Nelson 0, Silsden 4 - Silsden closed the gap on the league leaders with a comprehensive victory in a pulsating local derby at Nelson.

Dale Hoyle was back to his best adding another hat-trick to his season's haul to complement Matthew Bland's strike early in the second half.

Geary named an unchanged team but fireman Mick Rhodes received a late call to work and was replaced by James Gill.

Silsden's first chance fell to Daley Hoyle following a cross from Hanson but the ball was well held by Carrington in the home goal. The Cobbydalers were forced on the back foot as Nelson were driven forwards by Robbie Smith but the defence held firm, James Nettleton remaining composed throughout and Adam Reed totally dominant in the air.

Nelson's main outlet was the tricky Corvino on the left but Rosser and Holden eventually snuffed him out.

Silsden had the ball in the net in the 20th minute when a Reed free-kick found the unmarked Hoyle beyond the back post. Hoyle headed across goal and Matthew Bland headed home only to be adjudged offside.

Two minutes later Hoyle headed home a mirror image of Reed's free kick but this time from Rosser on the right to earn a 1-0 half time lead.

Nelson came out with great determination in the second half and Reed was called upon twice to clear the danger before Chapman missed a golden opportunity to equalise. Foulger rushed out to collect a long ball which unfortunately caught on the wind and was held up on the edge of the area. Chapman was in like a flash but having created a clear sight of goal shot hopelessly wide.

Silsden were under intense pressure but managed a telling break in the 50th minute. Rosser appeared to be in trouble in his own half but he managed to break forward and as the defence retreated he hit a twenty-yarder towards the top corner of the Nelson goal. Carrington made an acrobatic save to tip the ball for a corner.

This was swung in by Holden, Rosser flicked it to Hoyle who set up the diving Matthew Bland for the second goal.

This gave Silsden a cushion but Nelson still pushed forward and Foulger had to be alert to tip a cross over the bar. Appelbee replaced Hey who had looked much more effective and assured than on his debut on Saturday as he regained his fitness. Appelbee revelled in the space behind the Nelson back four as the Lancastrians pushed forward and following a run to the by-line the striker was fouled near the edge of the box.

Rosser's penalty was straight at the keeper but Hoyle was quickest to react to drive home the rebound.

To their credit Nelson battled to the end and Foulger had to tip over a shot from McClusky and make a diving save from Corvino's free kick before the final act which was left to Hoyle.

His hat-trick was completed when he broke from the halfway line, sprinted ahead of the chasing defenders and rounded the keeper to send the visiting fans ecstatic.

A super game with credit to both sides. Silsden were back to near their best but they will need to perform as well against the lower teams in the league if they are to make the most of their games in hand.

n Silsden played out a 0-0 draw with Blackpool on Saturday.

Manager Andy Geary brought in new signing Nick Hey to partner Dale Hoyle up front but both of the strikers were starved of clear-cut chances.

Their best chance fell to Matthew Bland in the second minute but Mechanic's keeper Forsyth blocked the shot. Other chances in the opening half came from a series of crosses but none of the attackers got a clean contact. Silsden had plenty of possession with the Bland twins and Hanson dominating the midfield but there was a lack of urgency in the passing giving time for the Mechanics to regroup.

The Seasiders' had the ball in the net when Pearson rose at the back post to head home from a corner. The goal was disallowed, rather harshly although the initial decision to award a corner was dubious.

Silsden also had a goal disallowed. A long ball from Rosser spun off a defender and Hanson latched on to the ball to lob the keeper but he was ruled offside. a controversial decision in a game where chances had been at a premium.

n This Saturday the Cobbydalers travel to Derbyshire to take on New Mills who will be looking to avenge two heavy defeats this season at Cougar Park.