Colne 3 Silsden 0

Colne won the Roses derby last night but the Cobbydalers fans had more to be pleased about than in recent performances against Congleton and Bacup.

Newly-installed manager Ryan Haigh was determined to start on a positive note and he reverted to the tactics that had proved so successful and entertaining in the early part of the season.

Aaron Hollindrake started up front and Matty Moore partnered Joe Mitchell in a midfield which saw the inclusion of Joe Jalil. The only real surprise was the replacement of Ben Crabtree at left back by Danny Riley.

This was always going to be a tough encounter for the Cobbydalers. Colne have won their last seven league games, scoring 24 goals, and Silsden have won only two of their last 19 league clashes against their neighbours.

Playing down the slope, Silsden had a golden chance to take the lead on 20 minutes. Hollindrake chested the ball back to Moore, who chipped the ball into the path of Craig Nicholls but the marksman slipped as he shot and the ball was cleared.

In an end to end clash, Jalil skipped between two players and hit a low shot wide before a super cross from Chris Bailey at the other end reached Andrew Tinker, who shot wide.

Hollindrake went close for the visitors before Colne took the lead after 28 minutes. Danny Fagan was caught in possession when Riley had moved forwards and the space was exploited as Danny Boyle put the Lancastrians in the lead with a low cross-shot.

Keeper Danny Thorpe kept Silsden in the game, after Fagan had again been caught in possession, saving Simon Nangle's low shot through a crowded area.

He made another fine save from Boyle early in the second half before Matty Moses, who was the pick of the back four, denied Bailey.

With 20 minutes left Colne doubled their lead. Spencer Jordan broke down the left and dragged the ball back to Joe Garvin, who hammered home.

Silsden still threatened as Chris Wademan went on a mazy run but his shot cleared the bar, while Fagan's header from Joe Mitchell's free-kick was saved.

At the other end, Ben Lamb cleared Garvin's next effort off the line before former Clitheroe man Nangle hit a ferocious effort from a free-kick which came back off the post and Boyle reacted first to make it 3-0 with four minutes left.

The score was a little harsh on the Cobbydalers but their fans will look forward to Saturday's game at home to Winsford United with renewed optimism.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Moses, Riley, Mitchell, Lamb, Fagan, Wademan, Moore, Hollindrake, Jalil (Smith 78), Nicholls (McNulty 84).