Silsden 6 Formby 3 - Silsden recovered from an early setback to hit six of the best in completing the double over a spirited Formby side.

Silsden were without Martin Foulger in goal and the influential Tom Nettleton at the heart of the defence and Rishton, who replaced Foulger in goal, misjudged a shot from King in the opening minute and was lucky to see the ball rebound off the post.

Rhodes cleared the ball for a corner but Chris Jackson gave Formby the lead with a powerful header which Rishton could only push into the side netting. To his credit the young keeper regained his composure being swift off his line when Formby sprung the offside trap and was assured with his handling.

The visitors, battling against relegation, were visibly lifted by the goal but gradually Silsden imposed themselves on the game.

Jamie Longley had difficulty getting into the game initially but from his great block tackle the ball spun in the air and Graham Holmes burst through the defence to rifle a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.

An injury to Johnson forced a re-shuffle on Formby and Silsden were now fired up. A superb in-swinging Holden free-kick was met by James Gill who flicked the ball through Phillip's legs for their second goal.

Silsden began to pass the ball with aplomb on a poor surface with Gill, Longley, Packer and Holmes working in neat triangles. Holmes headed over following a cross from Packer. Rhodes latched on to a poor clearance from the Formby keeper but couldn't keep his shot down.

Neal Smith looked the most likely to score for the visitors having seen two efforts saved by Rishworth and he latched onto a through ball from King to slip the ball past Rishton for the equaliser.

The game was already stretched with both sides aiming to attack at every opportunity.

Formby were further hampered when King failed to return following a clash of heads on the stroke of half time.

Silsden stamped their authority on the game with an early second-half goal.

Mick Packer floated an in-swinging free kick from the right and Mick Rosser ran across his marker to nod home at the near post.

As the half went on Longley became an increasing threat to the visitors and followed up after feeding Holden on the right. Holden fed Gill who moved the ball onto Holmes and he drew the last defender before sliding the ball to give Longley a simple tap-in.

Silsden went to finish off the game Gill had two shots blocked before Packer volleyed across the face of the goal. The Cobbydalers had to make changes when the injured Bland was replaced by Hanson. The defence was immediately put under pressure and Rishworth had to tip a shot from Deane past the post.

As the Cobbydalers piled ont he pressure Hurd had a shot saved by Phillips who went on to deny Longley with an incredible save after he blasted in a shot from two yards, but the keeper forced it over the bar.

Silden's urge to go forward eventually caught them out when Phil Teale knocked in a cross from the right following a break away move.

Longley had a header saved as they continued to press and Rishton was called into action at the back before a Mick Rhodes penalty gave them some breathing space.

Graham Holmes completed the scoring in the dying minutes with a cool finish.

Manager Andy Geary had gone through every emotion in the book as his young team threw caution to the wind. The scoreline was a true reflection of the Cobbydaler's superiority but at 4-3 with fifteen minutes to go the result was still in doubt.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Cobbydalers entertain St Helens at Cougar Park (ko 3pm)