SILSDEN have slipped off the summit of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division after a 3-0 defeat at Garforth Town.

They have now been overtaken by Bradford District rivals Campion, whose 4-2 victory has put them two points clear at the top.

It was a bright start to the day for Silsden, who welcomed Jos Bradshaw back into the squad after nearly a year out with injury.

But they started the game badly, as Nash Connolly poked the ball home to give the hosts the lead inside the opening five minutes.

A good block stopped Garforth from doubling their lead, before efforts from Casey Stewart and Adam Clayton went just wide for the Cobbydalers.

The home side were disappointed not to have anyone on the end of a peach of a cross from Sam Barker, but they were still content enough to be leading 1-0 at the break.

It was a quiet start to the second half, aside from Silsden’s Kayle Price firing a long-range half-volley into the side netting.

Charlie Marshall should have doubled Garforth’s lead after getting in behind, but fired wide on the slide.

The hosts were cranking up the pressure in the closing stages, and they doubled their lead through Barker’s weaving run and finish with 10 minutes to go.

Garforth clinched victory with a few moments to go, following a poor defensive clearance from Silsden.

Rinor Ejupi gratefully slammed home the hosts’ third goal as a result, the win moving them up to sixth.

Silsden have a break from league action now, with their next game in the FA Vase first round, when they travel to Redcar Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

They then go to Garforth Town in the West Riding County Cup first round next Tuesday.