Silsden are hoping to stage their first home game of 2011 with a visit from fellow Vodkat League Premier Division strugglers Ashton Athletic.

The Cobbydalers drew the only match they have played since the turn of the year and manager Chris Reape has stated that this is a crucial period for his side.

The 1-1 stalemate at Rossendale United on January 3 – Silsden’s last run-out – ensured the Lancashire outfit remained one of the three clubs below them. They were denied another relegation clash last weekend but face another on Saturday.

Wet weather, rather than the severe freeze of the Christmas period, prevented the Cobbydalers travelling to the west coast to take on Formby last Saturday. The fixture will have to be rearranged so they still have that ‘six-pointer’ to contest.

The clash with Ashton is less of a must-win game. The visitors are second from bottom, two places below their hosts, but are five points adrift having played four games more.

Reape has had no major injury problems – hardly surprising after only three games over a seven-week period – but his selection has been affected by unavailability.

With such a young squad, many players have commitments to county sides or cannot make midweek matches due to their studies.