Silsden were 1-0 winners in their first ever FA Trophy tie against Northern Premier League West Division side Atherton Collieries at the Regal Interiors Stadium on Saturday.
In a well-balanced first qualifying round tie, it was the striker’s instinct of Sils top scorer Kayle Price and a rock-solid defensive performance that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Having faced each other in last year's FA Cup, the visitors were keen to exact some revenge on the Cobbydalers, who inflicted a 2-0 defeat on them last time round.
Atherton almost got off to the perfect start just three minutes in as Luke Nock slid onto a Chinedu Uche cross only to miss the ball completely and allow the hosts to clear.
Just five minutes later and Colls forward Eric Yahaya was causing more issues for Sils, his powerful strike from the edge of the box rattling the crossbar before going behind.
With that let off at one end, Price was in no mood to show Atherton the same mercy at the other.
A long Toby Jeffrey thrown in was brought down by captain Harry Coates before the in-form striker lashed in an unstoppable finish to give the game its opener.
The next 20 minutes provided little to no action, as the visitors controlled possession well but were unable to fashion any chances up against a stubborn Silsden midfield and backline.
With the hosts were happy to soak up pressure and hit on the break, Price found himself with a few more counter-attacking opportunities.
He sent a bicycle kick wide and rifled a wonderful low strike off the upright and into the relieved keeper's gloves.
After the interval, Atherton continued with their patient, passing game and that almost proved fruitful.
Yahaya found himself with space to curl another shot that again rebounded out off the Silsden crossbar.
The Cobbydalers had a few late opportunities to kill off the game, Jake Cassidy heading wide, before Sam Barker and Price both saw efforts deflected behind for corners.
Silsden fans were also introduced to new signing Saj Elhassan, who provided glimpses of quality off the bench with his direct dribbling and silky footwork.
In what was a rare occurrence for a game involving Silsden this season, there was no late drama at the Regal Interiors, as the home side controlled and saw out the game in the final moments.
The draw for the second qualifying round has handed Silsden another home tie, this time against Nantwich Town.
But up next for the Cobbydalers is a return to NPL East action on Saturday, with a long trip up to Redcar Athletic.
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