Winsford United 4 Silsden 0 - Silsden travelled to Cheshire knowing a draw would keep them in the promotion race - but could not cope with the hope team's

Winsford had been defeated twice by the Cobbydalers this season, but although they were cautious at first they showed more ambition this time and well-deserved their victory.

The match programme had reports on the previous games between the teams and Winsford described their opponents as 'a physical team relying heavily on the long ball.' Manager Dave Twite prepared accordingly and the Cobbydaler's fell into the trap.

Nettleton and Hedges passed late fitness tests and were both selected with the unlucky Jambor relegated to the bench. Rhodes had to clear in the opening minutes as Melia broke forward to create an opening for Quinn but Winsford were still wary of the threat from the Cobbydalers' notably Hoyle.

Bentham put the striker through in the tenth minute, Hoyle outstripped the defence but his shot was saved by the feet of keeper Walton.

It was to be Silsden's only effort of note on target although Rhodes was narrowly wide from the resulting corner, having beaten his marker to the ball, and Hoyle had another effort deflected wide.

The better chances fell to the men from Cheshire, Hughes shooting wide after dispossessing Bentham and Nettleton deflecting a shot from Quinn who was controlling the game in midfield. Rosser had to head clear on three occasions as Winsford poured forward and Maude saved well from Quinn low to his left. Hanley had the best chance for Winsford but chipped over the bar with Maude beaten.

Hutchinson headed wide having beaten the defence and Rhodes again blocked an effort on the line. The Cobbydalers posed little threat with Holden unable to break up field and Appelbee well-shackled on the left. Hedges and Hoyle were often isolated, feeding on scraps as Bentham and Finn struggled to gain supremacy in midfield.

With the score goalless at the break Silsden were still in the game and might have expected to be more dangerous with the wind at their backs, but it was Winsford who were more threatening.

Both Bland and Maude cut out attacks before the home side took the lead. A corner was hit from the right and Melia beat Rosser to the ball to head into the roof of the net.

Silsden were then forced to adopt a more positive approach, Rosser having a deep cross pushed out for a corner and Holden finally breaking forward only to see his cross go to waste, Appelbee needing to have shot first time. The keeper then dropped the ball when challenged by Hoyle but recovered before Appelbee could react.

At last Silsden began to pass the ball with Hanson adding some composure but as the game progressed the visitors relied increasingly on deep crosses into the box. Centre-backs Welstead and Chambers easily dealt with the aerial bombardment. With the defence stretched Rosser and Hedges both had to break up counterattacks.

On 71 minutes a corner from Holden was met firmly by Bland but his header was just over the bar. Rosser was then beaten by Hanley but Maude kept Silsden in the game with his feet.

With ten minutes to go Geary gambled, putting three men up front but there was too much pressure on the defence. An overhead clearance by Rosser was sliced across goal and Hanley headed home.

Maude appeared to be impeded when trying to punch out a deep cross but the referee saw no offence and Hanley slid the ball into an empty net for his second. In the last minute Winsford broke again, the ball was pulled back, and Hutchinson scored.