Nelson 1 Silsden 2

THE COBBYDALERS are two points clear at the top of North West Counties League Division One after a 2-1 win at Nelson.

Silsden’s closest challengers Litherland REMYCA cut the gap with a 4-1 triumph at St Helens Town yesterday after Danny Forrest's men had won their derby clash on Friday night.

Silsden needed a late strike to secure all three points against relegation-threatened Nelson.

Aidan Kirby was their saviour in a tight game as he bagged a match-winning brace. He seized the ball inside the home area in the sixth minute, turned his marker and then lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

The home side were level midway through the first half after Kieran Demaine found a way past Cobbydalers’ keeper Callum Jakovlevs from the edge of the area.

Nelson could have edged in front early in the second half but Jakovlevs pulled off a top-class save to tip a header over his bar. The visitors then went on to take all three points after Kirby netted his second just ten minutes from time.

He slotted in after a well-placed through ball had given him a sight of goal.

The Cobbydalers have just six games remaining and it looks increasing likely that they and Litherland will claim the two automatic promotion places.