The Cobbydalers were sixth in the North West Counties League Premier Division before their midweek home defeat, which is a dizzying height for the club.

It is early in the season but they are hoping to be at the sharper end of things this term after a couple of season’s of consolidation.

Silsden returned to their spiritual home at Keighley Road, back on their old manor, after several years of expensive renting at Cougar Park.

With the club’s finances returning to an even keel and a tirelessly-working committee, they are hoping manager Chris Reape will, at long last, have the budget he needs to work with in order to take the Cobbydalers forward yet again.

Spokesman Jim Rosser said: “Chris and his coaches do a magnificent job and they have brought a lot through our own youth ranks.

"But being a coach at Football League clubs also helps him pick up players who are released at an early age.

“The latest one is this young forward, James Nanje-Ngoe, who Chris got from Bradford City. He has only played two games for us but he has been very good in both of them.

"He also brought in Joe Gaughan, Tom Marshall and keeper Edward Hall and they are all around the 18--year-old mark so it’s very good for Silsden.

“The down side is that you lose a few that are not playing well enough to be first choice but that is the nature of the game I’m afraid.

"John Douglas has left us this week and signed for Wakefield, I hope he does well but I’d have preferred it if he’d stayed to fight for his place.”