West Riding County Women's League Division Two: Silsden Ladies Development 0 Clifton Rangers 1

SILSDEN pushed the champions all the way with a battling performance.

They showed promise early on, giving Clifton some scary moments as strikers Rachael Holdsworth and Hannah Spencer went close.

But minutes later a quick counter by Rangers, who have lost just twice in winning the title, resulted in one of their attackers slotting home into the corner. Silsden threw everything they had to earn what they felt would be a deserved equaliser before the break but Clifton held firm.

The hosts continued to test the champions' mettle in the second half but luck eluded them in front of goal or the Clifton defence proved too tough to break down.

Clifton had their moments, with several point-blank shots looking destined for the back of the net but for some excellent saves by keeper Rebecca Seward. In front of her, there was some excellent defending by Silsden's back four of player of the match Bob Gaines, Kourtnai Broughton, debutant Katie Brooksbank and captain Dee Rutherford.

Going forward, midfielders Vicky Williamson, Kate Perfect, Ellie Jane Bathers and Rebecca Leach caused the Clifton back line some headaches.

Gemma Scott-Jones and Kylie Armstrong brought fresh impetus from the bench as Silsden went in search of a leveller.

And they came so close to upsetting Clifton when a well-hit shot from Holdsworth was cleared off the line. She went agonisingly close again in the last minute when her powerful header whizzed inches over the bar from a corner.