SILSDEN have made a strong start to the season, so they will be a little disappointed with last night’s 1-1 draw at home to bottom side Beverley Town in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

The Cobbydalers’ biggest game this month is yet to come, as they visit West Didsbury & Chorlton in the FA Cup first qualifying round this Saturday, their first appearance at that stage for 20 years.

But promotion will still be their main aim this season, and a bright start had seen them take seven points from nine off three of their Bradford District rivals, Campion, Thackley and Albion Sports.

They had also lost 3-1 to a strong Tadcaster Albion side, but had spent most of that league game with 10 men.

Perhaps with half an eye on the marquee game at West Didsbury on Saturday, Silsden were not at the races early on against Beverley.

Harry Coates was forced to make a great block to keep the hosts level in the opening moments, but he was powerless to prevent McCauley Snelgrove from lashing home a fine half-volley from the edge of the box to put the visitors in front on 11 minutes.

It was a busy start to the game last night for big defender Harry Coates.It was a busy start to the game last night for big defender Harry Coates. (Image: Gary Lohan.)

Cameron Connelly should have doubled their advantage after capitalising on a defensive error, but he shot wide one-on-one.

Silsden’s only half-chance in the first 30 minutes was a Kayle Price penalty appeal that was waved away, but they levelled before half-time through Tom Greaves.

The veteran striker powered forward before unleashing a low strike to beat Jonathan Dash in the Beverley goal.

And after Sam Kilner stopped Beverley from going back in front instantly, Silsden began to get on top, Ellis Hudson smashing a shot off the post then coming close from a free kick, Dash extending a leg to deny Greaves and Cody Cromack zipping a long-range rocket narrowly wide.

Casey Stewart was kept out by Dash early in the second half, while at the other end, Callum Bradbury had to be on hand to save from Luka Suluburic, just moments after the visitors had headed a great chance wide from a corner.

Price and Hudson combined twice for a late chance apiece, but neither could find the net, as Silsden were forced to settle for a point.