SILSDEN survived a major scare at rock-bottom Yorkshire Amateur on Tuesday to keep their promotion hopes very much alive.

The Ammers had only won two games all season heading into this final fixture of 2022, but they took a shock lead against the Cobbydalers when Keanen Mannings scored just after the hour mark.

A Talent Ndlovu penalty restored parity for Silsden, before the same player netted a dramatic winner three minutes from time with a superb low free-kick.

Though North Ferriby are streaking clear at the summit of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, the 2-1 victory means Silsden are just a point behind second-placed Winterton Rangers, who occupy the sole promotion play-off spot.

Alex Stewart and Ellis Hudson both tested Ammers keeper Ahsin Rashid early on, but Sam Kelly also had to be alert on a couple of occasions in the Cobbydalers' goal.

After a dull first 45 minutes ended goalless, Silsden upped the ante.

A good run by Stewart ended with a Rashid save, while Sumaili Cissa and Hudson were both off target with their early second half efforts.

Jake Maltby had a shot well stopped by Rashid, before Finn Donovan rounded the keeper, but was forced too wide and had his subsequent cross cleared.

It meant the home side's goal came completely against the run of play, as Mannings crashed home a loose ball from inside the box to give Ammers a chance of their first home win in two months.

It was not long until Silsden had a chance to pull level though, as the hosts conceded a penalty.

A nerveless Ndlovu made no mistake, placing his spot-kick into the bottom right corner.

Ammers were clinging on, with Niall Bent forced to clear off the line from Silsden substitute Lennon O'Grady, before blocking Cissa's effort from the rebound with Rashid out of position.

The Cobbydalers were not disheartened by missing that great double chance though, and won the game when Ndlovu curled an 87th minute free-kick underneath the diving Rashid.

Silsden will look to build on that victory in their next game, which is away to Barton Town on Monday, January 2.