Keeper Martin Foulger was the hero of a torrid first half in which Silsden faced not only third in the table but also a fierce wind.

He made a string of magnificent saves as Tyersal dominated and looked to repeat their early season victory, which made them the only team to win at Cougar Park this season.

Foulger was in no mood to concede this time. Matthew Bland was serving a one match ban otherwise Silsden were at full strength.

Silsden attempted to keep the ball on the ground but their attacks were spasmodic and often failed as crosses were blown away from the Tyersal goal. The home side's first chance came after fifteen minutes when Foulger saved a curling free kick low down to his left, the rebound was blasted over. Silsden managed a few sorties into the Tyersal box but when they did Hedges shot wide and Hoyle's header couldn't beat the wind.

Foulger made a great save from the centre forward before turning a long shot round the post. Michael Rhodes was injured in a fierce challenge and replaced by Peter Hanson, returning from injury. Rhodes had worked well with Holden down the right but the winger's crosses were held up in the wind.

The tide of Tyersal attacks was relentless but Foulger would not be beaten and five minutes before the interval came the sucker punch. The Cobbydalers broke away and Spencer fed Hoyle who slid the ball across the goal, the keeper reacted too slowly and Jimmy Hedges blasted home.

In the dying minutes of the half Foulger tipped a long range effort onto the post and then made a double save, parrying a fierce drive and then tipping the follow-up shot round the post.

The second half was even more one sided with Tyersal failing to get even one attempt at goal. Silsden still found the wind difficult with several efforts going over the bar. Hoyle was thwarted twice by the home keeper before Silsden sealed the match.

Finn picked up the ball in midfield and fired into the top corner, the keeper parried as Hedges pounded in and Dale Hoyle slotted home into and empty net.

Hoyle was unlucky not to double his tally minutes later when he blocked a clearance only to see the ball pass the wrong side of the post. Tyersal were defending as desperately as Silsden had but the icing on the cake came when Gary Lund, ten yards inside his own half, booted the ball goalwards a la Peter Kay.

"Have it!" roared Lund as the ball soared on the wind over the back-pedalling keeper for his first goal for eight years.

With Brighouse busy elsewhere the gap at the top of the table grew to eight points although Brighouse have two games in hand.

Silsden Reserves' encounter with Cross Hills was a victim of the weather and has been re-scheduled for this weekend. The First team are away at Hall Green.

On Friday, April 2, Silsden aim to make it three County Cup finals in three years when they meed Leeds side Carlton Athletic in the semi-final.

Two coaches are travelling to County FA headquarters are Woodlesford for the game. Details are available from Andy Geary on 01535-659197.

Keighley Shamrocks Reserves saw a one-goal half time lead slip away in their game against Littletown.

The went down to a 3-2 defeat with Kyle Fox and Shaun Duffy on target for Shamrocks while Rod Marsh, Joe Armour and Mat Toulson scored for the opposition.