St Helens Town 1, Silsden 1

Silsden came within six minutes of banking maximum North West Counties League points at Premier Division rivals St Helens Town but had to settle for a draw after conceding a late free-kick.

The point apiece did little for either side, the hosts dropping one place to 20th while the Cobbydalers inched up one to 14th.

Neither could complain as a draw was a just outcome, with both sides creating chances but defending well.

A good move and well-executed goal put the visitors in front just before the half-hour mark.

It began when John Douglas sprayed the ball wide from the centre circle, Danny McNulty took it on the left and his first-time cross was buried by the head of Joe Gaughan.

Another Gaughan header, to an Andy Lee free-kick, went close but St Helens also had an effort saved by young Silsden keeper Christian Paulat-Brigg.

The home side cranked up the pressure in the last 20 minutes and it told on the Cobbydalers’ defence in the 85th minute.

Danny Husband climbed over an attacker to get his head to a clearance. The assistant referee flagged for a penalty but the referee awarded a free-kick just outside the area.

Colin Quirk took it and the ball spun off the wall before trickling past the stranded Paulat-Brigg.