Litherland REMYCA 1 Silsden 2

CALUM Jacovlevs produced a string of stunning saves as Silsden pulled off a surprise away win over the Division One leaders.

The Cobbydalers have shown little regard for reputations in recent weeks with a win at fourth-placed Whitchurch and a draw at third-placed Charnock Richard.

Manager Danny Forrest, who was without Will Storrie, Kyle Hancock and Mark Trueman in his squad, brought in Tom Henderson on the right and Mark Everingham on the left.

REMYCA, with 96 goals to their credit, were quickly out of the starting blocks. After only two minutes a free kick from Tony Cato was met by a firm header from Colin McDonald.

It brought a breathtaking save from Jacovlevs. That was to set the pattern for the whole game.

Silsden’s first foray into their opponents' half saw Henderson shooting wide after being freed by Nicky McNally.

McNally then chased Josh Eastwood’s through ball but his shot cleared the bar. Fifteen minutes into the game, Jacovlevs denied Colin Quirk and then Lennon Whewell.

A break from Chris Wademan was finally halted by a third defender, before two long throw-ins from Dan Illingworth bothered the home defence.

Midway through the half, Quirk opened up the Silsden defence with a mazy dribble which gave Fowler a clear opening, but somehow Jacovlevs parried the shot.

Despite the league leaders’ efforts, the Silsden back four held firm. Indeed, the visitors might have had a penalty on the stroke of half-time when the ball struck Caton’s hand in the REMYCA penalty area.

The second half began with another great save from Jacovlevs but Silsden began to pose more of a threat than they had in the first.

Eastwood and Ben Cox began to impose themselves and, when Wademan freed Henderson, the wide-man slid the ball inside rather than bearing down on the goal.

Moses made a fine tackle on Fowler then left back Danny Vincent burst down the left to cross low into the REMYCA area but Wilkie managed to clear it.

Jacovlevs saved after a half-cleared corner was driven back into the Silsden area. before somehow twisting in mid air to make the save of the game.

The Cobbydalers were starting to believe that they could get something from the game.

Forrest replaced Wademan with 25 minutes left and he made his presence felt by heading home other Illingworth’s long throw in the 78th minute.

Six minutes later a similar move saw Eastwood set up Forrest who rattled the bar. Henderson followed up to make it 2-0.

Quirk hit the bar with a header for Litherland after 90 minutes before they finally opened their account four minutes in to stoppage time.

McConchie tapped in from a yard out, but it wasn't enough to spare the leaders from defeat.

SILSDEN AFC: Jacovlevs, Moses, Vincent, Kaine, Illingworth, Cox, Henderson (Davis 89), Eastwood, McNally, Wademan (Forrest 66), Everingham. Sub. not used Storton.