Whitchurch Alport 0

Silsden AFC 1

NIALL Sultan's strike saw Silsden return to the top of Hallmark Security League Division One.

Alport are the only team to have beaten Silsden at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium this season, with a winning goal two minutes from time.

It had been a controversial game in which Silsden, who had taken a 1-0 lead, were reduced to nine men.

Since that game the Cobbydalers had gone undefeated with eight victories and four draws. Meanwhile, Alport, who have had several players injured, had won three of their last five games, losing the other two.

The game began with Sultan seeing a shot blocked, before Alport broke down the right, Simon Everall hitting a ball along the goalline but Ben Mills couldn’t quite reach it.

Silsden responded with a volley from Luke Rhodes which was wide, while Aidan Kirby had a shot blocked.

Both sides were rather tentative, hitting more long balls rather than trying to play themselves out of trouble.

Reece Kendall went close with a header as Silsden applied some pressure before Everall had a shot which was easily gather by Callum Jakovlevs.

Josh Kaine was cautioned for a mistimed tackle before Sultan broke down the right. He crossed to Kirby who cushioned the ball to Hancock, but the midfielder shot wide.

The battle between Sultan and Alport’s left back, Lee Pickerill was intriguing with both players having fine games but it was a break away by Silsden, just before the half-time whistle, which should have been more productive.

Three Silsden men were breaking on two Whitchurch defenders and Hancock was in possession. It needed a through ball but Hancock checked back and the chance went begging.

The second half began with Kendall seeing an effort tipped over by stand-in keeper Krystian Burzynski.

Kirby hounded Nick Marley and won the ball. He turned back and hit a cross-cum-shot from the left. Sultan got a slight touch with his head and the ball was in the corner of the net.

Alport responded with Reece Taylor hitting a deep cross into Silsden’s area but Kaine headed clear and Sultan broke up the right. He switched the ball to Barnes who fed Hancock. His shot was cleared but Sultan regained possession, only to shoot wide as the home defence fell back.

Illingworth first and then Sultan fed Kirby, who went close with both efforts before Kirby sent Hancock free. Burzynski saved before Marley blocked Rhodes effort.

Sultan’s shot from the right was too high.

Alport had one more chance as Silsden pushed forwards but Jakovlevs was swiftly out of his area to clear. Kirby was still in the thick of things, being denied by the keeper but finally he was replaced.

In the final minute Hancock was dismissed for an elbow in a chase for the ball.