SILSDEN boss Ryan Haigh is confident his side can climb away from relegation trouble despite losing the influential Craig Nicholls.

The Cobbydalers are currently third from bottom in the North West Counties League Premier Division and it was confirmed last week that last season's top scorer has left the Cobbydalers.

But Haigh believes recent additions to his squad will enable Silsden to cope with his absence and move clear of trouble.

Their spine has been boosted by the arrival of Elliott Firth (centre half) from Settle, Charlie Collinge (central midfield) from Clitheroe and Wayne Morrison (striker) from Padiham, while Oliver Hunter, Joe Garside and Fred Midgley have stepped up well from the development side.

Goalkeeper Joe Taylor, on loan from Fleetwood Town, has also made an impressive impact.

"We are disappointed but we move on," said Haigh on Nicholls' departure, adding that the player had cited work commitments being behind his exit. The manager said he did not know if the player had signed elsewhere.

Haigh was more keen to focus on the upturn in performances in recent weeks following the new additions.

While results have remained mixed in the league, Silsden have made progress in the League Cup and County Cup, claiming the scalp of National League neighbours Guiseley last week.

Haigh said: "Having made additions to the squad, I believe we can start working our way up the league.

"Over the last three of four weeks, I have been more than happy with things.

"The cups have been a good distraction and I am not overly concerned in the league. It is still early days."

Haigh admits blooding the likes of youngsters Hunter and Midgley - both who were playing for Skipton LMS in the Craven League last season - has come earlier than planned but he is impressed by their impact.

"It's early days but they have been playing six or seven games in a four/five week period when they might have only been used to 20 or so all season previously.

"We're having to be careful of burnout and may have to rest them at some stage.

"But how they have started - and the team spirit they have brought - they could go a long way."

Silsden's league game at home to high-flying Northwich 1874 was postponed last Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.

After their County Cup success in midweek - which earned them an away tie at either Thackley or Liversedge in the quarter-finals during the week commencing December 5 - Haigh admitted it was a shame to be left kicking their heels.

He said: "We just wanted to keep the momentum going but I'd heard the game was doubtful on Friday.

"A working team met at 8am on the morning of the game but once the heavens opened that was it."

The Cobbydalers host sixth-placed AFC Liverpool on Saturday when another tough test is expected.

"They are always a strong, physical test, " said Haigh. "They had a disappointing result against Runcorn Town (lost 5-2) last week but Runcorn are going well.

"If we can take our performances of the last few weeks into the game we can do well."