SILSDEN suffered their first defeat in five games in the top tier of the North West Counties League – losing 1-0 at struggling Hanley Town.

The Stoke-based club are just four points above the drop zone and their surprise home win against the Cobbydalers knocked Danny Forrest’s men out of the top half of the Premier Division.

Callum Jacovlevs was the busier of the two keepers in the opening spell with the Cobbydalers’ stopper thwarting Tim Sanders twice and Nev Thompson.

The visitors grew into the game at Potteries Park and had two late chances in the first half.

Town keeper Dane Jackson parried a shot from Chris Wademan, the loose ball being hacked clear, and minutes later Joe Mitchell fired over the bar. Silsden were then hit by what turned out to be the killer blow.

Two minutes into time added on, Chris Boast helped on a long throw-in from Tom Winkle and Thompson turned the ball past Jacovlevs.

Forrest’s men carved out the odd chance in the second half and almost snatched an equaliser just into stoppage time, with Jackson diving to palm a shot around his post.

From the resulting corner, Josh Kaine fired over from distance after the home defence half-cleared the ball.

The Sils will not have long to lick their wounds as they make the short trip over the border into Lancashire on Easter Monday to play old rivals Barnoldswick Town.

Forrest’s men were above Barlick on goal difference before Saturday but now trail by three points.

Neighbours Steeton had no game on Friday or Saturday but they are back in action. The Chevrons also make a short trip for a roses derby as they head to Nelson.