Match Report

FC United will meet Congleton Town in the semi finals of the D-Zine (Contractors) Ltd League Challenge Cup after three goals in an eight minute first half spell from Josh Howard, Simon Carden and Rory Patterson blew away Silsden AFC.

The Reds made light work of their opposition in front of 1,564 supporters during a sunny afternoon at Keighley’s Cougar Park stadium in West Yorkshire. Howard broke the deadlock after 24 minutes when Carden found the former Manchester United youth team captain in acres of space at the back post. The midfielder took his time and made no mistake, curling his right footed effort into the top corner.

It was just two minutes later that Carden, who was back in the starting line up for the first time since Christmas, showed what a threat he can be in front of goal by coolly finishing low through the ‘keeper’s legs after he had parried away a 25 yard pile driver from Stuart Rudd.

Before Silsden had time to work out what had hit them, the ever hard working Dave Swarbrick raced onto a through ball by Rudd down the right before unselfishly pulling the ball back for Patterson to tap home after 32 minutes.

Patterson’s 23rd of the season meant that the game was as good as over and Margy’s men had booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition in style.

There were fewer chances in the second half as the Reds could afford to take their foot off the gas and were content to frustrate Silsden in front of goal. Sam Ashton made a fine point blank save towards the end of the match to mean that United still haven’t conceded a goal in the competition.