SILSDEN boss Andy Geary believes a victory at home to Alsager Town on Saturday can be the catalyst to reignite their season.

The Cobbydalers have suffered a dip in form since their flying start to the campaign which has seen them without a league win since the end of September.

But despite slipping down the table to 13th, Geary insists confidence remains high among the camp.

He said: “We’ve probably had the best start since we’ve been in the Premier Division - far better than anticipated.

“Over the last seven games, we’ve had a bit of a lull but there have been reasons for that. Our captain (Danny Gleave) has been out and we have not had a settled defence due to injuries. We’ve had to swap and change which has not helped.

“But overall the feeling is still very positive. Our performances have been good, it’s just that the results have not been going our way. But once they do, I think it will kick us on again.

“I think one good result could kick-start us.”

Geary said last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to 1874 Northwich was a classic case of playing well without getting the rewards. He said: “There was nothing in the game but they took their opportunities and we didn’t whereas, at the beginning of the season, our chances were going in. That’s the fine line between a top five team and a mid-table one, which is what we are at the moment.”

Geary has boosted his attacking options with the return of Aaron Hollindrake from neighbours Barnoldswick Town. The Silsden chief said: “We have plenty of speed up front but Aaron gives us a plan B. He is a targetman who holds the ball up exceptionally well and gives us a bit more experience.”

Hollindrake’s arrival, along with the return from New Zealand of Chris Wademan, gives the Cobbydalers plenty of options up front, with Craig Nicholls and Tom Henderson having impressed since joining in the summer.

Geary said: “Those two have stepped up well from lower league football. Craig has been a revelation and was electrifying in the first two months. We were fighting to keep him at Silsden at one stage. He might have a hit a bit of a dry patch but he’s just got to be patient. He’s been a real find.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game against Alsager, the Silsden boss added: “We’ve already beaten them 4-3 away, having been 3-2 down. They have a more settled team now and have had some more positive results.”

Silsden still have injury problems at the back, with Ben Crabtree (groin) set for a spell on the sidelines and Danny Fagan (ankle) a doubt. On the plus side, Ryan Brereton is fit again and Geary is hoping captain Gleave is not far from a return.