Hallmark Security League Division One: Silsden 1 Widnes 4

SILSDEN were up against it after gifting Widnes a first-minute opener and, though they got back into the game, two late goals sealed an emphatic win for the visitors.

The Cobbydalers had escaped in the corresponding fixture, trailing 4-1 when the match was abandoned due to fog.

Widnes looked arguably the best side they have played this season and took the lead when a mix-up between keeper

Callum Jakovlevs and defender Sam Jacobs saw Chris Lomax slide the ball into an empty net.

Silsden - who welcomed back Kyle Hancock from injury but were still without Mark Trueman - settled after their setback.

They were boosted by new signings Charlie Holt, a former Burnley apprentice who had been playing for Nelson, and Keighley's Luke Taylor, who had been playing for Sandbach.

Holt broke down the right to set up Josh Eastwood, whose shot was deflected for a corner before Nicky McNally hit the post, having also been set up by Holt.

A superbly timed run from Kevin Towey saw the striker slide the ball under Jakovlevs to make it 2-0 after 36 minutes.

The keeper saved from Steven Akrigg before half-time and Widnes were soon on the attack at the start of the second half, Lomax shooting just wide.

The Cobbydalers responded with a break down the right. Hancock, by far Silsden’s best player, released Leon Smith, who drove the ball into the area. McNally reached it but his snap-shot was deflected for a corner.

Three minutes later McNally set up Chris Wademan, who cut inside two defenders, only to see his shot saved by Owen Wheeler.

Silsden finally got on the scoresheet when Hancock’s free-kick, following a cynical block by Akrigg, was deflected past the keeper on 53 minutes.

The Cobbydalers were visibly lifted as Wademan, set up by McNally, was thwarted by Wheeler. But Widnes were always a threat on the break and Sam Sheen, latching onto another deft pass from Towey, hit Jakovlevs’ near post. At the other end, Smith volleyed McNally’s header over the bar.

Jakovlevs saved Graham’s superb volley but Widnes got the vital third on 70 minutes. The goal illustrated the beautiful game, with the ball moved swiftly on the ground between four players, with Luke Edwards adding the final touch. Lomax brought another fine save from Jakovlevs before William Webb finished off another superb move to make it 4-1. Silsden boss Danny Forrest remained positive in light of the club's recent long injury list.

He said: “The introduction of so many new teams to the league has made it more competitive and with more games, the risk of injuries increases.

"We have had a bad run of them in the last month and it will take time for new players to settle. We are working on team shape a lot and I am pleased with our progress but we still have to be realistic.”

On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Stockport Sports.

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Holt, Vincent, Kaine, Jacomb, Taylor, Smith, Eastwood (Cox 90), McNally (Henderson 80), Wademan, Hancock.