DANNY Forrest is hoping former Football League defender Matty McNeil can help stop Silsden leaking goals.

The new Cobbydalers boss admits his number one priority is tightening up the defence and is being assisted on the training ground by McNeil.

Forrest's first two league games since taking over from James Gill has seen them concede nine goals, a 5-4 defeat at Daisy Hill on Monday following a 4-1 loss at home to St Helens Town last Saturday.

McNeil brings a wealth of experience, having played in the Football League for Stockport County and Macclesfield Town and a host of non-league clubs including Hyde United, Southport and Chester.

Forrest said: "He has played for a lot of teams around Manchester, including Stockport in League One. He knows the game - he was a tough, proper defender.

"I was very attacking when I played and though I can set a team up, he will be able to help with the detail and specifics and encourage the lads."

Silsden have conceded 40 goals in 17 league games since being relegated from the North West Counties League Premier Division last season, leaving them struggling at the wrong end of the table.

Forrest said he wants to improve his side's organisation and mentality when it comes to defending - but admitted it would take time.

"We have to score four or five goals at the moment to win a game," said the Keighley-born former Bradford City striker.

"It's been a long-standing issue. Our clean sheet ratio must be one of the worst in the league or the two divisions.

"Mentality is not something you can change overnight. Unfortunately the group has become used to losing.

"Organisation can come on the training ground. It will take a bit of time but can come quicker than mentality.

"It's a collective effort - not just the defence - but it will take time."

Having played at a high level in non-league, including for Guiseley and Halifax, Forrest is hoping to make the most of his contacts to bring in some new faces, though he again said this might not be an immediate process.

He said: "I have some good mates who are playing high up in the pyramid. They are tied up with clubs and enjoying their football.

"I've spoken to four or five who've said they'd love to come and play but they are happy where they are.

"I've put feelers out though and two or three weeks down the line the plan is to bring three or four new faces in."

While defence remains the concern, Forrest says he has no complaints with the Cobbydalers going forward.

Scoring goals under predecessor Gill was not an issue and Silsden have already scored 12 in four games since the change of manager.

Forrest said: "Going forward I am happy with the quality we've got and that's showing by the fact we are scoring goals.

"Nicky (McNally), Danny Riley, Ross Wilson, Stoz (Will Storrie) out wide. I fancy them to get in most sides in the league.

"As a team going forward I can't complain."

Taking over at the Silsden helm represents the 32-year-olds's first job in non-league management, though he had a long spell in charge of Wharfedale Triangle League Sunday side Ilkley Dynamo.

He said: "I spent five years at Ilkley and tried to run it as professionally as possible. It was a valuable experience and taught me how to make tough decisions which might upset a few people. But this level is a lot different."