Barnoldswick Town 2 Silsden 1

The Cobbydalers travelled to Barlick for the Boxing Day derby with clear instructions from manager Andy Geary to expect a battle rather than a classic.

His words went unheeded in a first half when their only Christmas cheer was the fact they weren’t at least three goals down by half-time.

Town, with former Cobbydalers Jake McEneaney, Harry Thompson and Aaron Hollindrake in their line-up, dominated the first half with some slick passing and movement.

Interchanges between Thompson, Joel Melia and Sam Howell created several good chances and it wasn’t long before the home side took the lead after eight minutes.

Almost inevitably it was Hollindrake who netted against his former club, heading in a cross from Melia.

He should have had a second six minutes later but he blasted over from close range and, midway through the half, he hit the post with another effort.

Silsden were being overrun in the middle of the park as Barlick continued to threaten. A poor clearance by keeper Ed Hall was intercepted by Melia, who wasted a clear chance.

The Cobbydalers finally exerted some pressure. Two shots from Josh McNulty, one pushed away and one too high, were followed by the equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

A touch of magic by James Gill saw him able to split the defence open and Lee McGowan headed the cross over the helpless Melia from the edge of the box. Barlick could have been three or four up but the scores were level.

Silsden came out fired up after the break. McGowan set up Chris Wademan but keeper Lyle Davy was swiftly off his line to smother the ball. A further combination between the two ended with Wademan heading wide.

At the other end, McEneaney broke up the left and Danny Fagan was relieved when his deflection came back off his own post.

With five minutes left Geary would have settled for a point but, with the play stretched, Wademan dallied on the halfway line and lost possession. The ball was moved swiftly forwards and sub Mark Threlfall got the winner.

With four games in January, the Silsden boss is looking for nine points ahead of Ashton Athletic’s visit on Saturday (3pm).

Silsden reserves are also at home and kick off at 1pm in the West Riding County FA Challenge Cup against Newsome.

SILSDEN: Hall, Moses, Crabtree (Hargreaves 62), Gleave, Fagan, Hill, Deakin-Pickard, Gill, McGowan, Wademan, McNulty (Hall 76).