KYLE Hancock is the second successive Silsden player to earn the Hallmark Security League Division One player of the month.

The midfielder has scooped the honour for September and follows team-mate Joe Gaughan, who won the prize for August.

It is the latest acknowledgement of the Cobbydalers' fantastic start to the season, which has seen them win all 11 of their opening matches in the North West Counties second tier.

That sees them sit proudly at the top of the summit and Hancock has been pivotal in their success.

He has been Silsden's playmaker who has scored vital and sensational goals, as well as playing his part in helping the defence.

Hancock played in five of his side's six games in September and has yet to taste defeat. The only game Silsden lost last month was in the FA Vase against West Auckland when Hancock didn’t play.

Probably the high point of Hancock's month came in that competition when Silsden won 3-2 at Chester-le-Street.

He opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the penalty area and his second – which was the match winner – earned rave reviews after he cushioned a clearance on his right knee, flicked it up and volleyed it beyond the reach of the keeper.

Along with his goals, Hancock has demonstrated his ability to burst through defences and create openings.

Silsden's latest victory – a 2-1 win over Cammell Laird – put them eight points clear at the top.

Boss Danny Forrest is determined his side keep their feet on the ground and don't let complacency set in.

He said: "I always say to the lads, try and go about your business in a professional manner and conduct yourselves properly.

“They are a young set of lads. A lot of them have probably not been in a situation like this before and it would be easy to start shouting it from the rooftops, but nothing is won now.

“It's going to take what they've given and what they've sacrificed in these first 11 games all season.”

Forrest, whose side head to Eccleshall on Saturday, continued: “At the end of the season, if we've kept it up and if we've been successful, that's when we can celebrate.

“We do enjoy the victories, but they know there's a bigger picture and we're all working towards the end goal, not just to settle for a win on a Saturday.”