Silsden's home game ultimately came down to set pieces as Otley took a 4-2 victory in an entertaining game with both sides trying to play passing football in damp and windy conditions.

The hard work and effort the Knights have put in during training is starting to show as both sides tried to control possession in the opening 10 minutes with Otley, benefitting from a strong wind behind them.

It was a combination of that wind and a decent set piece that saw Otley take the lead on 11 minutes as their skilful forward scored directly from a corner - 1- 0 Otley.

The next 20 minutes would ultimatly cost saw Silsden the game as they played some lovely passing football without creating chances, as full back Sam Boucher showed his class on the ball. Both teams pressed well, and Otley took advantage of their set piece prowess as they scored two more goals from corners to take a 3-0 lead after half an hour.

Whilst there's no doubt there will be work on corners in training, the coaches will be delighted with how the Knights responded against last season’s runners-up. The knights stuck to their game plan playing the ball out and building from the back, with Oliver Strzelecki particularly impressive in possession and leading the Silsden press that stemmed the flow of set piece goals.

HALF - TIME - Silsden 0 - 3 Otley

Silsden came out in the second half with a point to prove and started to win more 50/50 battle and play some good football. One passage of possession ended with captain Jake Williams hitting the side netting with a solid left-foot strike as Silsden tried to assert their new style of play on their visitors.

The Knights did get a deserved goal after 55 minutes as Oli Stuttard finished well but were disappointed to concede again on two mins later and allow Otley to restore their three-goal lead after a good finish from their pacey forward.

Despite been three goals behind going into the last 20 minutes Silsden battled on, with their fitness levels gained through a tough pre-season, shining through as they started to out battle and outpace their opponents without creating a real goal scoring opportunity.

That chance did eventually come as Charlie Hewlett's second assist of the game put Harry Flynn through to score a goal that capped off a solid all-round display for the midfielder. Both teams traded possession and pressed well but as Silsden looked to reduce the 4-2 deficit, in a contest played in a great spirit.

A late penalty with minutes to play provided Silsden the chance to make it a really nervy finish for Otley. Unfortunately for Charlie and for Silsden the Otley keeper guessed correct and made a very good save to keep a well-placed penalty out of the bottom corner.

That save allowed Otley to play out the last couple of minutes fairly comfortably and take all 3 points in a game that will give the Knights plenty of encouragement for the rest of the season.

FULL - TIME - Silsden Knights 2 - 4 Otley Blacks