Silsden 1 West Didsbury & Chorlton 1

THE Cobbydalers were cruelly denied a crucial win in their battle to escape relegation from the North West Counties League Premier Division by a last-minute equaliser on Tuesday night.

Nico Evangelinos netted the equaliser after substitute Stephen Settle’s shot ricocheted into his path.

The goal cancelled out Danny Forrest’s 33rd minute opener for Silsden after he was put through by Kyle Hancock.

Manager James Gill is still optimistic about the prospect of his team climbing off the bottom of the table and avoiding the drop.

AFC Blackpool’s 1-0 win over Nelson means that Silsden are five points from safety.

Gill insists: “It’s still in our own hands. Three points would have been terrific but we are still in the fight.

“After Abbey Hey away on Saturday we have five home games on the run. We won’t give up until the final whistle of the final game.”

He added: “The fans tonight were fantastic. We just need the same support in the last few weeks.”

West, sitting fifth in the table, had made the early running but Silsden went nearest to scoring when Forrest’s shot grazed a post after good work by the impressive Ryan Cattermole, Hancock and Kevin Ryan.

Hancock forced Hayden Buckley-Smith to make a save before Forrest opened the scoring.

Silsden defended well in the first half with Josh Kaine quick to the ball and Kyle Harrison sharp to spot any danger.

The second half saw West up the tempo and Ashley Woods rattled the bar with a shot. Ed Hall also had to dive at the feet of Garry Lilley, who had weaved his way into the goal area.

Silsden weathered the storm and created chances of their own for Ryan and Nicky McNally. They also introduced the pacy Chris Wademan for a tiring Forrest in a bid to seal the game.

Just when it looked as if the Cobbydalers were going to get a much-needed win, Evangelinos broke their hearts.