North West Counties League Premier Division: Silsden 1 Runcorn Linnets 3

THE Cobbydalers dropped deeper into the relegation zone following a 3-1 defeat at home to leaders Runcorn Linnets, and they face another of the top clubs tomorrow.

Silsden make the short trip to second-placed Colne, who remained on the coat-tails of the Linnets with a 2-1 win at derby rivals Barnoldswick Town on Saturday.

Yet again Silsden played well without reward on Saturday as they held their visitors until the brink of half-time. Michael White headed in a fine cross from Kurt Sherlock in the 44th minute, and Sherlock was the provider again when Freddie Potter doubled the Linnets’ lead six minutes into the second half.

The Cobbydalers went even further behind when a clearance from Danny Forrest held up in the strong wind and came back to the advantage of the visitors for Potter to net his second.

However, the home side snatched some consolation from the restart as a good attack ended with a superb shot from Kyle Hancock.

Silsden spokesman Kevin Knappy said: “Both sides were denied an early penalty, so there could have been more goals.

"We made a few individual errors but play-wise we competed well against a side at the top of the league.

“But we have to play Colne now, who I believe are probably the best side in the league, so the difficult games just keep on coming. I hope it isn’t ruined by the conditions like the Linnets game.

“The heavens opened and there was a deluge that spoiled the game, with the last ten minutes being played in horrendous conditions.”