Trafford 1 Silsden 2 - Silsden gained revenge for their FA cup defeat at Trafford in a game of fluid movement and sharp passing.

The Cobbydalers were indebted to Martin Foulger who pulled off a series of good saves in a game which was dominated by the Trafford side. Silsden were stretched but they defended well and were more clinical in front of goal.

Rhodes created an early chance with a deep cross but the ball wouldn't come down quickly enough for Gill. Trafford then began to control the game with Eames pulling the strings in midfield. Silsden didn't help matters by surrendering possession far too often but the Mancunians couldn't add the killer touch to their neat one-touch football.

Foulger saved low at his right hand post from both Fitton and Barker but Canning shot well wide with a better chance following good work down the right. Silsden were indebted to Martin Bland and Nettleton who were challenging for every ball as Silsden were pushed back.

Gradually the visitors began to string some passes together with Rosser interchanging passes with Packer who once again provided a threat down the left. His inviting crosses came to nought as Holmes and Longley were well marshalled. Gill's weak shot midway through the half was Silsden's only effort on target.

Barker should have given Trafford the lead when he broke through the back four. The ball sat up nicely but his attempted volley over the advancing Foulger was feeble and easily caught by the keeper. The Silsden goal had another escape when Martin Bland made a 'blind' pass back. Fortunately Canning's chip went beyond the far post and a fierce drive by Fitton was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Foulger to keep Silsden in the game.

Matthew Bland had looked the most likely to create a chance for Silsden in the first half with his powerful runs from deep but in the second period he was moved back to replace his bother Martin who had tweaked a hamstring. Trafford again pushed the Cobbydalers back and Silsden had another escape when the ball spun off Foulger to Canning but Foulger was able to gather at the second attempt.

Silsden's attacks were still sporadic but when Holden replaced Appelbee a clear chance arose. Holden on the right, feinted to go down the sideline but checked back onto his left foot. A curling cross into the penalty area was met by Jamie Longley who headed home.

The Cobbydalers now had the scent of victory and their pressure was rewarded when Bulwich headed past his own keeper.

At the other end Barker hit the side netting before finally scoring for Trafford after Foulger was beaten by a deflection off Gill.

The Cobbydalers held out as Trafford piled on the pressure to move above their opponents in the league.

Salford City 3

Silsden 2

With Andy Geary unavailable Paul Schofield took over for the league fixture against Salford City and fielded a side without Gill, Nettleton, Martin and Matthew Bland, Rhodes and Holden, but they still put up an impressive display.

He had only three players over the age of 23 and the young side did not let Schofield down. The diminutive Harry Thompson delighted the crowd with his tight ball control and Carl Smith at left back was pitted against former manchester United winger Ben Thornley and grew in stature throughout the game and the travelling support gave him a rousing ovation on the final whistle.

Salford took the lead when Thornley beat Foulger at the far post, but Holmes soon had Silsden back on level terms. With the referee ready to blow for half time Robinson scored Salford's second.

After the break Silsden continued to move the ball swiftly, but could not break down a resolute defence. Bancroft edged the home side into the lead and with 13 minutes left they sealed Silsden's fate when Nelson slid the ball home.

Despite the defeat it was a game that revealed the Cobbydale club's strength and the success of the Academy team.

"I was proud of the response of the whole team. It was a superb game, fast-paced and skilful and showed that the future of the club is in good hands," Paul Schofield said.