Silsden 0 Whitchurch Alport 3

THIS win for the visitors put them top of the table but the scoreline was no reflection of the game, with the Cobbydalers creating as many chances but failing to put them away.

Silsden started positively, with Ross Wilson having a shot cleared for a corner before boss James Gill headed over.

Alport’s first attack came on 18 minutes when Alex Hughes swung a cross in from the right and Matt Ashbrook had a shot blocked.

At the other end, Matty Moses made a powerful run up the right and pulled the ball back for Lewis Morgan, whose shot lacked the power to beat keeper Danny Read.

The Cobbydalers, who had been conceding early goals in the last four games, were undone in the 24th minute when, as the defence ran out, Simon Everall ran onto a ball chipped over the top to slide the ball past the isolated Callum Jakovlevs.

Will Storrie, who had tormented the Carlisle defence in midweek, was finding it hard to break through on the right as Alport midfielders were tracking back.

Storrie tried a long shot which was cleared, then Wilson beat two men only to be thwarted by Read, who dived at the striker’s feet to push the ball for a corner.

Silsden kept up the pressure and Wilson hit a goal-bound screamer which was deflected into the grateful arms of Reed.

Whitchurch then had two chances as Everall broke free but Jakovlevs pushed him wide before Ashbrook also shot wide. Minutes before the break, Wilson hit the side netting before Hancock volleyed over, pulling his hamstring yet again in the act of shooting. He was replaced by Leon Smith at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Silsden searching for a goal. However, it didn’t come as Wilson again hit the side-netting and Chris Wademan was just unable to get a touch on Josh Kaine’s through ball.

Whitchurch went 2-0 up when a trip by Josh McNulty led to a penalty, which was driven home by Mark Blundell on 60 minutes.

Recent signing Michael Garnett, who has been a key player for neighbours Oxenhope, came on for Silsden and, showed some good touches.

Chances kept coming for the hosts as Wademan went close but Whitchurch broke down the right and delivered the killer blow when Blundell claimed his second on 80 minutes.

Gill was disappointed with the result but highlighted the number of chances the Cobbydalers created.

He said: “Earlier in the season the chances were being converted. We've scored 33 and conceded 31. We need some luck. I acknowledge we need to be to be tighter at the back and I am constantly on the lookout to strengthen the squad.”

On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to New Mills in the Macron League Cup.

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Moses, McNulty, Kaine, Gill J (Erangey 88), Eastwood, Morgan (Garnett 72), Hancock (Smith 45), Wilson, Wademan, Storrie.