Heartbreak for Knaresborough Town as stunning fightback at Silsden AFC proves to be in vain

Paul Stansfield's men launched a stunning second-half fightback, recovering from 3-0 down to draw level in the 72nd minute, only to then concede once again late on.

Three goals in the space of 14 first-half minutes left Boro seemingly dead and buried by half-time and staring down the barrel at a fourth NCEL Premier Division defeat in six outings this term.

But, whatever boss Stansfield said to his charges at the interval clearly provoked some kind of a reaction, and they got themselves back in the contest on 47 minutes when Brad Walker found space inside the home box to fire home.

Calum Ward then netted his first goal in Town colours soon afterwards and it was very much a case of game on.

An equaliser arrived as Ward turned provider, crossing for Jack Carr to finish at the far post and square things up.

As Boro pushed forwards in search of a winner, Gregg Anderson saw a header cleared off the Silsden goal-line, before the hosts went up the other end and got their noses back in front on 86 minutes.

Stansfield's men had the ball in the net for a fourth time moments later, however an offside flag cut short their celebrations and Cobbydalers were able to see the game out.

Tuesday's defeat follows on from Boro's 2-0 home reverse at the hands of Eccleshill United on Saturday, a clash which saw Ward sent off on 59 minutes.

The Manse Lane outfit return to action on Saturday when they host Staveley Miners Welfare, 3pm kick-off.