Hallmark Security League Division One: Silsden 2 Alsager Town 1

A LONG-RANGE cracker from Arley Barnes seven minutes from time kept Silsden's 100 per cent record intact after four games.

The Cobbydalers faced their toughest test to date on Saturday against a strong Alsager side who had won two and drawn one of their three league matches to date.

Although the game was played in glorious sunshine, once again there was a strong westerly wind, favouring the visitors in the opening half.

However, the Cobbydalers, who were unchanged, had the first chance when Kyle Hancock back-heeled the ball to Nicky McNally, who shot marginally wide.

Silsden took the lead on seven minutes when new boy Mateusz Tomasz broke up the right and crossed for Joe Gaughan. His shot was blocked but Tomasz slid it back in and Gaughan beat the keeper from close range.

A minute later the visitors almost levelled but Warren Holmes' header was wide of the far post. While the visitors tended to go for the more direct route, the Yorkshire outfit tried to open up their opponents with some slick one-touch football.

One such move up the left saw Niall Sultan cross into the box but Tomasz' header cleared the bar. Twenty minutes in, Callum Jakovlevs was forced into a fine save at the other end, tipping Holmes' header over.

Despite the wind, the Cobbydalers created chances. McNally went close and Gaughan was just off target with a 35-yard effort. Tomasz was still causing problems on the right and Sultan supported the defence on the left as well as testing defenders with his pace.

A rash challenge by Danny Illingworth ended with the central defender receiving a caution. The opponents were aggrieved it wasn't a red.

But Oliver Jepsom wasn't injured and he headed wide from the resulting free-kick in what was a golden chance.

The second half began with a low shot from McNally which was cleared and then a through ball from Barnes to Sultan, who shot wide.

Alsager began to gain the initiative but lacked a cutting edge. Josh Kaine's reading of the game saw him nullify any threats and Mark Everingham broke up the most dangerous attack.

Keeper Joseph Mellor denied McNally and he was in the right place again when Tomasz cut inside two defenders and fired a ball in from the edge of the area.

The visitors hit the base of the Silsden post before the Bullets equalised on 75 minutes, substitute Taylor Atrell scoring from close range after a defensive mix-up.

Thomas Winkle could have put them in front but the Cobbyalers got the winner and it was a beauty. Picking the ball up 40 yards from goal, Barnes hit a thunderbolt which left Mellor helpless.

The keeper then denied Chris Wademan and Kyle Hancock after a flowing move but Silsden had done enough to make it four from four.

Having identified the game as the biggest test to date, boss Danny Forrest was delighted with the result.

He said: "The game was very different from our earlier games. Alsager are a strong physical side and I was pleased we were able to match them.

"I thought everyone was up to the task and they they stuck to their guns."

Silsden are away to Chadderton tomorrow night in a game being staged at Atherton Collieries.

Silsden: Jakovlevs, Davis (Eastwood 90), Everingham, Kaine, Illingworth, Tomasz (Truman 73), Barnes, Hancock, McNally (Wademan 73), Gaughan, Sultan.