Silsden 0 Bootle 1

The Cobbydalers were hoping to sign off with a victory in their final home game of the season but they conceded a penalty 15 minutes from time, which Tom Peterson slid home.

This was the 14th time the teams have met but still Silsden haven't recorded a victory against the Merseysiders.

Tom Sowerbutts replaced Joe Jalil in the starting line up and Connor Erangey came in for Matty Moore, who has departed to coach in the USA.

This was the Cobbydalers' sixth game in a fortnight and following a hard-fought 1-0 midweek defeat against Glossop North End, who clinched the title on Saturday, they started slowly.

Bootle dominated for the first 15 minutes with James McGrane prominent on the right. Sean Coulton rose to hit a bullet of a header but Erangey headed off the goal-line.

Skipper Joe Mitchell finally broke the stranglehold, breaking to the edge of the Bucks' penalty area but his effort was cleared by David Taylor. When Halligan found space behind Erangey again, he slid the ball across to Peterson who, with only keeper Danny Thorpe to beat, shot wide.

Mitchell became increasingly instrumental in the Silsden attacks. First he curled in a free kick which Hollindrake headed wide, then he turned sharply to get in a snap shot which Adam Fairchild gathered at the second attempt.

Peterson wasted another chance, shooting wide of the mark, before Craig Nicholls missed two half-chances.

The visitors had the wind in their favour in the second half and continued to threaten. But Silsden also had their moments, Aaron Hollindrake hitting a fierce volley which Mark Kilroy deflected for a corner.

A super move up the left involving Brown, Feather, Erangey and Hollindrake ended when the latter shot wide. Despite being under pressure from three defenders, Nicholls got in a shot which Fairchild parried.

Just as they had done against Glossop, Silsden conceded another penalty and once again it proved the difference between the sides. Erangey tripped Peterson and he got up to convert.

Silsden tried in vain to get the equaliser as Hollindrake and Kevin Ryan went close.

Joint manager Ryan Haigh said: “If we look at the season as a whole, we have done well but resources have been stretched in the last fortnight. On behalf of the management team and players, I would like to thank the fans for their support at home games. There's always a great atmosphere at the Angel Telecom Stadium.”

On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Winsford Town for their final game of the season.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Moses, Erangey, Mitchell, Brown, Lamb, Feather (Faye 74), Ryan, Hollindrake, Sowerbutts (Jalil 70), Nicholls.