THE wheels may appear to have fallen off the Silsden bandwagon after a fourth consecutive defeat but club insiders have seen a new dawn approaching and are looking forward with confidence.

There were big changes in the Hallmark Security League over the summer after the Cobbydalers' relegation from the Premier Division had been confirmed and all of the four recent losses have come against sides new to the non-League ladder.

Match-day secretary Jim Rosser said: "All of these new clubs that have come into our league are up near the top of our division and that's because of the momentum.

"They are playing well and going from strength to strength, so these types of game are difficult for us – but also for the other clubs in the division. It's not just us that they (the new clubs) are beating and that tells you all you need to know."

Silsden were in fine form, having won six times in an eight-match sequence during which they lost just once, when they were knocked out of the FA Vase in extra time.

Yet they hit the buffers when they were beaten 2-0 at home by City of Liverpool. Defeats at Sandbach United, at home to Oswestry Town and in midweek at Carlisle United followed. The Cobbydalers had also lost earlier in the season at home to Charnock Richard – another newcomer.

"We are new to this division, so it was clear that we needed time to settle, but the clubs that have come up are on a roll," said Rosser.

"It's been a learning curve for us, even though we've been in the North West Counties League for a decade or more. It has been an eye-opener but a good experience as we have met some lovely people and gone to some new places.

"We have had some good feedback from the new clubs that have visited us and they have been impressed with our facilities. We have had some very complimentary comments and we've tried to give some good advice to the new clubs that we have welcomed."