Silsden and Steeton swept to opening day victories in the West Riding County Amateur League.

Both clubs started with tough derby fixtures on Wednesday evening with Silsden facing Keighley Phoenix.

After several seasons as the top local club Phoenix are going through a period of rebuilding, and have also lost players to Silsden.

But Phoenix were not prepared to play the part of underdogs early in the game and David Nelson opened the scoring after 15 minutes.

Jimmy Spencer equalised against his old club, and after Jimmy Hedges had slotted an equaliser five minutes later the writing was on the wall for the Keighley club. Gavin Finn blasted a third from 25 yards and he also scored the fourth goal after the break.

Mick Ward slotted the fifth as the rout got under way in ernest and Michael Rosser finished the scoring.

"We won the County Cup and the Keighley Cup last season, but we finished runners-up and the league and were knocked out of the league cup in the first round, so we hope to go at least one better this season," said coach Andy Geary.

Steeton also started their season in style, with a 4-1 victory over Keighley Shamrocks and once again they had to rely on their staying power.

Joe Brady had put Shamrocks ahead and they held on to the one goal lead at the break. Shortly after the re-start Adam Whiteoak scored and equaliser and he looked certain to score a second before suffering a twisted ankle.

He was replaced by Jamie Longley and his fresh legs caused havoc in the Shammies defence.

Daniel Gaudiosi was on hand to score the second and Steve Barker tucked a golden chance under the keeper for their third.

James Gill blasted the fourth goal into the top corner to give the Shamrocks keeper no chance.

"Once we had equalised they wilted and James Wiggan, who has joined us from Skipton Bulldogs had a great game in goal. Lee Barker also had a super game at centre half and was my man of the match," said manager Jez Fay.