FOLLOWING three close defeats against top sides in the North West Counties League Premier Division, Silsden's battle for survival has become increasingly difficult.

Club spokesman Kev Knappy is praying that the club gets a break, having played well without reward to leave them bottom of the table.

He said: “We’ve worked hard in the last three games and there have been signs that we’re not far off but we desperately need a change of luck.

“The side played so well against Colne last Monday but it was a shame to see them work so hard but come away with nothing.

"I’ve said all season that I thought Colne were the best team in our division, even better than the leaders Runcorn Linnets, who we played two days before Colne.”

The previous midweek had seen Silsden lose 2-1 at 1874 Northwich yet, despite their losing sequence, Knappy feels the side have improved since Danny Forrest signed on.

Knappy said: “The margins are so tight in this game and we’re chasing points now but we are playing positively. We got back to 2-1 at Colne from 2-0 down at half-time and we were pushing for an equaliser in the last ten minutes. They were looking nervous and would have settled for a draw.

“Danny playing has made a great difference to us. He’s ex-Bradford City and he’s played at the top of the non-league game and all of that experience shows and he is helping our other players.

“He knows how to hold the ball up and bring others into play. We’ve missed that type of player and to have one with his talent and guile is a huge plus for us. It’s not just what he does with the ball – it’s what he does off it as well.

“It’s been a long hard season and a cruel one at times. We are battling for every point now and it’s going to get even more difficult with the amount of fixtures we’ve got but the league have extended the season by a week and, while we’re playing as we are, we have hope.”