Pressure by Sileby Town pays off

FC GNG 1 SILEBY TOWN 4 SILEBY Town began strongly against GNG and immediately had the home defence under pressure. Ryder’s long ball released Love but Smith in the home goal was quick off his line. Ryder and Gentleman both tried their luck from long distance before the hosts saw a dipping free kick over the wall acrobatically saved by Sileby keeper Perry. Numerous corners from Clark saw some desperate defending from the home side before they took the lead against the run of play, when a defensive error allowed Karim Shankar to beat Perry with an easy finish. Mann and Appleton’s long probing passes saw Love and Clark bearing down on goal several times with no reward until Clark came in from the left and planted his shot firmly past Smith for the equaliser. During a sustained spell of pressure Sileby took the lead when Love poked the ball upwards and Appleton applied the finishing touch from close range. As half time approached Love had a powerful header parried away for yet another corner. Ryder’s sorties into the host’s penalty area eventually paid off when he evaded several tackles to beat Smith with a clinical finish. After another impressive build-up Ryder’s effort went inches wide before Stirk saw his effort bring out a fine save by Smith. GNG then had a decent spell of possession but Sileby’s defence, marshalled by skipper Chris Shaw, snuffed out any danger with some terrific blocks and tackles. It was no surprise when Sileby finally finished the game as a contest when Love’s excellent assist led to substitute Weston, unmarked in front of goal, the youngster steered his effort wide of the keeper for an assured finish. Sileby Reserves travelled to Loughborough and returned with a point in a 1-1 draw to get this season’s campaign underway.