Cheadle Town 2 Silsden AFC 2 SILSDEN AFC remained top of Hallmark Security League Division One despite surrendering a two-goal advantage in the second half.

It was two points lost rather than one gained and it led to the gap at the top of the table being reduced to two points.

The first half was dominated by the Yorkshiremen, who took the lead on three minutes through the impressive Aidan Kirby, who lobbed the home keeper, having been put through by Kyle Hancock.

Hancock found Kirby minutes later and the goalscorer slid the ball to Chris Wademan, who saw his shot cleared off the line.

The visitors then had a lucky escape after a volley from Rick Whyatt struck the Silsden post, Dan Illingworth managing to scramble the rebound clear. Luke Cotton then latched on to a through ball only to shoot wide.

Wademan had the ball in the Cheadle net with a curling shot but the whistle had gone for offside.

Cheadle broke up the right but Reece Kendal managed to block Joe Neild’s low shot. Kirby ran on to the clearance and slid the ball inside to Craig Bentham, who found Arley Barnes whose shot rattled Danny Whiting’s crossbar.

Kirby then tried a speculative shot which Whiting held before a super run by the new man set up Wademan. He went down under a heavy challenge but Silsden’s claims for a penalty were turned down.

A Hancock free-kick was cleared to Josh Kaine, who hit a ball down the right to the marauding Kendal, who volleyed Silsden’s second from 25 yards out, which triggerd off great celebrations.

Cheadle immediately responded with a break which ended in Callum Jakovlev’s hands. However, an obstruction by Illingworth led to a caution and a free-kick.

Chris Sherrington hit the free-kick over the crossbar. Kaine then blocked an effort by Whyatt before Hancock was wide with a speculative effort from 40 yards.

In the dying seconds of the half, Kirby slipped the ball to Wademan, who had drifted out to the left. Wademan cut into the area and managed to round the keeper but his effort went agonisingly wide. The goal would have put Silsden in total command.

Dan Wood missed a chance for the home side early in the second half, before another classy run by Kirby saw him cut into the near post.

Bentham set Kirby free but his shot cleared the bar. Illingworth headed Cotton’s shot clear.

Hancock, who was needlessly cautioned, faded in midfield where the Reds were under some pressure. Cheadle attacked and gained a corner. Whyatt headed it home on 67 minutes, with Jakovlevs rooted on his line.

A sloppy back pass was picked up by Kirby, who sent Hancock free but his shot was off-target, before Kaine, often isolated at the back, defended well.

Silsden might have made it three when Bentham won the ball in midfield before releasing Kirby on the left.

Kirby’s cross deceived the defenders but substitute Niall Sultan was beaten by a wicked bounce.

A minute later, Silsden, who were playing a high line at the back, were caught out.

A long ball was hit forwards for Luke Farrow to chase. Jakovlevs ran 10 yards out of his area but was beaten by Farrow, who tapped the equaliser home.

Neild set Callum Collinson free, late in the game. He nearly made it three for the home side as Silsden were searching for a winner.

A second yellow card in the final minute saw Illingworth get his marching orders.

It was a blow for the Cobbydalers, failing to get three points, but late goals in their last two away games have given them a boost. Three home games follow.

Silsden’s home game against Holker Old Boys, due to be played on Monday, was re-arranged for last night following a gas leak which affected Silsden over Easter.

Cheadle Town: Whiting, Neild, McLaughlin, Holt (Farrow 74), Shaw, Harrison, Dunn, Wood, Cotton (Collinson 63), Whyatt, Sherrington (Plumb 74). Sub not used Piggott.

Silsden AFC: Jakovlevs, Moses, Kendall (Tomas 89), Kaine, Illingworth, Bentham, Barnes, Hancock, Wademan (Sultan 70), Kirby, Rhodes (Everingham 80). Subs not used: Davis, Lee. Referee: Mr A Ball.