SILSDEN boss James Gill believes the club's 'pay what you want' offer on Saturday can help the Cobbydalers pull off the Great Escape.

Usual gate prices have been waived in a bid to boost the attendance for their crucial final game of the season at home to Bootle when they hope to secure survival in the top flight of the North West Counties League.

Fans can choose what to pay, with Gill hoping extra numbers can make all the difference.

He said: "The importance of us having a big crowd is massive. Some local leagues have already finished, so I would encourage any local footballers not doing anything to come down and support us.

"They can pay what they like – whether it's £1 or £20 – and we are also hoping families will come along.

"Halifax and Guiseley have finished their seasons, while Bradford City are playing on Sunday. So if we can get a big crowd with an extra 200 people it would be a massive boost."

Silsden looked dead and buried in their quest to beat the drop but a run of three wins and a draw has raised hopes they can achieve the unexpected.

They are now part of a five-team scrap to avoid the three relegation places and a win against Bootle could see them do it.

Gill said: "A few weeks ago it looked like we down and all the talk was about building for next season.

"But we've been on a great run and put ourselves right back in the picture.

"We didn't expect to be in this position so while naturally there are some nerves, we are also quite relaxed. We are really looking forward to Saturday."

Wins over AFC Blackpool, 1874 Northwich and AFC Liverpool, plus a draw with Congleton Town, has transformed the mood at the Cobbydalers.

Gill said: "We'd been playing quite well and not picking up points, so we did change a few things tactically.

"It seems to have worked and the lads have really come together and shown great team spirit."

Former Bantams striker Danny Forrest was Silsden's hero on Saturday when they beat AFC Liverpool 3-2, scoring twice.

Gill has been delighted with his contribution since joining the club in March. He said: "He was a bit rusty to start with as he had not played for a few months.

"But over the last few weeks, we have really begun to see what a top player he is. He is still not at his best and there is more to come from him but he has become vital to us and is already the club's top scorer."

Gill is certain to keep a close eye on results elsewhere on Saturday. Midweek games involving their relegation rivals had largely gone against Silsden but they were given a boost last night as bottom club AFC Blackpool lost their game in hand against West Didsbury & Chorlton 2-1.

That was after AFC Blackpool had beaten Squires Gate 3-1, while AFC Darwen won 2-0 at Padiham and Alsager Town triumphed 4-2 at Barnoldswick Town.

That left the Cobbydalers second from bottom but just a point behind Squires Gate, who are the team sitting directly above the drop zone and have a worse goal difference.