Runcorn Linnets 2, Silsden 1
SILSDEN had two men sent off at high-flying Runcorn Linnets but the home side still needed a very late strike to claim all three North West Counties League points.
The Linnets finally made the Cobbydalers' nine men pay for their indiscipline as they snatched the winner, with Joe Mitchell having swiftly gone from hero to villain midway through the second half.
Mitchell picked up two needless yellow cards within nine minutes soon after putting the Cobbydalers back into the game in the 61st minute.
The Linnetts had led when the home side's skipper Michael White had netted a free-kick in the fifth minute.
Mitchell cancelled that out before being sent off – and minutes after his departure, Daniel Haworth was shown a straight red for a poor tackle attempt.
Even then, the Cobbydalers could have taken the lead as Chris Wademan got through on two occasions but, up front on his own, he was running out of steam.
Silsden almost held on for a point but Linnets left back Matthew Atherton broke their hearts seven minutes into stoppage time.
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