A WAVE of relief washed over the Silsden players, management and fans at the end of their hard-fought 1-0 away win at Bottesford Town on Saturday, their first victory of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division season.

It was a competitive game, which either side could have won, but the tenacity of the Cobbydalers prevailed, with Joe Jagger bagging the winner late in the first half.

Bottesford were quickly out of the blocks but a four-man break ended with Jack Cross shooting wide.

Silsden’s first attack saw Khurram Shazad’s shot being parried by Jordan Quibell.

Matty Moses managed to break up another Bottesford attack at the expense of a corner, which was swung in, only for home captain Mick Jones to head over the bar.

The hosts, who had won their opening two games, were moving the ball about swiftly, but gradually Silsden began to create some chances.

Jack McEneaney slid the ball down the left to Mo Qasim, who played a one-two with Shazad, with Quibell saving the winger’s shot.

Qasim had another effort saved midway through the half after good work by Jagger.

Shazad and Bradley Riley then set up a chance for Kyle Hancock, who saw his low drive saved.

Hancock was proving to be a real threat but it was Jagger who opened the scoring, beating the Poachers' keeper with a low drive on 39 minutes.

Harry Parsons came on for Matty Moses at half-time after the full-back was injured and slotted in well.

But it was up front where the Sils were really impressive, with the interplay between Shazad, Jagger and Qasim making it seem as though they had played together for more than three games.

Bottesford were pushing forward hard in their attempts to equalise though, and their substitute Ryan Moody broke through on goal.

But Silsden keeper Sammy Lee parried his shot and Arley Barnes cleared the ball.

Lee then denied Mick Jones after the Bottesford skipper had latched on to an underhit back pass by Mitchell.

Four minutes from time, Silsden almost made it two.

Substitute Harry Thompson hit a superb ball across to Jagger, who deceived his marker by letting the ball advance to Qasim, whose wicked volley rattled the crossbar.

In the dying minutes, with the home side pushing for an equaliser, Shaun Airey was immense in the air, heading three dangerous crosses clear before the final whistle went.

The three points pushed Silsden up the league table, but more than that, it gave them a boost.

Tomorrow, they are at home to Barton Town and then away at Penistone Church on Saturday.