Norton United 2 Silsden 0

The Cobbydalers failed to upset the odds as they slumped to a tame defeat at title-chasing Norton United.

Silsden’s hopes began to flounder when their hosts hit the woodwork in the second minute and, when they conceded a penalty midway through the first half, it was an uphill task.

Lee Cropper’s early effort, as Silsden keeper Ed Hall rushed out to attempt a block, hit the bar and bounced down before being cleared. Right back Ben Lamb gave away the spot kick when his mistimed a tackle on Lee Skellern and Tom Fogg netted.

The Cobbydalers almost got a foothold in the game minutes later when Andy Hill’s 25 yard free-kick clattered the bar with the home keeper well beaten. But the home side responded and Cropper again hit the underside of Hall’s crossbar.

Norton struck the woodwork for the third time early in the second half, Chris Baker’s curling shot hitting the post, but they did double their tally before the hour. Cropper was on the end of a good cross but his finish was fortunate as the ball trickled over the line off his shin.