SILSDEN had a confidence-boosting win in midweek and their joy was doubled as it gave them bragging rights over neighbours Barnoldswick Town.

It was a win that came just in time to lift spirits after a good start was marred by a brief run of indifferent results.

Club spokesman Kev Knappi said: "We were suffering a dip in form but I think there were reasons for that, so going into the Barnoldswick game – which is a big derby for us, with a lot of rivalry and history between the teams – it was a concern.

"Both us and Barnoldswick didn't have the best preparation for it as we both lost our games last weekend."

There was unrest among the club's supporters even after the Cobbydalers won through in the FA Vase and then banked a North West Counties League point with a 2-2 home Premier Division draw against Runcorn Town.

Silsden slumped to a 5-0 defeat at AFC Blackpool and followed that with last Saturday's 3-2 home reverse against Winsford United.

Knappi said: "We looked like we might get something against Winsford but Craig Nicholls' goal came just a little bit too late.

"Craig came on from the bench late in the second half and if he'd scored before the 87th minute, we would have had a better chance of getting something from the game.

"He is just feeling his way back from injury, so the management team are looking after him. Craig was brought on again in the Vase game but he aggravated his hamstring injury when he scored.

"He put us 2-0 up (the tie against Thornaby ended 3-1) with almost his first touch – it must have been one of the most effective but shortest-ever cameo roles.

"Quite a good ploy, to come on, score a goal and then 'see you later', like an American Football kicker!"