Formby 0 Silsden 1

The Cobbydalers enjoyed a huge boost to their confidence and chances of retaining their Premier Division status with a narrow but hugely important win on Tuesday.

Silsden travelled to Formby for a re-arranged league game against one of the three clubs below them in the table and returned with the three points.

The opening half an hour saw opportunities at both ends, with the best of the visitors’ chances being a Danny Finn volley, which the home keeper Danny Barlow gathered at the second attempt.

Two players who have returned to Chris Reape’s squad were involved in the game’s only goal. The visitors forced a corner that former Bradford Park Avenue midfielder Andy Lee delivered.

Centre back Shaun Airey, up for the set piece, headed the ball on and Kevin Ryan netted a low shot from the edge of the six-yard box.

The home side were under pressure after that and Barlow was fortunate to escape with a yellow card when he brought Danny McNulty down.

Ryan had a shot cleared off the line just before the interval and Lee came close to adding to the tally more than once in the second half.

However, the home side also forced openings after the break and the result could have been different.

Cobbydalers’ official Jim Rosser said: “Winning this one was a massive, massive boost to the club.

“Also having Shaun and Kevin back was a real bonus. I don’t know if they will be available for every game but even if they play now and again it could be enough for us to stay up.

“In injury-time, Formby were camped in our box so it wasn’t good for the heart rate but it was a welcome victory and we can sleep easy – for now!”

Silsden visit Stone Dominoes on Saturday before entertaining Ramsbottom United next Wednes-day.