Silsden 2, Nelson 1

The Cobbydalers got back to winning ways today in the Vodkat League Premier Division with a deserved victory in a Roses derby against their nearest neighbours in the league.

Silsden bounced back from defeat at basement outfit St Helens Town last time out to do the white rose proud. They beat red-rose outfit Nelson with more to spare than the narrow scoreline reflects.

The home side took the lead midway through the first half when a wayward shot was turned into a good goal.

The first effort from Tim Hird was drifting well wide of the target but Lee Reilly intercepted it and his controlled deflection sailed in over the visitors’ keeper.

Nelson went into the interval on terms after a Silsden attack broke down three minutes before the break.

A swift counter saw the ball back on the halfway line with the only man the visitors had left forward, and he took it on and laid it off for Sam Heap to turn in.

Just minutes into the second period, a half-cleared corner was swept forward again and Aaron Hollindrake controlled it on his chest before shooting home from the edge of the area to restore Silsden’s lead.

“It was a game of few chances to be fair but we were disappointed at half-time because they had let them equalise,” said Cobbydalers boss Paul Schofield.

“It wasn’t pretty but it was all about getting three points - not just to put the St Helens game behind us but we don’t play again until January 3 so it was great to finish this year with a win.”