Silsden 1, Runcorn Linnets 2

Runcorn closed the gap on Vodkat League Premier Division mid-table rivals Silsden to two points with a win at Cougar Park and they still have two games in hand.

The Cobbydalers knew it would be a tough game against the Linnets but with a threadbare squad, Chris Reape’s job was made even harder.

The biggest plus he can take from Saturday’s loss is that his makeshift side reached the break just one goal behind.

Runcorn took the lead in the first minute but it was from a breakaway. Silsden were on the attack and a Matt Kershaw throw-in was flicked on by Martin Bland but would not drop for Chris Simpson to get a shot away.

The ball was cleared and Michael Case was racing down the flank. He took on Cobbydalers right back Aqeeb Khalif and rounded him before slotting a shot past goalkeeper Phil Rishton.

An onslaught followed but Silsden mounted a quite successful damage limitation exercise and regrouped after the break.

They were under pressure at times after the interval but ‘drew’ the second half.

A good spell after the interval did not produce a goal but the Cobbydalers eventually levelled as, just before the hour, a Jamie Longley corner was converted by a powerful header from Liam Blacka.

The Linnets hit the post four minutes later but they did not have to wait too much longer to restore their lead.

A hurried clearance in the 70th minute brought a corner for the visitors and Chris Blundell headed home.

Cobbydalers spokesman Jim Rosser said: “We were poor in the first half but that was down to the injuries.

“On top of that, midfielder Harry Thompson was at a wedding and Damien Whiteoak was injured in the warm-up.

“Despite everything, there were some good performances from the younger lads like Matt Kershaw, Rob Bradley and Aqeeb Khalif – and Liam Blacka rose like a salmon to score his header.

“Chris was very pleased with our lads but Runcorn were a bit more worldly-wise.”