SILSDEN have gone top of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division after a sensational 5-0 home win over Barton Town last night.

Barton were at the summit ahead of last night’s fixture, with Silsden second on goal difference, but expectations of a tight contest were blown away in a remarkable first half.

A thrilling, high-octane start saw Kayle Price head just wide for the Cobbydalers, Adam Clayton clear a Barton attempt off the line, and Casey Stewart strike the post for the hosts.

But Isaac Baldwin gave Silsden the lead by sliding home a loose ball after 24 minutes, before Price turned on the style.

He curled the ball home after being put through by Clayton on the half-hour mark, then netted twice more just before the break to complete his second hat-trick in three days.

Also in that final 15 minutes before half-time, Stewart hit the crossbar, home stopper Kyle Trennery made a brilliant one-on-one stop with his feet and Luke Brooksbank headed just off target for Silsden.

The Cobbydalers continued to create chances, with poor Brooksbank going close on three separate occasions, all after Clayton had made a brilliant block to stop Barton getting on the scoresheet.

Stewart had an effort well saved by the visiting keeper from range, but he finally found the net when firing home a superb strike from distance with 10 minutes to go.

The same player’s free-kick was then stopped by the Barton keeper, before Dom Craig almost made it six but had his effort cleared off the line.

Silsden, who visit Garforth Town in the West Riding County Cup first round while Steeton host Pontefract Collieries, will look to extend their lead at the summit with a win at rock-bottom Bottesford Town on Saturday.