Football: We'll aim for top six, says Silsden boss

9:18am Friday 8th August 2008

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PAUL Schofield is targeting a place in the top six as the Silsden boss prepares to start the latest league campaign.

His side travels to Runcorn on Saturday as they look to improve on their 10th position finish last year.

The Cobbydalers were defeated 2-1 by Unibond First Division outfit Cammell Laird at the weekend but Schofield is confident his charges are ready for the coming season.

"The target is to do a lot better than last year," he said.

"A few teams can throw serious money at the player side of things and we can't match that but really we need to be among the top six."

Silsden will be without three players because of holidays but the side has been boosted by the addition of midfielder Craig Smith - who has played for Unibond sides Leigh RMI and Farsley Celtic - and striker James Nestor, formerly of Albion Sports.

Gary Shaw has also been signed but will be unavailable at the weekend because of work committments while Aaron Hollindrake has returned after spells with Guiseley and Steeton.

Smith, Nestor and Hollindrake were all on view during the clash with Cammell Laird.

Smith impressed throughout as he had in the defeat of another of the Cobbydalers' old adversaries Brighouse Town.

Nestor worked hard throughout but was starved of the ball in a first half dominated by the Wirral boys.

He did out-sprint the defence in the second half only to be denied by the Laird's keeper. A sharp spin in the box created another chance but once again the keeper was equal to it.

The Lairds were quickly out of the blocks, taking the lead in the fifth minute.

Silsden had much more of the possession in the second half although the Lairds went two up on the break, Foulger being beaten by an exquisite chip.

Schofield brought on five substitutes in the last twenty minutes and finally Silsden scored, a powerful shot being diverted into the corner of the net by Dan Moriarty.

The Cobbydalers face a busy week. Following the visit to Runcorn, Bacup Borough are the first visitors to Cougar Park on Wednesday for a league encounter.

Meanwhile Bradford side Eccleshill United will take on Silsden on Friday, August 15, in an FA Cup preliminary round to earn a plum tie against Halifax Town at the Shay. Both evening games kick off at 7.45pm.