THE Airedale clubs retain no interest in the Macron Cup after both Silsden and Steeton were knocked out of the North West Counties League’s knockout competition in the first round.

Silsden were favourites to progress, as the top tier outfit hosted Hallmark Security League Division One North side Garstang, but Danny Forrest’s men went down 2-0 at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium.

The Cobbydalers came closest in the goalless first period as Joe Gaughan hit the bar with a free kick, before three attempts in a later attack were blocked or parried, but the visitors ended the half well after growing in confidence.

Silsden created more chances after the interval but couldn’t make the breakthrough and the visitors went ahead with 20 minutes to go on the counter attack through substitute Ric Coar.

Just six minutes later, Garstang hit the hosts on the counter attack again and Coar also ended that move to bag himself a brace in rapid time.

Steeton faced a side from the same step, but their journey to Manchester to play Maine Road pitted them against a side from Division One South, and the home side ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.

The Mancunians had one foot in the second round by half-time as they took a three goal lead into the break. Michael Burke had headed them into a 19th minute lead before David Brown doubled their advantage just minutes later.

The Chevrons had a good chance to get back into the tie when Angus Maney was fouled in the area but Aaron Hollindrake’s penalty kick was saved.

When Steeton keeper Alfie Stevens-Neale parried a shot two minutes into first half stoppage time, Burke lashed in the loose ball.

Steeton were under pressure again in the second half but they held out until the third minute of stoppage time when Thomas Keyworth slotted in Maine Road’s fourth.