With just a third of the season gone, Silsden are already left with nothing other than league safety to play for after exiting four cups at the first hurdle.

Their knock-out exploits were summed up when they were beaten 4-1 at home in the North West Counties League Cup.

An early goal from towering striker Mikey Hall gave Silsden a half-time lead against Division One outfit Formby but the Cobbydalers, from the Premier Division, failed to hold on to it.

Formby forced extra-time and ran out fairly comfortable winners. It was an all-too familiar tale for the Cobbydalers, who lost 2-1 at Liversedge in the West Riding County Cup at the start of last month.

They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Bridlington Town, 2-1 at home, and North Shields dumped them out of the FA Vase – also at the Angel Telecom Stadium – in extra-time.

Spokesman Jim Rosser said: “Four cup competitions and out in the first game of all of them.

“We shipped in four goals in the two that went to extra time and lost by the odd goal in the other two. I don’t think there was any discredit in losing to Formby, I know they are from the division below us but there are reasons for that.

“They won it last season but failed their ground grading so were denied promotion but they kept their squad together and signed a two year deal to play at Burscough so they should be in the top division really.

“Our problem is that we don’t put enough of the chances away. The team is solid and they create plenty of opportunities going forward but the ball just isn’t going into the net.

“Andy (Geary, manager) is doing what he can with limited resources but the squad is very young and you get inconsistency and mistakes from lads that are learning the game.”