Golcar United Ladies earned their first Premier Division victory of the season with a dramatic 6-4 win over Silsden at Longfield Avenue. In a match that had everything, the squad showed quality, composure, and resilience to edge a high-scoring encounter under the Huddersfield sunshine.
Flying Start
The home side set the tone inside the opening 10 minutes with two quick goals. In the 3rd minute, Tiah Smith gave Golcar the perfect start, finishing confidently into the bottom corner after a neat pass from Megan Egdell. Just two minutes later, Golcar doubled their lead when a cross from Paige Tandy was deflected into the net for an own goal, giving the hosts early control.
Silsden hit back almost immediately to make it 2-1, but Golcar responded with composure, sticking to their plan of keeping the ball and looking for alternate passes instead of forcing play.
Extending the Lead
In the 33rd minute, Golcar struck again on the counter. Sophie Scherschel broke at pace and slid the ball across to Smith, who made no mistake with her second of the afternoon, slotting into the bottom left corner.
The first half was capped by a moment of brilliance from Tandy. Picking up the ball from distance, she unleashed a long-range strike that rocketed into the roof of the net to give Golcar a commanding 4-1 lead at the interval.
Second Half Drama
Faith Forde came on at half-time to make her debut and quickly made her mark, showing composure in midfield and a willingness to break forward. Despite Golcar’s control, Silsden rallied after the restart, pulling one back in the 56th minute and adding another on 65 minutes to reduce the deficit to 4-3.
With the game in the balance, Golcar restored their cushion in the 75th minute. Forde latched onto a clever ball from Ruby Greaves and coolly slotted inside the post with the outside of her foot, a finish that demonstrated her calmness under pressure.
Silsden refused to give up and scored again in the 81st minute to make it 5-4, but Golcar had the final say. In the 88th minute, Robyn Maloney unleashed a thunderous strike from long range that flew into the top corner to seal the win and spark celebrations on the touchline.
Substitutions and Impact
Manager Nathan Martin used his bench to maintain energy levels. At 55 minutes, Egdell was replaced by Caitlin Caselton, who steadied the team’s shape. In the 80th minute, Scherschel made way for Phoebe Senior, who carried out her instructions with discipline, while Kaidy Firth replaced Ellie Thornton late on and added further energy.
Both Senior and Firth impressed with their attitude and execution, showing the strength in depth available to the squad.
Manager’s Reaction
Manager Nathan Martin praised both the performance and the progress made:
“Really pleased with the three points today. What stood out for me was how much better we were at keeping the ball and not forcing passes when they were not on. In the first half, especially, that approach gave us control and confidence. We lost that rhythm for a spell in the second half, which made things harder, but the players found a way to get back on top of it and see the game out. Every player contributed, from the starting eleven to the substitutes who came on and made an impact. Performances like today show why all the work in training is worth it. The belief is growing in this group, and today is proof that we can compete at this level.”
Assistant Manager’s View
Assistant Manager Stewart Alexander highlighted the team’s work ethic and belief:
“The work rate was excellent from minute one right through to the final whistle. What impressed me most was how the players trusted what we had worked on in training and put it into practice against a tough opponent. Even when Silsden pushed back and made it uncomfortable, we kept our composure and responded with quality goals at key moments. That win was not just down to the scorers, it was a collective effort from everyone, including the players who came off the bench and carried out their roles perfectly. This is the type of performance that builds confidence and shows that we belong in the Premier Division.”
Player Recognition
Final Score
Golcar United Ladies 6 – 4 Silsden
Goals: Smith (3’, 33’), Own Goal (9’), Tandy (40’), Forde (75’), Maloney (88’)
Next Match
Golcar United Ladies travel to face Sherburn White Rose on Sunday, 28th September at Sherburn White Rose Sports Club, Finkle Hill, Leeds. Kick-off 2:00 PM.
Match Sponsor: On The Move Removals
Golcar United Ladies FC would like to thank On The Move Removals for their generous sponsorship of this fixture.
Follow Golcar United Ladies FC on social media for more updates on fixtures, results, and club news:
Twitter: @golcarwomenfc
Instagram: @golcarunitedwomenfc
Facebook: @golcarunitedladiesfc
TikTok: @golcarunitedladiesfc
