Runcorn Linnets 1, Silsden 0

Runcorn’s pitch was one of just two in the North West Counties League Premier Division to beat the weekend weather but it did not help visitors Silsden as they slipped to their second league defeat on the trot.

The Cobbydalers’ own pitch was waterlogged the previous Saturday so they went into their trip to Cheshire needing to shake off the cobwebs.

But so did their hosts and the Linnets showed no signs of lethargy as they dominated the first half.

Silsden’s best chance in that period came when Arley Barnes threaded a pass to Joe Gaughan but the home keeper sprinted off his line to clear.

The only goal of the game came midway through the half when David Hill pounced on an ineffective clearance and curled a superb shot around Cobbydalers keeper James Mann.

Silsden were more in the game in the second half but could not force an equaliser and Mann had to be sharp to prevent Runcorn captain Robert Whyte from increasing the home side’s lead.

In the last ten minutes he pulled off two lightning reaction stops from close range, both from Whyte efforts.

Silsden spokesman Jim Rosser said: “Overall they were on top in the first half and deserved their win but we were in the game right up to the final whistle.

“There were eight minutes of stoppage time and a little bit of niggle and time wasting crept in but it didn’t boil over.”