AFC Blackpool 0 Silsden 6

THE COBBYDALERS' revival continued as new signing Mark Trueman scored twice in this emphatic victory.

Silsden have often crumbled on visits to the Fylde Coast, with regular defeats against the Mechanics, Squires Gate and AFC Fylde.

But they made it three wins on the trot following encouraging cup success against 1874 Northwich and FC Halifax Town.

Trueman has a wealth of experience at clubs such as Guiseley, Ossett Town, Ossett Albion and Harrogate Railway. One profile describes him as “an experienced player, whose knowledge of the game can be seen by his calmness on the ball. He is a talented midfielder who has a keen eye for a clever pass and the ability to come up with goals for the team too.”

His two goals in this encounter came late and were quality strikes – a 30-yard drive into the top corner on 74 minutes and a free-kick from the same distance in the final minute.

Trueman wasn’t the only player to bag a brace as Nicky McNally put Silsden ahead in the tenth minute on his way to a double. He latched onto Danny Riley’s through-ball and volleyed over Callum Kirkland on ten minutes. The Blackpool keeper denied McNally at the start of the second half with an outstanding save but the Silsden striker made it 4-0 on 54 minutes when he latched onto a mistake by Declan Shaw, who made a hash of trying to clear Josh Eastwood’s through-ball.

Silsden's second goal had come on 33 minutes when Kyle Hancock hit a dipping volley over Kirkland from 30 yards out.

Hancock had his best game of the season with some trademark dribbles, penetrating runs and good defensive work. His goal gave the Cobbydalers confidence following the Mechanics’ best chance when a fortuitous deflection off Eastwood fell to Chris Thomas but Callum Jakovlevs denied him with a great save.

Riley was unlucky not to score on several occasions, Kirkland making a fine save from his volley midway through the half before the forward went close with a near-post header.

Despite being outplayed, the Mechanics never gave up but the Silsden defence held firm. Robert Foulds, playing only his third game, looked totally assured at right back. The outstanding Matty Moses, on the left , was always willing to support the attack and, at the heart of the defence, skipper Josh Kane led like a true captain.

His partner, Sam Jacomb, was a tower at the back and capped his performance with a headed goal early in the second half.

On Saturday, the Cobbydalers are at home to Sandbach United.

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Moses, Foulds, Kaine, Jacomb, Trueman, Storrie (Smith 65), Eastwood, McNally (Wilson), Hancock (Bousfield 80), Riley.