West Riding County Women's League, Shield Quarter-Final: Wigton Moor 0 Silsden Ladies 5
SILSDEN continued their run in the Shield against Wigton Moor, who are top of the Third Division with a 100 per cent record and an impressive plus 91 goal difference.
In a fast and furious start, the Cobbydalers took the lead in the 16th minute with a superb strike from captain Sophie Gaines from outside the 18-yard box into the top-right corner.
Wigton pressed for the equaliser but quality defending by Bex Brown, Charlotte Hutchinson, Katie Fawcett and Christina Aston kept them at bay.
Silsden added a second goal after a free-kick by Melissa Houldsworth was spilled by the keeper and Nic Frankland reacted quickly to net.
Wigton came out for the second period fired up but they were thwarted by strong tackling and clever play from midfielders Lauren Adams, Lily Davies, Kate Perfect, Gaines and Frankland.
When the defence was breached, the hosts found keeper Laura Thurling in excellent form.
Silsden went further ahead in the 64th minute when clever play from Elly Field and Gaines saw Houldsworth finish in style with a powerful shot.
Another fine run and pass from Field saw Gaines round several players before slotting home for her second. In the dying moments, a superb corner by winger Adams fell neatly into the path of Gaines, who made no mistake to complete her hat-trick.
Field was rewarded for her tireless runs with the player of the match award.
Both Silsden teams are back in league action on Sunday (2pm) at the Angel Telecom Stadium against Republica Internationale (firsts) and Boroughbridge (development).
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