SILSDEN’S promotion dreams are now surely over, after they were defeated 3-1 by mid-table Handsworth at the Express Worktops Stadium on Saturday.

Sam Smith gave the Ambers an early lead in the first half of this Northern Counties East League Premier Division clash, before Ellis Hudson levelled the scores 15 minutes after the break.

Leon Howarth quickly restored Handsworth’s lead before Smith’s second goal on 75 minutes gave the hosts breathing space and rounded off a disappointing afternoon for Silsden.

The Cobbydalers remain seventh in the table, but are now 13 points off the promotion play-off spot, albeit with a game in hand on the team currently occupying that coveted second spot, Winterton Rangers.

Handsworth came flying out of the blocks on Saturday right from the off, Kyle Welsh making his first save just a minute into the game to deny Mitchell Dunne.

It did not take long before the hosts were ahead though, as the ball dropped to Smith in the box and he placed a low finish into the bottom left corner.

Cobbydalers full-back Alex Stewart had an opportunity on 20 minutes when some neat passing allowed him space on the left-hand side of the box, but he could only fire his effort high over the crossbar.

At the other end, both Smith and Jonathan Williams had chances to extend the lead, the former sending a header over the bar before a shot from distance flew wide from the latter.

Welsh was a busy man between the Silsden posts, making a number of brilliant saves to keep the scoreline respectable and give the visitors a chance heading into the second half.

Jack Normanton saw his stinging drive saved by young keeper Klearchos Filandras as the Cobbydalers looked to hit back.

That warning for Handsworth was not heeded, as Silsden netted a leveller on the hour mark.

Hudson found half a yard inside the box and smashed home a strike off the underside of the bar for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Parity did not last long however, as a mishit clearance fell kindly for Smith.

He forced a great save from Welsh, only for Howarth to rifle in the rebound.

It soon got worse for the visitors, with the game put to bed soon after.

Howarth’s cross from the left was met wonderfully by Smith, who gave the keeper no chance with a bullet header just inside the six-yard box.

The result means Silsden have won just one of their previous four games, but they have a chance to get back on the horse quickly.

February is a busy month for the Cobbydalers, and they entertain struggling Bottesford Town at The Office Interiors Stadium tonight in a 7:45pm kick-off.