Dale Hoyle and Jimmy Hedges maintained their recent scoring form as Silsden extended their lead at the top of the County Amateur League to eleven points.

Now follows a significant week in the ninety-nine year history of Silsden A.F.C. A final ground inspection for admittance to the North West Counties League and two semi-finals.

Friday's County Cup encounter with Carlton Athletic at The County FA's Woodlesford ground where Silsden hope to progress to their third consecutive final, followed by the League Cup game against Bay Athletic next Wednesday at Brighouse.

Manager Andy Geary had a full strength squad for Saturday's game but if Silsden expected an easy game against relegation favourites Hall Green they were in for a rude awakening. Hall Green came out with all guns blazing and broke through right from the kick off only to be denied by a last ditch tackle by Adam Reed. From the resultant corner a free header was blocked on the line by Andy Holden. Another corner, another free header. Martin Foulger got a strong hand to the ball but Empsall blasted the rebound into the roof of the net. Silsden were rattled as the Green went for a second goal.

Gradually Silsden got their passing game together and the homesters wilted after the initial onslaught. Hedges fed Hoyle but the home keeper smothered his effort before Martin Bland delayed his shot and was tackled. Hedges was here, there and everywhere and midway through the half he gave Silsden the lead with a curling chip over Turner.

Within minutes Rhodes had crossed for Hoyle to make it two with a downwards header. Hoyle was having a field day in the air. He headed a Holden cross back across the goal to Hedges whose volley was brilliantly saved by Turner. Hedges then broke down the right only for the keeper to punch out his cross but the third goal was soon to come; this time it was a Holden cross which gave Hoyle the opportunity to head home.

Hall Green had been run ragged in the latter part of the first half and in the second half they set out their stall to defend in numbers and hoped to catch Silsden on the break. They were to have only two serious attempts on goal in the whole half, firstly when Foulger saved well from Callaghan and then when the Silsden keeper was caught too far off his line. Otherwise the game was played in the Hall Green half as Silsden created chance after chance mainly from breaks down the flanks. One wondered whether Hedges or Hoyle would get their hat tricks. They were fed some sumptuous crosses but the headers were either just wide or saved by Turner.

Martin and Matthew Bland were similarly off target and it was Gavin Finn who slid home number four after good work by Hoyle. Hedges was denied a second by the referee and was close with a fierce drive minutes later. In the end this was a comfortable victory and Geary was able to use all his substitutes. A cameo from Paul Schofield in the dying minutes reminded the crowd of the golden days of Paul's hero, Stanley Matthews. Paul jinked past two defenders near the corner and swung over a tempting cross. Hedges headed wide!

Hedges and Hoyle were superb, they combined well and led the Hall Green defenders a merry dance through intelligent running and excellent ball control. They were well supported by a team brimming with confidence. If the Cobbydalers are at their best it will take a good side to beat them.

Steve Barker scored both goals for Steeton, but could not prevent his side going down 5-2 to Wibsey as they ran out of steam.

The Sumemrhill side held Wibsey 1-1 at the break then saw the visitors score four second half goals.

Keighley shamrocks beat Hunsworth 3-0 with goals from rob Pearson, Ben McCormack anbd Damian Dykes. The win moved them to fourth place in Division One.

Silsden Reserves have won the Reserve Division title with two matches to go, despite not having a game last weekend. They have the chance of going on to complete a double as they are still in the League Cup.

The fight for second place in the league goes on with Littletown moving ahead of Steeton after their win, while Steeton were not in action.

Keighley Shamrocks Reserves moved up to fifth place in Reserve Division One after pulling off a 4-1 victory over Campion with goals from Scott Nelson, Shaun Duffy, Peter Douse and Ray Sollitt.