Silsden's unbeaten Premier Division run of twenty wins and a draw came to an abrupt end on Saturday when Otley Town inflicted a 2-1 home defeat on the Cobbydalers.

Perhaps it was inevitable after the team had raised itself for two semi-finals in the previous week.

But the defeat could have boiled down to complacency with the title in sight -- with too many players underperforming on the day.

Otley nearly denied Silsden the title on the final day of last season and have proved themselves a thorn in Silsden's side in recent encounters.

The game was more disjointed than the fans had come to expect with only the occasional passing move involving several players.

Chris Wheater deputised for Martin Foulger in goal and was soon called to deny Wagstaff a chance whilst a Jimmy Hedges volley was saved on the Otley line.

Silsden were being stretched at the back because, just as in their last defeat on November eighth, they attacked too freely and didn't carry out their defensive duties.

Inevitably Otley broke away and scored though Wagstaff, who cut in from the right to make it 1-0.

The Otley striker then blasted over the bar minutes later with another chance.

Silsden's response was to throw even more men forward. Better teams would have punished them but after a goalmouth scramble Silsden equalised.

The ball fell to Paul Schofield who fired home from twenty yards.

Bland then smashed a Rhodes cross wide and the half petered out with neither side in ascendancy although the injury to skipper Rosser in the dying minutes lengthened the injury list.

Silsden re-organised with Schofield at the back in the second period, but they soon lost the lead when Gary Lund was left unprotected down the left.

Chadwick rounded him and crossed to the far post where everyone expected the ball to go wide but it drifted in off the post.

Silsden then virtually camped in the Otley half for the remainder of the game, Hoyle and Hedges worked tirelessly to create space and chances but the Otley defence held firm.

Hoyle had a header brilliantly tipped over by Bentley, Hedges was denied twice by block tackles and Finn hit a volley just over the bar.

Rhodes and Holden broke down the wings but centre back North was commanding in the air.

Otley were reduced to the odd breakaway but they defended resolutely. Silsden must hope that this was just a blip in their quest to retain the four trophies which they won last year. Silsden now face Brighouse Town - at Cougar Park on Saturday, kick-off 2.30 pm.