SILSDEN manager Danny Forrest is quietly confident his team can win the North West Counties League Division One title this season.

Yet he admits it "could go to the wire", with his side's two main rivals having games in hand.

All three clubs had their weekend games called off due to the snow, meaning that Silsden have played 28 games whereas Litherland REMYCA and Whitchurch Alport in second and third have only had 26.

However, Forrest was keen to point out the importance of the Cobbydalers' current ten-point lead.

"I'm well aware that they can make up a little bit of ground – but we're still ahead of them in our own right," he said.

"If it really comes to the crunch, I'll start worrying about it then."

There was a general feeling within the team that they have lacked firepower up front recently, although Forrest feels that issue has now been addressed with the signing of striker Aidan Kirby.

The Silsden manager said of the new recruit: "He's someone who I have had my eye on for a while.

"He's got a lot of quality. He's a strong number nine who can play with his back to goal and can run in behind, he's skilful and he's intelligent.

"To get him is a real coup, especially at our level. With Joe Gaughan missing for at least another five games, we were a bit light up at the top end of the pitch.

"I think it was important to get someone in but it had to be the right person. I feel that Aidan's got all the quality and attributes that will help us try and get where we want to be."

Forrest feels his team are well-equipped to deal with the fixture backlog caused by the bad weather. A particularly tricky spell sees them play three games in six days over Easter.

But the manager explained: "I've said all season that I've tried to build a squad to deal with situations like this. It's going to take a full 18 to 20-man squad and that's why I've brought the players in that I have.

"I never really wanted to run with 15 or 16 players. I think the squad will get used to its full potential but I'm not too concerned really."

Silsden have 14 games left this season, with nine of those away from home. Despite a seemingly tricky run-in, the Cobbydalers will take confidence from the fact they have only lost four times this season.