Silsden beaten by Hill's cracker (From Craven Herald)

Silsden beaten by Hill's cracker

9:22pm Wednesday 21st December 2011 in Football

Runcorn Linnets 1 Silsden 0

A stunning 25-yard curler in the first half from David Hill settled this Christmas cracker.

Linnets fans had been called to clear the snow off the pitch in the morning to ensure the game went ahead – only one of two that beat the weather in the Premier Division.

They were rewarded with three points, which took the Linnets into the top ten, but they had to hold their breath when Silsden’s Joe Gaughan headed home in the second half, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Silsden were without James Nettleton but, with Tim Hird, Arley Barnes and Ben Lamb returning to their accustomed positions, the Cobbydalers looked solid at the back.

The Linnets were soon into their stride, with skipper Rob Whyte controlling the midfield.

Sean Pearson wasted one of several half-chances but the hosts took the lead after 25 minutes with a goal of the highest quality. Hird lost possession outside the penalty area and, though there was plenty of defensive cover, Hill hit his shot so sweetly that even the impressive James Mann could not get near it.

Minutes later, Jake McEneany suffered a serious injury to his arm and Ben Geary took his place.

Linnets’ Kevin Towey shot into the side-netting in the opening minute of the second half when he should have done better.

With the Runcorn defence playing a high line, Gaughan made a super run to reach Barnes’ cross and head beyond the advancing keeper. But, with the ball in the net and the crowd silenced, the assistant’s flag was raised.

Although Hird was booked for one reckless challenge, the referee recognised when committed players made mistakes on the greasy surface.

In the last five minutes, Mann twisted in mid-air to block a close-range header from Whyte.

Silsden entertain Colne on Boxing Day (3pm).