SILSDEN AFC are riding high at the top of the Hallmark Security North West Counties League Division One, and they have boosted their firepower by signing Aidan Kirby from neighbours Brighouse Town on loan until the end of the season.

The striker has struggled to nail down a place in the Brighouse starting XI, and with Silsden struggling for options up front, Kirby was the ideal signing for Cobbydalers manager Danny Forrest.

Forrest was delighted with the purchase, saying: "Aidan is someone I’ve tracked for a while now.

"As a striker he has a bit of everything, he’s comfortable with his back to goal and isn’t afraid to run in behind either. He is an intelligent and energetic player with plenty of ability."

Speaking to the Silsden club website, Kirby expressed why he was particularly keen to join them:

"Danny Forrest got in contact with me and being a local lad I've been watching the season unfold for Silsden, the main reason for joining is to be playing more regular football.

"During my time with Clitheroe and Brighouse I was getting 30 or 40 minutes a game and that’s simply not enough for me. I want to be playing 90 minutes a game and scoring goals!"

He expects his knowledge of the league to be vital during the end of season run-in too:

"I think I’ll bring experience to the team, I've played in the Evo-Stik and Southern League Premier for a number of years now, I’ve seen what goes right and wrong at clubs and in games. Hopefully I'll bring goals and a title as well."

Silsden are currently 13 points clear at the top of Division One, but second and third placed teams Litherland REMYCA and Whitchurch Alport both have three games in hand on their Keighley rivals.