Silsden 5 St Helens Town 0

Silsden started off the New Year with their best home win of the season.

In the end Saturday's result was fairly comfortable but the game turned midway through the first half when, with Silsden 1-0 up, Ledsham blasted his penalty high over the bar. Within minutes Silsden were two up and never looked back.

The Cobbydalers began brightly with dangerous crosses coming from James Gill, Martin Packer and Andy King.

Good interplay between Holmes and Reilly led to a half chance but the Saints created the first clear-cut opening, Warrinor shooting wide after good work by Whyte.

The Cobbydalers took the lead when Martin Bland headed down Packer's corner to Graham Holmes who reacted sharply to fire the ball home.

St Helen's pushed for an early equaliser. Warrinor, having blasted a free-kick directly into the Silsden wall, was then denied by a fine save by Martin Foulger who dived to gather the ball at the striker's feet. Whyte then cut in from the right but shot over the bar with a clear sight of the target.

James Nettleton cleared another break before Danny McNulty tugged Ledsham's shirt in the penalty area. Ledsham wasted the opportunity and with it the Saints' resistance.

Bland who had already caused panic in the opponent's penalty area almost scored from a Mark Bentham free-kick.

A minute later Bland beat McCall with a carbon copy. The visitor's defence began to open up. Holmes, Lee Reilly and King worked the ball across to Bentham but the midfielder shot wide as he was closed down.

King was just wide with a volley before Reilly netted a third header, nodding home Gill's free-kick.

Packer went close early in the second half, first with a left foot shot which hit the side netting and secondly when he had to make a quick adjustment whilst off balance, his right foot volley going wide.

Nettleton was again on hand to challenge back when the Saints had broken through but soon Silsden settled the game.

An astute reverse pass from Holmes found Reilly who managed to pull the ball back to Packer. His cross was perfect for Bentham to notch the fourth. Despite a leaky defence the Saints played some neat football in midfield where Ledsham and Whyte showed good control.

Ledsham broke through expecting to force a one on one with Foulger but Airey sprinted back to deny the midfielder with a well-timed tackle.

Another cross from Packer bounced in front of Reilly but the Silsden marksman controlled the ball quickly and laid it off to King who beat McCall at the near post with a sharp drive.

King nearly added a second following Holmes' defence-splitting pass. This time McCall made a fine save. A rare mistake by Bland almost gifted the Saints a consolation goal but Foulger saved with his shins.

Substitute Mahama was denied by a block from Nettleton whilst both Dibb and Bentham went close to adding a sixth for the Cobbydalers.

Silsden manager Paul Schofield was delighted with the result but added some caution.

"We are now unbeaten in seven but four of those have been draws. A good win but we must now push on converting draws into victories."

Silsden entertain Ramsbottom United at Cougar Park this Saturday.