Atherton Collieries will be hoping a dose of FA Cup fever helps kickstart their 2024/25 season, with David Chadwick’s side travelling to take on Silsden in the competition’s Preliminary Round.
Defeats to Avro and Stalybridge Celtic have slightly dampened the dawn of a new campaign, but the weekend’s visit to step five opposition represents an ideal opportunity to get a first win on the board.
It won’t be a game to be taken lightly, however, with Silsden having already successfully claimed a minor scalp on their way through the Extra Preliminary Round, winning 2-0 away at Northern Premier League Division One East side Liversedge.
The West Yorkshire-based outfit have also made a positive start in the league, sitting fourth in an albeit very early and slightly imbalanced Northern Counties East Premier Division table, with seven points from their opening four matches.
One of the driving forces behind that run, and by extension a potential one to watch on Saturday, has been striker Kayle Price. The foward netted not only in that aforementioned cup victory, but also in league successes against Campion and Thackley.
A more familiar name amongst Sils’ squad may be that of veteran non-league goalscorer Tom Greaves, with the former FC United of Manchester and Bury AFC man having so far featured primarily off the bench since joining his new club over the summer.
So, with a theoretical underdog high on confidence coming up against a Colls side eager to shake off a difficult start, Saturday’s encounter promises to be an intriguing one, and your support in roaring the lads through to the First Qualifying Round would (as ever) be greatly appreciated.
Silsden are advertising their current ticket prices as £7 for adults and £4 concessions. Contact the club through Twitter at @ACFC1916 or email at RobCollsMedia@outlook.com to enquire about club travel.
