Bootle 4 Silsden 0

 Silsden’s recent climb up the North West Counties Premier Division table stalled in drastic fashion at Bootle.

The Merseyside outfit were second but went top on goal difference thanks to their handsome win.

The Cobbydalers almost went behind in embarrassing circumstances in the 12th minute. Bootle’s keeper Darren Moran launched a kick that carried on the strong breeze. It dropped in front of Silsden keeper Christian Paulat-Brigg but the bounce carried it over his crossbar.

Bootle did score before the break though as Neil Prince was left in acres of space as the Cobbydalers attempted to clear from a corner. Prince cut inside and left Ben Lamb and Danny Husband trailing before blasting home.

Two goals within a minute on the hour mark scuppered any fightback. Paulat-Brigg failed to get enough on a punch clear and Jamie Hay drove in a shot before Darren Byers headed home a Kevin Black cross.

Black set up the final goal in the penultimate minute as he sent in another cross that substitute Daniel O’Connor dispatched with a header.

Spokesman Jim Rosser said: “They were second in the table and we held out for 44 minutes. That is a positive we can take from it.

“Chris (manager Reape) made changes late on and went for three at the back. It was suicide really but at 3-0 down he had to try something. The players are still inexperienced so are learning all the time.”