JAMES Gill’s first victory as a manager has lifted hopes of an escape act as Silsden look to haul themselves out of the relegation zone in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Former Cobbydalers player Gill was asked to come to the club’s rescue after Ryan Haigh called time on his stint in the hot seat.

He asked former Bradford City and Guiseley striker Danny Forrest to be his number two, but his arrival was delayed as he was a registered player with long-term rivals Barnoldswick Town.

When Silsden banked their first victory in any competition this year with a 2-0 win over seventh-placed AFC Liverpool last Tuesday, the relief at the Angel Telcom Stadium was almost tangible.

A 4-0 defeat away at Bootle just two days later was a setback but the Cobbydalers are focusing on Tuesday’s home win.

Club press secretary Jim Rosser said: “It was a really good game – a super game against a very good side.

“Liverpool lost eight players and their manager to Runcorn recently but they came here and showed just how many good young players they have.

"I think they will be a side that is challenging next season, even though they have lost a lot of experience.

“Danny had been assisting Gilly in the dugout, but now he’s released from Barlick, he is our player as well and he came on to make his debut on Tuesday. He came off the bench at half-time and scored within 46 seconds!

“It was a Joe Mitchell cross that Kev Ryan headed on and it was going in, but Danny made certain to put us 1-0 up.

"Jamie Longley has come back and he got the second goal with nine minutes to go.

“It could have been a draw because both keepers were outstanding but the win was a massive lift for us.

"We are still struggling but what a win that was, and because of it there is a very positive feeling around the club.”