Silsden claimed the West Riding Premier Division for the second consecutive season at the weekend with a stunning 4-1 victory over nearest rivals Brighouse Town.

Although in essence it was a team performance, Dale Hoyle's four goals made his the outstanding contribution.

Manager Andy Geary and coach Paul Schofield had to make changes to the team which had beaten Campion in midweek with Ben Furness unavailable although Martin Foulger was back in goal and Hoyle returned to the front line.

To combat the threat of Brighouse the versatile Jimmy Hedges dropped into the back four where he and Gary Lund had outstanding games in the heart of the defence.

Silsden, knowing that a point would secure the title, were cautious at first allowing Brighouse possession and the midfield territory.

Gavin Finn blocked the first effort from Brighouse and Gary Lund denied them on three occasions with timely interceptions and fierce tackles.

Andy Holden took some time to reach the heights of the Campion game but it was from his cross that Silsden had the first real chance. Jimmy Spencer was denied as the ball stuck under Armstrong's' legs, but the opener soon came.

Matthew Bland fed Hoyle with a defence splitting pass and the striker rounded the goalkeeper and slid the ball home. Brighouse's response was swift and Foulger had to make a double save before Lund cleared off the line. Spencer then crossed from the tightest of angles but Martin Bland just failed to connect.

Hoyle soon made it two when the Brighouse centre-backs failed to deal with a high ball. The confidence flowed out of Silsden and an intricate move involving Rhodes, Matthew Bland, Finn and Rhodes again led to a chance for Holden who shot just wide.

Chances were constantly being created and the tally was added to the referee played advantage following a foul on Holden and the winger ran to the byline and crossed to Spencer who was totally unchallenged.

He fed Hoyle who was left with the easiest of opportunities to complete his hat-trick.

Silsden took their foot off the gas and after Foulger had saved from Horsley, Sean Walsh headed home a hanging ball from short range.

Throughout the game Walsh worked hard but he lacked support and was let down by a poor defence.

He never gave up and dealt with the banter from the crowd with a knowing smile.

Silsden reverted to a 3-5-2 formation after the break and soon regained a three goal advantage.

Dale Hoyle, given far too much time volleyed into the top corner from the edge of the box and the title was as good as sealed.

Silsden relaxed and played out the rest of the game with possession football. Jimmy Spencer broke forward from well inside his own half and played one-twos with Martin Bland, Finn and Hoyle before being denied by the keeper.

The referee's assistant flagged for handball outside the area and had the result been in doubt the keeper might have been sent off.

The decision seemed marginal and the referee, who had an excellent match, used discretion in the spirit of the game. Holden's free kick went narrowly wide and after Hoyle went wide with a header he and Spencer were withdrawn to rapturous applause.

Lee Reilley and Graham Holmes came on but Reilley couldn't quite match his efforts of Wednesday.

Brighouse had two free-kicks charged down in the dying minutes before the final whistle went to herald the championship for Silsden after another superb season.

Mr George Parker, a County stalwart for over 40 years, presented the cup to Michael Rosser and Gavin Finn and trophies to all the players.

Harry Peacock's second team received the Reserves League trophies.

George wished Silsden well in their next adventure into The North West Counties League and having followed the team to Alsager was very supportive of the club's ambitions. To their credit the Brighouse players were generous in their applause.

We have had some memorable encounters with them over the years and wish them well in the future.

Silsden now meet Crosshills in the Keighley Cup final at Cougar Park on Friday 7.30pm kick-off.