Silsden 1 Cammell Laird 2

SILSDEN suffered defeat at the start of a five-game run at home as Chris Wademan missed a stoppage-time penalty.

Desperate for points to climb off the bottom, things didn't start well as Kevin Ryan pulled up in the warm-up and manager James Gill replaced him to partner Danny Forrest up front.

The only other change from the previous Saturday’s victory at Abbey Hey was the return of Andy Hill in midfield.

Lairds started with a strong wind at their backs and some slick passing put the Cobbydalers on the back foot. Ed Hall made a fine save on three minutes to deny Dan King, but Cammell took the lead from a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, when Daniel O’Brien curled the ball into the top corner.

Wademan had a shot charged down before the visitors went 2-0 up on 17 minutes when Dan King netted from close range, punishing some slack defending.

After Gill's attempted scissor-kick was cleared by Paul Tosney, Lairds threatened again when Steve Kerrigan headed a corner wide to the relief of the locals.

At the other end, centre back Kyle Harrison went on a mazy dribble only to see his effort saved by Michael Langley.

The Cobbydalers pulled a goal back on 33 minutes when Forrest was quickest to react after Joe Mitchell’s shot had rebounded off the post. Unfortunately, Forrest was injured and immediately replaced by Jack Brooks.

Wademan beat two defenders but was crowded out before Hill hit a sharp shot just over the bar in the final minute of the half.

Five minutes into the second half Mitchell slid the ball through the visitors' defence but Wademan’s shot grazed the outside of the far post.

Mitchell, who was becoming more influential as the Cobbydalers sought the equaliser, picked up a headed clearance following Ryan Cattermole’s free-kick but Langley dived to his left to tip the effort for a corner.

Silsden almost levelled when Wademan got to the by-line and crossed but Josh Kane just failed to get a touch.

Wademan was then denied by a superb tackle from Tom Hartley before the Cobbydalers were awarded a penalty as the game went into stoppage time. Wademan stepped up but his shot was too near to Langley, who saved.

Gill said: “We were sloppy from the start and gifted the Lairds two goals. We had numerous chances to score but couldn’t convert them. We have to move on.

"We have four more home games on the trot. Tuesday's game against Squires Gate is a real six-pointer.”

SILSDEN: Hall, Moses, Cattermole, Harrison, Kane, Mitchell, Forrest (Brooks 33), Hill, Gill (McNulty 76), Ryan, Wademan, Hancock.