SILSDEN ended their search for a first point in 2019 by securing all three with a magnificent victory at runaway leaders City of Liverpool in the North West Counties Premier Division.

A spell of early pressure at the TDP Solicitors Stadium was rewarded when Dan Illingworth headed the Cobbydalers in front in the 10th minute. The Purps, so-called because of their distinctive purple kit, hit back midway through the first half when Danny Dalton netted a back post header.

That ruined the clean sheet aims of debutant keeper Cameron Alisson but it didn’t lead to panic in the Sils camp. In fact, as the rains became heavier and the conditions worsened the Cobbydalers looked more assured.

The winning goal came 10 minutes into the second half following a scramble in the area and it went down as an own goal with the home defence desperately trying to clear their lines.

The Purps hit a post later so Alisson wasn’t beaten again and Silsden weathered a late onslaught to hold on for a fine win.

There was no joy in Division One North for Steeton, though, as they lost 3-0 at home to high-flying Prestwich Heys.

The visitors led at the break after Will Shawcross had opened the scoring midway through the first half. Shawcross broke down the left flank and cut inside before beating home keeper Fletcher Paley with a shot from just inside the area.

The Chevrons had chances to equalise before the break but failed to trouble the visiting keeper.

The conditions worsened after the break making the pitch treacherous but Prestwich substitute Cory Knight looked surefooted as he bagged a brace after coming on just before the hour mark.

Knight doubled the visitors’ lead with a looping header from a corner and he wrapped up the scoring when he chipped Paley as he ran out to narrow the angle. The win saw Heys climb into fourth place.