Silsden 2 Ashton Athletic 2

An 85th-minute goal from substitute Aaron Hollindrake gave the Cobbydalers a share of the spoils to keep them ahead of Athletic on goal difference in ninth spot.

The visitors took the lead after eight minutes when Kevin Ryan failed to clear the danger and Adam Gilchrist broke through to slide the ball under the diving Danny Thorpe.

It took the Cobbydalers a while to settle but a slick move involving Joe Mitchell and Chris Wademan ended with goalkeeper Martin Pearson tipping over Talent Ndlovu's dipping volley. From the resulting corner, Jack Brooks hit the stanchion from a narrow angle.

Minutes later, Wademan had a low shot saved by Pearson and Mitchell hit the rebound against the base of the post.

Silsden continued to look dangerous and some quick footwork from Mitchell ended with Ndlovu seeing his shot blocked. A break by Jack Brook was halted illegally and Andy Lee hit his free-kick just wide.

Having had a lot of possession, the Cobbydalers were fortunate not to concede two further goals before the break. A slip by Ryan gave Gilchrist another chance but Thorpe saved with his feet and the visitors also failed to take advantage when Lee Guilfoyle went down in his own area.

However, Silsden levelled just before the break when Zack Dale flicked home Ndlovu's corner.

Gilchrist had a great chance to put the visitors into the lead in the second half but skied his effort before Silsden also spurned a glorious opportunity. Will Storrie, on for Dale, played a pass which was a tad short to Wademan, who had to take a touch before shooting. His effort was blocked before Ndlovu's follow-up was saved.

Silsden fell behind to a goal from Ryan Small after 77 minutes after he latched on to a cross from Gilchrist. A super save from Thorpe prevented Ian Rowlands' powerful header making it three.

Silsden searched for the equaliser which came after a long ball from Ryan. Hollindrake, on for Ndlovu, seemed to impede Rowlands but the whistle didn't go and the substitute levelled the scores.

A late injury to Andy Lee added to Silsden's mounting casualty list. With Craig Nicholls struggling with a hamstring and Dale and Hollindrake just back from long-term lay-offs, resources are stretched.

It will be up to those selected for Saturday's FA Vase game at home to Thornaby to rise to the challenge.