SILSDEN’S nine-game unbeaten run came crashing to a halt as they went down 2-0 at Northwich Victoria in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

The Cobbydalers were second and they knew it was going to be a tough test against the Vics, who were seventh but moved up to sixth after their win.

The sides cancelled each other out for long periods and the first half was goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken on the hour-mark when Billy Whittle put the home side in front. Just 12 minutes later the Vics doubled their advantage from the penalty spot as Danny Illingworth handled inside the area.

Joel Brownhill stepped up and fired down the middle as Silsden keeper Sam Lee dived to one side.

The Cobbydalers remain in second place but only on goal difference after third-placed Runcorn Town and leaders City of Liverpool both won. Runcorn joined Silsden on 24 points while Liverpool extended their lead to four points, and both clubs have a game in hand on Danny Forrest’s men.

Steeton headed to St Helens Town in Division One North to face a side that had won their last league fixture, which was also at their Arcoframe Stadium, 9-0.

St Helens plundered another four goals but in a losing cause as they and their visitors shared ten goals, the Chevrons running out 6-4 winners after being four goals ahead going into the last eight minutes.

Steeton took a firm grip early on as Ben Clarkson opened the scoring in the sixth minute and Andy Briggs added one just a minute later.

Matt Smith pulled a goal back for Town but Toby Jeffrey netted the Chevrons’ third before Briggs bagged his brace on the stroke of half-time.

Ben Richardson scored Steeton’s fifth and Clarkson also claimed a brace as he netted his second just after the hour mark.

The visitors’ lead was cut when Liam Diggle scored late on and Lewis Cain added Town’s fourth soon after to take the scoring into double figures.