Hallmark Security League Division One: Silsden 2 Alsager Town 1

SILSDEN ended a run of four straight defeats thanks to two goals from Nicky McNally, including the winner six minutes from time.

After narrowly losing at Stockport Town the previous week, the Cobbydalers were keen to start well, with their new signings having had more time to settle into the team.

But it was promotion hopefuls Town who started on the front foot, Mark Grice going close with a header after a deep cross from Dave Walker. It was no surprise when the Bullets took the lead after five minutes, Paul Taylor curling in a free-kick from the edge of the area.

The Cobbydalers needed some inspiration and it came from Josh Eastwood who, after running into the Alsager box, saw his effort headed clear. Midway through the half, the Silsden midfielder was thwarted twice by excellent saves from Chris Fletcher.

Ten minutes before the break, a magnificent save from opposite number Callum Jakovlevs kept Silsden from going 2-0 down. A moment later, Silsden were level.

The ball was moved from the back to Mark Trueman, who burst forward to hit a low shot from 25 yards. Fletcher fumbled the ball and McNally drove it home on 37 minutes.

Silsden finished the half with a decisive move down the right. Danny Bunch sped to the byline before pulling the ball back to Eastwood, whose rasping drive just shaved the far post.

From having looked so commanding in the early stages, the visitors found themselves defending more from the restart. Bunch, after another pacy run down the right, crossed to McNally, who volleyed straight into the keeper’s arms.

The Bullets next thrust was halted by Josh Kaine, who, along with Dan Illingworth, looked solid at the back.

On 55 minutes Eastwood broke clear of the defence but, with only Fletcher to beat, he hesitated and the keeper gathered.

Silsden might have been awarded a penalty when McNally appeared to have been brought down by Fletcher. It wasn’t easy to spot but the referee missed a blatant hand ball in the Bullets area and awarded a corner instead.

Minutes later, referee John Dillnut went down with a knee injury and was soon replaced by assistant Charles Veighey, with Silsden club official Peter Hanson taking over the assistant’s flag.

Silsden's winner came when Aaron David, who had impressed boss Danny Forrest in development squad games, replaced Luke Taylor and immediately sped up the left to slide the ball behind the defence. McNally was too quick for them and he slotted home under the keeper.

Forrest was delighted with Silsden's performance. He said: “There was great effort and commitment. The defence is looking much tighter with the addition of Dan Illingworth. On another day McNally might have had four, but he has that eye for goal. Eastwood covered the whole pitch and could have had a hat-trick himself.”

Forrest added: "Trueman protected the defence and (Kyle) Hancock worked his socks off keeping the ball moving. New boy Danny Bunch looks a really good asset. He provided some great balls into the box.

"The new players are beginning to settle and hopefully we should get a few more wins under our belt."

On Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to St Helens.

SILSDEN: Jakovlevs, Holt, Vincent, Kaine, Illingworth, Trueman, Bunch, Eastwood, McNally, Hancock, Taylor (David 74).