North West Counties League Premier Division: Ashton Athletic 2 Silsden 2

SILSDEN produced another late show at Brocstedes Park as James Nettleton struck home an equaliser deep into injury-time.

In the final game of last season Kevin Ryan notched a last-minute leveller on the same ground against St Helens, a goal which sealed relegation for the Saints who play at Ashton's ground.

Silsden don't have a great record against Athletic. However, with three minutes of overtime on the watch, skipper Ryan's low shot was well saved by Martin Pearson and sub Nettleton beat the keeper from the resulting corner.

The Cobbydalers were without Charlie Collinge and Joe Mitchell. Boss Ryan Haigh brought in Andrew Spencer for his debut at the back to partner Ryan, surprisingly leaving the experienced Nettleton on the bench.

The forward line lacked a target man but this mattered little as the forwards, with low centres of gravity, were able to move swiftly on the greasy surface.

Ben Grech-Brooksbank had Silsden's first shot on target which Pearson gathered at the second attempt. John Riley then denied Nicky McNally after the Silsden forward had skipped through the defence.

Both sides had to make a change midway through the half, Danny Riley replacing McNally and Matthew Blakeley replacing Athletic's Riley.

On the restart Jack Brooks conceded a corner which hit the Silsden bar. The ball was bundled home but the assistant's flag had been raised for an infringement.

Riley then made a penetrating run towards the Athletic goal but Luke Holden halted his progress illegally. Josh McNulty's free-kick was out of Pearson's reach but it just missed the far post.

Ollie Hunter's superb tackle halted skipper Daniel Smith's progress, while Hancock saw a low drive well saved.

So often on visits to Brocstedes, the Cobbydalers have conceded when the home side are playing down the slope and it was no surprise when Athletic took the lead on 51 minutes, Smith getting the better of Spencer at the far post to score from a corner.

However, the Cobbydalers' pass and move football was a delight, Wademan and McNulty going close before Silsden gained a deserved equaliser on 62 minutes.

Riley found Matty Moses running up the right and he pulled the ball back for McNulty, who lost his marker and curled a right-footer beyond the reach of Pearson.

But Ashton soon regained the lead when Smith burst past the tiring Spencer and he squared to Blakeley for a simple tap-in.

Some of Riley's trickery was mesmerising as the Cobbydalers continued with their passing game.

Grech-Brooksbank saw a low shot blocked on the line before Nettleton salvaged a point in the late drama to keep Silsden third-from-bottom above AFC Blackpool.

The manager is now left with a dilemma. Does he stick with the same set-up or do Collinge and Mitchell come back in? Whatever he decides, it looks as if the ball needs to be moved swiftly on the floor. There was enough skill and tenacity for the team to go out and attack their opponents.

On Saturday the Cobbydalers are at home to Bootle before travelling to Nelson for a midweek game.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Moses, Hunter, Brooks (Nettleton 75), Ryan, Spencer, Hancock, McNulty, McNally (Riley 23), Wademan, Grech-Brooksbank (Henderson 75).