DANNY Forrest expressed his gratitude after Silsden attracted the country's biggest crowd last Saturday at step six level on the non-league pyramid.

After their pitch against Whitchurch Alport passed an early-morning inspection, the Cobbydalers were rewarded with an attendance of 302.

It was not only their biggest gate of the season, the figure was also the highest nationally at their standard by more than 100, with Knaresborough Town's game at home to Campion in the Northern Counties East League being the next best on 182.

Title rivals Whitchurch, who made it eight wins on the bounce by ending Silsden's 100 per cent home record in a 2-1 victory, brought a healthy contingent.

But Forrest's Division One leaders, who got back to winning ways on Tuesday with a 2-1 win at home to Bacup, have boasted one of the best average gates across the whole North West Counties League all season.

The Cobbydalers boss said: "I'm really, really pleased that the achievements of the side are being recognised. We do play good football and I’m glad that people are coming out to see and I’m really grateful for that.

"We are generating an interest in the club which was my aim when I took over – to try and make it more attractive to everybody, not just getting players in but also sponsors and fans through the door.

"It is the biggest semi-professional club in the area and we are playing some good football and getting results. I want that to be celebrated by people."