Silsden 2 Winsford United 1

Two fox in the box goals from Lee Reilly midway through the second half of the game at Cougar Park on Saturday have taken Silsden to sixth place in the league.

Always a tough nut to crack, Winsford led at half-time but a good second half performance from the Cobbydalers, with the excellent Graham Holmes and Andy King asking the questions, eventually wore down the away side and kept Silsden on the rise with only one league defeat in the last 12 fixtures.

Although Silsden, playing with the sun on their backs, had the early control and possession it was home keeper Martin Foulger who had to tip away over his own post and crossbar angle, the first effort on target from a Winsford header after eight minutes. After 20 minutes the Cheshire side took the lead when Silsden fell asleep from a throw-in allowing Phil Mason time and space to volley home from the corner of the 18-yard box.

Martin Packer had Silsden's first real chance but keeper Michael Langley was equal to his placed shot from 15 yards with a great tip around for a resulting corner.

After a half an hour Holmes finished off a neat passing move with turn and shot in one, but straight at Langley. Lee Reilly, kept quiet up to that point, latched on to through ball from James Gill, only to be thwarted by a brave keeper who met him just inside the area with a block at the striker's feet.

As half-time approached, Winsford had a penalty appeal turned down, a ball to hand issue the referee correctly rejected. Within seconds the same happened to Silsden, and again the referee said no penalty.

Finally in time added on, Reilly beat the keeper to the ball, lobbed it over him and looked to win the race and head home the bouncing ball. A covering defender clipped the striker's heels and Silsden made a claim for a penalty, only to see the official award a corner.

Throughout the game the away side were happy to slow the game down at every opportunity Silsden's flowing football and passing game was hard to come by but frustration did not creep in and this would prove crucial as the clock ticked down.

The turning point came after 63 minutes as a driving run from King led to an excellent left-footed strike which Langley could only parry. However the ever-alert Reilly was on hand to side foot home from eight yards.

Silsden had found some momentum and took full advantage after 69 minutes as a Martin Packer corner was flicked on at the near post by Mark Bentham and headed home by Reilly at the back post.

The tide had turned and with James Nettleton and Danny McNulty defending well on two breaks by Winsford, the home side claimed the valuable three points.

Silsden manager Paul Schofield said: "We did not start as well as our last home game, but credit to all the players who are now capable of sticking to a game plan. Keep doing the right things for long periods and chances will come.

"Lee showed again he can be the right man in the right place but the whole squad are working hard to improve and the results are showing a great collective responsibility."

This Saturday Silsden are away at Glossop North End. Kick off is at 3pm.