Runcorn Town 0

Silsden 2

SILSDEN sent out a clear message to their detractors with an excellent performance and victory at third-placed Runcorn Town in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.

The Cobbydalers had Callum Jakovlevs making a second debut after returning to the club and he had a couple of saves to make late in the goalless first half.

The Silsden keeper twice denied Runcorn’s Shaun Weaver with saves from a shot and a later header.

Danny Forrest’s men hit their hosts with a quick one-two just after the hour mark.

It was Joe Gaughan who broke the deadlock as he netted a clinical finish after racing onto an excellent through ball.

The Runcorn defence was carved open again three minutes later and Gaughan was involved again.

Niall Sultan had seized possession in midfield before playing the ball forward to Gaughan and the wide man continued his run and took a return pass before slotting past home keeper Jack Cookson, who was making his debut.

Runcorn had their first chance of the second half in between Silsden’s two goals when a shot from Gaz Burnett was deflected over for a corner.

Burnett had a later chance that Jakovlevs did well to tip over but there was also a late chance for the Cobbydalers to make it 3-0, Cookson made a great save to deny Gaughan a second.

Runcorn held on to third place but Forrest’s men leapt three places back up to sixth spot.