalkeeper off his line and tried his luck from around the halfway line.
With the strong wind carrying the ball, his effort looped over the goalkeeper and into the net to make it 2-1, the Seasiders going into the break with renewed hope.
Silsden threatened after the restart, but Bridlington had opportunities of their own.
After a foul on Ben Tweed on the edge of the box, Salam's free-kick was played short to Stewart, who delivered towards the back post. Luca Bolino rose highest, but his header clipped the top of the crossbar.
Silsden restored their two-goal advantage in the 74th minute.
A long ball from the goalkeeper bounced through towards the Bridlington box and, after Baird blocked the first effort, the rebound was fired across the floor and into the net.
The hosts added a fourth goal from a free-kick in the 86th minute.
Bridlington continued to push and came close when Salam's late free-kick found Tom Allan at the back post, but his header went narrowly wide.
The Seasiders did find a second goal in stoppage time. Two substitutes combined with a long cross was sent into the box by Billy Marshall finding Riley Cooper who managed to get a touch on the ball, with it bouncing into the back of the net to make it 4-2.
There was no time for a further comeback, though, as Silsden held on to take all three points.
Bridlington will now turn their attention to the FA Trophy, with The Seasiders back at home this Saturday when they welcome Whitby Town to the HDM Energies Stadium. Tickets are on sale now online.