Bootle 2 Silsden 1

The Cobbydalers came close to causing an upset but ended the day on the end of a narrow defeat.

Bootle went into Saturday’s clash as North West Counties Premier Division leaders after an unbeaten eight-game start but they found themselves a goal down after ten minutes when Tom Marshall fired home.

Danny O’Connor hit the equaliser for the home side midway through the first half but they had to wait until a little over 13 minutes from time to edge in front, Brett Adamson netting.

The Merseyside outfit not only stay top but the win strengthens their position because Barnoldswick Town – who were level on points with Bootle but had played one game more – were surprisingly beaten 2-0 at struggling Ashton Athletic.

Silsden are down one place to 12th after the defeat.

Bootle have only played nine games but are now three points clear with three games in hand on the second and third-placed clubs.