Silsden sent crashing to heavy defeat (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Silsden sent crashing to heavy defeat

7:45pm Sunday 14th October 2012 in Silsden By Ian Whiting

Silsden lurched from the sublime to the ridiculous as they suffered a heavy home loss in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

The Cobbydalers even failed to register as they went down 5-0, which was in total contrast to the previous Saturday when they romped to a 7-1 victory in front of their own fans.

Promotion hopefuls Runcorn Town leaped from sixth to second place after cruising to victory at Keighley Road.

However, they did have to work for their win and were only one goal to the good at half time.

The visitors plundered an early lead in fortunate circumstances when Stuart Welstead’s waist-high cross struck Cobbydalers’ experienced centre back James Nettleton on the back and flew in past home keeper Edward Hall.

Runcorn tested the home defence further but Silsden ended the first period with a good spell. They could not transfer that into the second half though and the visitors doubled their lead through Paul Shanley in the 48th minute.

Shanley went on to complete his hat-trick and substitute Gareth Grant wrapped up the scoring.