Hallmark Security League Division One: Silsden 5 AFC Blackpool 2

RECENT recruit Ross Wilson provided a masterclass in the Cobbydalers’ midfield, capped with two goals, to lift Silsden up to eighth spot against struggling Blackpool.

Player-manager James Gill brought in another signing from Ramsbottom United, Thomas Coulson, to bolster the midfield in the absence of the injured Kyle Hancock and Luke Richardson. Josh McNulty returned at left back.

The visitors took a surprise lead in the second minute, when Matty Moses headed a Blackpool corner into his own net.

Silsden responded immediately with an effort from Chris Wademan following a defence-splitting pass from Gill before Blackpool’s Ben Duffield headed over at the other end.

Wilson had two efforts blocked but the hosts were level after 21 minutes. Will Storrie’s pace took him past Elliot Dickenson down the right and his cross was headed home by Nicky McNally at the near post.

The Cobbydalers went in front soon after when another run by Wademan ended with a cross-field pass to the unmarked Storrie, who cut in from the right and slid home from a narrow angle.

Silsden almost added a third on 37 minutes when McNally, following a Cruyff turn, crossed to Storrie, who was denied by Max Povey in the visitors’ goal. Josh Kaine was marginally wide from a corner and a crunching tackle from McNulty highlighted the home team's desire.

Blackpool responded immediately on the restart with a swift move involving Williams and Bottomley but it ended with Steve Higgins firing over.

Gill had a close-range effort blocked before Wilson delivered a superb cross-field ball to Wademan, who netted Silsden’s third on 57 minutes. Silsden might have had a penalty following a hand-ball in the box but the offence was not seen by the officials.

In a rare Blackpool counter-attack, Moses deflected a shot from Bottomley for a corner. The ball was swung over and Silsden keeper Callum Jakovlevs knocked it into his own net.

However, Wilson immediately restored Silsden's two-goal advantage with a superb low shot from 30 yards out on 72 minutes.

Both sides had further chances as the players tired but Wilson netted his second a minute from time to highlight the gulf in class.

Assistant manager Danny Forrest, still carrying an injury, was delighted with the performance.

He said: “The strengthening of the squad has given us more options and has also allowed injured players to recover rather than returning too early from injury.

"With the team performing well, I don’t need to rush back.”

On Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain Hall Road Rangers, from Hull, in the FA Vase. Rangers are currently fifth in the Northern Counties East League Division One and Gill watched them draw 2-2 at Knaresborough Town.

He said: “It was very useful to watch our next opponents. I am confident that we can progress in the Vase, particularly if we maintain our present form. Home advantage could be a significant factor.”

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Moses, McNulty (Busfield 68), Kaine, J Gill, Hargreaves, Wilson, Coulson, McNally (Eastwood 74), Wademan, Storrie (Smith 74).