Runcorn Linnets 2 Silsden 1

NINE-MAN Cobbydalers put on a superb defensive display at second-placed Runcorn Linnets but lost to a 97th minute winner.

The Cheshire side had taken an early lead but Silsden levelled with 30 minutes left on the clock. Skipper Joe Mitchell and then Danny Haworth saw red, leaving them to see out the last 20 minutes with nine men.

They might even have taken the lead had luck been on their side but finally succumbed deep into stoppage time

With manager Ryan Haigh unavailable, Paul Evans and Clive Murgatroyd were in charge.

The Cobbydalers, who had just won two cup games, were in good spirits but went behind when Michael White curled in a free-kick on five minutes.

Jason Ryan was commanding in the air, ably helped by young Elliot Firth who, three weeks ago, was playing in the Craven League.

The Linnets thought they had scored a second five minutes before the interval. Potter headed a corner against the bar, with the hosts claiming it had crossed the line after bouncing down but the officials thought otherwise.

Bradford student Simni Oyenbanji came on for Nicky McNally in the second half, having signed from Garforth, where last season his two goals knocked the Cobbydalers out of the West Riding County Cup.

Silsden were more assertive and equalised after 61 minutes. Oliver Hunter sped down the left and his low cross caused panic in the Linnets defence. Mitchell squeezed the ball in at the near post with two defenders and the keeper in attendance.

Back came the Linnets and Danny Thorpe saved well from Hickey. Mitchell was pulled up for a foul and was spoken to by the referee, who booked him soon afterwards.

Ryan remained a colossus in defence but Silsden were up against it when Mitchell was sent off after receiving another warning before Haworth was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle.

However, Silsden weren't out of it and Wademan went on a 50-yard diagonal run from the by-line before his shot was gathered by Dean Porter.

With four minutes left Crabtree was injured and Jonson Butterfield came on. Unfortunately the youngster, when trying to clear the ball upfield, sliced it into touch near the halfway line. There was no immediate danger but the Linnets had the ball.

Silsden hung on but finally Matthew Atherton found the bottom corner in the seventh minute of overtime. It was a cruel blow.

However, disappointment was tinged with pride. Evans said: “We asked for a performance and we certainly got it. The lads were magnificent. They were a bit down after battling so hard but soon saw the positives.

"We have won two this week and lost one but the performance here showed that we are moving in the right direction."

On Tuesday the Cobbydalers travel to Squires Gate before entertaining Nelson at the Angel Telecom Stadium on Friday night.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Garside, Crabtree (Butterfield 90), Mitchell, Ryan, Firth, Moses (Hollindrake 79), Haworth, McNally (Oyebanji), Wademan, Hunter, Wademan.