Silsden are in desperate need of snapping out of their recent slump but they could not be faced with a more difficult opponent as they journey to North West Counties Premier Division leaders Maine Road on Saturday.

The Cobbydalers have lost seven on the bounce, five in the league and two in cup competitions, so with the added problems of many postponements they have not savoured the sweet taste of victory since late October.

Silsden spokesman Jim Rosser said: “We put in two of the best performances in the last couple of months in our last two games (lost 2-1 at home to Bootle before last Saturday’s 5-3 defeat at Norton United) but couldn’t get even a point.

“That’s how it is when things are not going well and next up is Maine Road who are top so it could be a bad end to the year for us because we have two derby games (Colne at home on Boxing Day and away at Barnoldswick Town next Saturday) after that.

“Joe Gaughan has re-registered with us after going to Brighouse Town for a little spell but he has had an operation so isn’t fit enough to be in contention for a first team recall just yet.”