Bridge

Another evening in Airedale saw me heading up to Silsden where Oxenhope Recreation and Silsden Whitestar were contesting the Keighley & District FA Challenge Cup Final. 

Silsden AFC’s ground was supposedly a neutral venue, but Whitestar play literally the other side of the fence so they definitely had an advantage in support. There were 400+ in attendance - an impressive figure for a District cup final.

As the extra reveals the sky blue and white stripes of Whitestar and the orange shirts of Oxenhope brought back memories of 1978 World Cup Final between Argentina and the Netherlands. This time it was the Oranjee who prevailed, on penalties after a 94th minute equaliser from Whitestar secured a 2-2 draw at half-time.

Before the game I went for a customary pre-match stroll on the banks of the River Aire  at Silsden Bridge (main image),