Silsden 2, Barnoldswick Utd 0 - TWO first half goals gave Silsden victory in the West Riding County Challenge Cup -- for the second successive year.

The Cobbydale side's bid to retain the trophy has seen them score 36 goals and concede just one in replay.

The final at the County FA's Woodlesford ground, which has been used as a training centre by the England squad, was not a classic for neutral spectators, but for Silsden's travelling army of fans it was pure poetry in motion.

The West Craven side enjoyed long periods of possession in the opening half, but they never looked like breaking through the rock-solid Silsden defence.

After late fitness tests for both their forwards, Mick Ward and Jimmy Spencer, coach Andy Geary decided to take the risk and throw them into the thick of the action from the opening whistle. His gamble paid off after just four minutes when Spencer crossed for Ward to side-foot home.

Barnoldswick took control in midfield and held possession for long periods, but they created few chances close to goal where captain Michael Rosser, Adam Reed and Matthew Bland were solid.

After 18 minutes a free kick was given for handball on the edge of the opposition penalty area. The Barnoldswick keeper left a large gap at the side of his defensive wall allowing Andy Holden to step up and take adavantage, placing his shot neatly into the corner.

Despite holding a two-goal advantage Silsden suffered their first blow of the evening when Spencer suffered a recurrance of his injury and was replaced by Gavin Lund.

Barnoldswick came back into the game late in the half, but lacked the penetration needed to make the pressure tell.

Silsden emerged from the dressing room with a more purposeful attitude and soon had Barnoldswick on the back foot.

Matthew Bland looked a class apart with surging runs from midfield which ripped through United's defence. A powerful shot rocketed off the post as a warning of what was to come.

After 70 minutes Geary was confident enough to replace Mick Ward with Adam Ackroyd in an attempt to prevent is first choice forward suffering further injury.

But Ackroyd was more than up to the task and used his strength and hight to cause havoc in the Barnoldswick defence. He could also have scored, but forced an excellent save from the keeper who tipped his shot over the bar.

Andy Holden came more into the game after Barnoldswick replaced their defender with an attacking player in a bid to fight their way back into the game. Holden's crosses had caused problems all evening.

Spencer also went close with two golden chances, but managed to miss them both.

Twins Matthew and Martin Bland, together with Gavin Finn dominated midfield while Michael Rhodes was solid on the left.

Goalkeeper Martin Foulger was only tested by long range efforts and had no problems handling any danger.

Now the team has secured two trophies, the Keighley Cup and County Cup, but still have two to go.

After beating Brighouse Town 1-0 on Wednesday night they are back in the driving seat for league championship honours. Gavin Finn scored from a spectacular 25-yard shot to secure victory over their closest rivals.

Now they need just one point from Saturday's game at home to Otley Town to clinch the title.

Next Friday (May 16) they face Wibsey in the League Cup final at Brighouse Town's ground, kick-off 7.15 as they bid to make it a clean sweep.