Champions battled it out in the Keighley Cup Final with Cross Hills, winners of the West Lancs League Division Two taking on Silsden, Champions of the West Riding County Amateur League.

The match attracted a large crowd to see who would be crowned the kings of the local soccer scene.

There had been a lot of good natured banter on the Silsden website in the build up to the game between the local rivals but the Cobbydaler's victory was much more emphatic than the scoreline suggests.

The teams soon nailed their colours to the mast. Cross Hills relied on a strong defence and the 'long-ball' game whereas Silsden tried to create chances by playing a more controlled passing game.

Cross Hills were dominant in the air at the back but their reliance on the long ball was hampered when Mark Robinson pulled up with a hamstring injury chasing a through ball. He was beaten for pace by the outstanding Matthew Bland. Indeed such was the strength of the Silsden defence that Foulger's only pressure came when he was forced to punch out dangerous crosses. Cross Hills' only efforts of note came at the start of the second half when Craven was foiled and five minutes from time when Reed blocked a shot.

Jimmy Hedges had the first chance for Silsden after cutting in from the left, but it was deflected for a corner. Martin Bland fired wide before Adam Greenwood was forced to save the midfielder's sharp volley. The keeper again saved well from Holden; he handled the ball well throughout the game and came out confidently for crosses. Silsden then surrendered space and possession for a ten-minute spell but Cross Hills couldn't break down a resolute defence.

Gary Lund was once again in top form with his perceptive interceptions and fierce tackling, Adam Reed was composed and rarely threatened and Matthew Bland was dominant in the air. The threesome dealt with an aerial bombardment late in the game as if it was second nature to them. Silsden advanced again and created more chances. Lloyd cut out an effort from Spencer and Finn was wide when set up by Hoyle. Jimmy Spencer then spun and aimed for the top corner but his effort was deflected wide. Lloyd and Tosney held firm against attack after attack. No matter how much McCormack tried to drive his team forwards there was no respite as Silsden were quick to regain possession.

McCormack blocked a shot from Martin Bland after a powerful run before Hedges had the ball in the net only to be denied by the offside flag. He was narrowly wide minutes later and Greenwood saved well from Spencer. Holden and Rhodes were combining well down the right and the former was foiled when he mishit his volley. Hedges then notched his second 'offside goal' after a knockdown by Hoyle, but the game was goalless at the break.

After Craven's effort came to nought Silsden took control of the game. Martin Bland was making powerful runs from midfield and Gavin Finn was dictating the play. The opener was soon to come and fittingly it was scored by Hedges. Lund hit a long ball from the back, but this was a well weighted, directed pass, Greenwood had to leave his goal but Hedges was quicker to the ball and he slotted it home. Cross Hills forced a number of free-kicks as Silsden soaked up pressure but Gill wasted most of them.

Peter Hanson then replaced the unlucky Martin Bland, but the midfield was just as strong. Hanson and Finn both had good efforts saved and Greenwood did well to punch out Holden's free-kick. Silsden then began to rely on breakaways and as Cross Hills tired the Cobbydalers created space with their sharp passing and movement.

Another 'goal'for Silsden was denied by the whistle but when the decisive goal came it was a classic. Matthew Bland broke up an attack on the edge of his penalty box. He burst forward on a powerful run up the left, played a one-two with Spencer, sped on and crossed low across the goal. Hedges ran in at the far post to seal the victory.

Cross Hills had fought hard and defended well and Silsden had to be patient when attacking and resilient at the back, a good lesson for next year. In the bar after the game a Cross Hills fan and a Silsden official were in animated conversation. "Were Silsden right to move to a higher level?" the official was asked. "These players need testing in a stronger league" was the response. "You have to have ambition and go as far as possible."

Silsden's next challenge is to retain the County Cup at Woodlesford tonight (Friday) when they could become only the second team in the 100 year history to win it three consecutive times.

Manager Andy Geary will have to wait for a fitness report on Martin Bland but skipper Michael Rosser should be available following a three week layoff through injury.

The squad will be: Martin Foulger, Michael Rhodes, Adam Reed, Michael Rosser, Gary Lund, Mathew Bland, Andrew Holden, Gavin Finn, Jimmy Hedges, Dale Hoyle, Jimmy Spencer, Martin Bland, Peter Hanson, Ben Furness, Lee Reilly, Paul Schofield.

The game against Bay Athletic kicks off at 7.30pm.