In a game which flowed from end to end the Cobbydalers capitalised on Martin Packer's early goal and ran out worthy winners against league leaders Newcastle Town. Silsden completed the double over the promotion favourites to extend their unbeaten run to nine games.

Silsden manager Paul Schofield was without skipper Martin Bland, Mark Bentham and top scorer Lee Reilly but was able to bring in Tom Applebee on the right, Daniel Moriarty up front and the experienced Michael Rhodes at the back.

Applebee had been limited to short appearances as a substitute since coming back from injury and was in the thick of the action from the off. Moriarty, always likely to score, linked superbly with Graham Holmes and posed a constant threat playing just off the Newcastle back line. Two classic goals were a reward for his constant probing.

After a lacklustre display against Ramsbottom United in the last home game the Cobbydalers, to a man, played at a high tempo matching the Castle in all departments except in goal scoring. Whilst both sides missed chances the visitors were far more profligate.

The game was alight from the off, Silsden keeper Martin Foulger saving comfortably from Nick Wellecomme before launching an attack up the right.

Moriarty found space on the right and crossed high into the Castle box. The keeper, deceived by the wind, punched weakly to Packer who volleyed home.

The Staffordshire boys responded quickly. Richard Minor, on the left was a constant threat. He set up Andy Bourne but James Nettleton headed the sharp shot over. Harper, advancing from midfield, picked up a weak clearance from Andy King but his shot lacked venom.

Whilst Minor posed a threat on the Castle left, Packer was the prime mover for the Yorkshiremen. Packer combined with Danny McNulty and Moriarty to create an opening for Holmes but the cross was just out of the striker's reach. An astute pass from James Gill found Packer who slid the ball in to Holmes. The ball was threaded through to Moriarty who turned the defence only to shoot narrowly wide.

At the other end Nettleton could only head on a corner to the back post where Harper headed wastefully wide. Twice the outstanding Shaun Airey blocked goal bound attempts from Wellecomme.

Castle were stretching the Silsden defence. Minor broke down the left, cut in on the by-line beating three men in the process to set up Bourne. Bourne shot wide from two yards out. When Foulger tipped over Wellecomme's back post header it looked like the Gods were smiling on Silsden. Again Holmes and Packer combined well to release Moriarty who fired in beyond the keeper's reach.

The league leaders responded by pushing Silsden back. Matt Bradbury headed wide whilst Foulger conceded another corner saving well from Minor.

The pressure finally told when after two headers were cleared off the line Wellecomme finally netted through a crowd of players.

Silsden nearly scored on the restart, Froggatt fumbling the ball at Moriarty's feet. The striker broke clear but shot wide.

Another break by Packer, another perfect cross but Holmes had arrived just too early. The Cobbydalers went even closer when Appelbee flicked on Packer's corner to Gill who saw his header rebound off the far post.

Apart from the odd sortie by Minor Silsden were the real threat on the break.

Moriarty made it three when he cut in from the right and hit a 20-yarder which the keeper could only parry into the net. Silsden were rampant. Holmes had a shot blocked before limping off with a knock.

As the clock ticked down Minor again broke through only to be denied by McNulty before he hit the post. Foulger dealt with deep crosses as Newcastle made one last effort. Nick Linford shot narrowly wide and Wellecomme headed over but it had been Silsden's day. They were given a rapturous ovation.

This Saturday the Cobbydalers, now seventh, visit sixth place Maine Road.

SILSDEN: Foulger, Rhodes, McNulty, Applebee (Dibb), Nettleton, Airey, Gill, King A, Moriarty, Holmes (Thompson), Packer (Holden). Subs not used: Chattoe.

NEWCASTLE TOWN: Froggatt, Willis, Drummond (Ridley), Bradbury, Harper, Linford, Marshall (Mills), Bourne, Wellecomme, Elder-shaw, Minor. Subs not used: Ritchie, Nixon, Gillick.