Silsden 3 Atherton LR 0 - Tom Appelbee followed up his brace of goals with a stunning display of pace, tenacity and tight ball control that had the opposition mesmerised.

The opening goal came after the speedy winger out-paced Gary Kelly to cross from the by-line. The ball dropped under the crossbar and Mick Rhodes timed his jump perfectly to nod the ball home.

Silsden might have scored more in the opening exchanges, the impressive Martin Bland had a header parried but the keeper made amends saving at Appelbee's feet. Rhodes then sent James Gill down the right, he out-sprinted the defence and drew the keeper narrowly chipping over the bar.

It had been an impressive start by the Cobbydalers but eventually Atherton came into the game. Ian Knapman was always a threat teasing the defence with intricate footwork and Wes Cathcart held the ball up well but the visitors delayed too often allowing the Silsden defence to regroup. The visitors' best chance came after 20 minutes when a misdirected shot from Jamie Lester found Cathcart two yards out. His volley was firm but straight into the midriff of Martin Foulger in goal.

Although Atherton enjoyed a period of possession they found it hard to break down James Nettleton, Bland and Michael Rosser who were swift to throw their bodies in the line of fire. Craig Coote volleyed over following a corner and both Lester and Knapman shot wide.

Silsden had been restricted to the odd breakaway but eventually regained the ascendancy with some flowing football.

The pick of the moves followed an interception by Rhodes, the ball was moved across the field and back again to Rhodes who found Appelbee with a superb long ball. Out-pacing the defence again the ball was crossed to Gill who shot from close range. Campbell made a fine save down to his right to keep his team in the game.

Rather than resting on their laurels the Cobbydalers upped the pace in the second half. Gill headed on after only five minutes but Appelbee bearing down on goal, was fouled on the edge of the box.

Rosser curled his free-kick around the wall, it looked to be heading for the top corner until Campbell sprung tipped it round the post.

Knapman again tried to drive the visitors forward but he lacked support, one of his crosses was headed wide by Coote and another punched out by Foulger who had only one more save to make as the Lancastrians were overrun. Longley and Appelbee set up Holden but his shot, though firmly hit, was wide.

Nettleton was quickest to spot the danger from a free kick and following his interception he sent Appelbee away down the right. The winger reached the goal line, laid it back to Holden who dummied and fed Gill who burst between two defenders only to see Campbell charge down his shot from point-blank range.

As they piled on attack after attack the breakthrough was bound to come and a long ball from Rosser found Appelbee, a swift pass set up Andy Holden to score.

Atherton did have one good chance to pull the score back after the ball had reared up in front of Rosser but again the chance was spurned.

Minutes later Dowgill stole the ball in midfield and laid it into the path of Holden. Holden slid the ball to Gill who drew the keeper before blasting the ball home from close range as Silsden grabbed their third.

Trowers and Gill both had further shots blocked as the Cobbydalers attacked at will.

Appelbee was definitely the man of the match but Geary was pleased with both the commitment and passing game of his troops.

The side looks settled with Martin Bland growing in stature at the back and Dowgill, just approaching his 17th birthday, comfortable in his midfield partnership with Hedges who creates time and space by reading the game so well.

The restoration of Hedges to the pivotal holding role may be the major catalyst in the team's revival.

On Saturday Silsden visit Flixton in the League Cup before entertaining Huddersfield Town in a friendly at Cougar Park on Tuesday November 15 (ko 7.00pm).