Winsford United 1Silsden 1

WINSFORD United were denied successive victories when lowly Silsden fought back to claim a point on Saturday.

Blues took an early lead through Sam Cook, but Kevin Ryan poked home for a share of the spoils in the North West Counties League top flight.

It keeps Blues, who responded to new boss Lee Duckworth's call to 'step up' with a win against AFC Liverpool last week, in 14th spot.

They flew into the lead on six minutes, when James Rothwell's free kick was headed through a crowded penalty area and into the net by Cook.

Kyle Riley then had the ball in the net eight minutes late, but was denied by an assistant's flag, while Blues stopper Dale Latham was called into action at the other end to save from Charles Collinge.

Marauding full back Ben Seol broke forward and pulled a pass back for Riley moments later, only for the forward to fire over.

Blues could have doubled their advantage shortly after the break, but Ryan Mellor shot over from a Rothwell pass.

Silsden then fired a warning shot on 65 minutes, with Latham was forced to save from Wayne Morrison, and within two minutes the relegation-battling visitors were level.

Blues failed to clear from a corner and Ryan pounced to poke home from close range.

Silsden were looking the more likely to grab a winner when Oliver Hunter fired narrowly wide.

Australia-bound Harry Noon was introduced and soon combined with Scott Taylor and Sam Riley.

The substitute had another chances soon after, but his powerful drive through a number of bodies was well saved by Silsden keeper Thorpe.

Blues are back in league action on Saturday, travelling to sixth-placed AFC Liverpool.

Blues: Latham (GK), Seol (Noon), Duckworth, Hibbert, Davies, Eiselt, Taylor, Rothwell, K Riley, Cook, Mellor (S Riley). Subs not used: Hudson, Johnson.

Attendance: 119