BACK-to-back victories have lifted Silsden out of the doldrums and brightened the early season mood at Keighley Road as the club begin the long road back following last season's relegation.

The Cobbydalers are not used to backward steps. Their progress from a decent side around the Aire Valley to an all-conquering Sunday League club, through to Saturday amateur leagues and then onto the non-League ladder was amazing.

They levelled out at step five and, after many seasons as an established club, slipped back last term. They are facing a totally different scenario this season as they are a scalp that everyone wants to take.

Cobbydalers press officer Jim Rosser said: "We had a good win in midweek and a narrow win last weekend. Boy oh boy, have those points come as a boost to us."

Silsden eased to a 7-2 win over Daisy Hill on Tuesday, Nicky McNally starring with a hat-trick, but they toiled for their victory at home to Holker Old Boys last Saturday.

Rosser said: "We beat Holker 3-2 but much of that was down to our goalkeeper Callum Jakovlevs. He was absolutely brilliant on the day and he made the difference in a tight game.

"It's going to be difficult for us this season because we are coming up against a lot of sides we haven't played for a long while or clubs that have just stepped up into the semi-pro game.

"We had a few problems with the officials against Holker – but there again, the referee was very inexperienced because he is just coming through and learning.

"There are a lot of things that will be new to us this season, so we're going to have to be ready for them.

"The experience of people like Gilly (manager James Gill), Danny Forrest, James Nettleton and Jamie Longley will be invaluable – but at the same time, we have to bring the young lads through for the future of the club.

"We're away to Oswestry Town today and that's 110 miles each way to face a side we know nothing about, so it could be another difficult day. This season is going to be one big test for us all."