Silsden 2, Runcorn Linnets 3

RUNCORN Linnets remain unbeaten at the North West Counties Premier Division summit but they were tested to the limit by Silsden.

The in-form Cobbydalers led 2-0 at half-time and it took the Linnets until the 88th minute to complete their comeback.

The home side also felt a hint of injustice as one of the visitors' goals was from a disputed penalty.

It could not have been a better start at the Angel Telcom Stadium for the Cobbydalers as they took a fourth-minute lead.

Kevin Ryan blocked a Linnets shot and broke forward, feeding Ryan Brereton whose through-ball was slotted in by Zack Dale.

Runcorn had a good chance to pull level soon after but home keeper Phil Rishton tipped the effort over.

The visitors' stopper was also tested but equal to Dale's shot – but Dale was not to be denied his second goal as he converted a Tom Henderson cross in the 36th minute.

Just four minutes into the second half, the Linnets were back in the game as Martin Crowder's free-kick deflected off the wall to beat Rishton.

The contentious penalty came just five minutes later. Kevin Ryan inadvertently tripped a runner but he believed the coming together had occurred outside the area. The referee pointed to the spot and Kevin Towey stepped up to net.

Francis Smith snatched the visitors' late winner when he ended a good passing move with a good finish, Silsden dropping from third to fifth place as a result.