Silsden 1 Liversedge 3

Following their defeat at the hands of the Fleetwood Town academy, the Cobbydalers faced a very different test against a physically stronger Liversedge team who had beaten Maine Road 4-1 a week ago.

Maine Road provide the Cobbydalers' opposition in the opening league fixture on August 8.

Silsden were without Matty Moses and Josh Brown in the back four and were also missing Kevin Ryan, Luke Richardson, Chris Wademan, Josh McNulty and Andy Lee.

The back four was particularly inexperienced, with Josh Metcalfe and Lee Guilfoyle moving up from the Under-19s along with Jack Brooks and Johnson Butterfield from Guiseley's Academy. It wasn't necessarily that individuals made mistakes but the collective defending lacked an experienced leader.

The visitors went two up in the first 13 minutes. First, Joe Mitchell could only head into the path of Jack McMurrough, who nodded home from close range.

Then a square pass was intercepted by James French, who hit a low drive out of keeper Danny Thorpe's reach.

Lawrence Dunne had a great opportunity to pull a goal back on 20 minutes but he scuffed his shot from four yards out. Stephen Smith hit a sweet drive a few minutes later which Liam Scott-Bell saved before a heavy challenge on Dale Feather led to the Silsden midfielder having to be carried off.

The hosts brought on Talent Ndlovu, who showed good touch and movement, while Joe Mitchell and Craig Nicholls became more influential. However, Hope made it 3-0 with a powerful header from an inswinging corner.

The selfless running of Nicholls was finally rewarded with a spectacular goal. Picking the ball up on the right, he dribbled past three men before unleashing a thunderbolt into the top corner.

Joint-manager Danny Bolton said: “It was good to see all the new lads in a match situation. I could see some positives and some areas which need attention. The new lads can learn from the experience of playing at this level and I am sure many of them will be more confident in a month's time."

The next game is at home to Thackley on Wednesday while Bamber Bridge are the visitors next Saturday.