UNITED seemed to have Saturday's North West Counties League Cup tie won, but then faded dramatically in the closing stages.
They were 2-0 up and coasting when Winsford legs suddenly became heavy and Silsden took the game into extra time.
Midfielder Jamie Williams was sent off and Blues ended the game with 10 men yet were resurgent and seeking an equaliser when the final whistle at last sounded.
Chris Melia's 40-yard lob which drifted wide and a high ball from Martin Atwell which caused goalkeeper Martin Foulger to flap before the ball was scrambled away got the goalmouth excitement under way.
A rare slip by Stuart Wellstead gave Dale Hoyle the easiest of chances but he contrived to shoot wide of an open goal. There was another moment of panic for Blues when Andy Holden's glancing header hit an upright and Dave Chambers did well to clear off the line. But, mostly, United were on top and Will Hurley twice went close to scoring.
They took the lead from the spot in the 49th minute. Ian Givin's ankles were tapped as he outpaced Michael Rosser and Melia converted his first penalty of the season.
Winsford increased their lead five minutes later when a superb cross from Neil Harrison was turned home by Hurley.
Givin and Melia were thwarted as United sought to make sure of their victory - but when Silsden's Gavin Finn was sent off in the 65th minute after a series of fouls, the advantage perversely went to the visitors.
It was Silsden who were inspired. Even so, Dave Morgan should have wrapped things up in 81 minutes when, with just Foulger to beat, he shot weakly wide.
James Hedges reduced the arrears from the very next attack and when Blues failed to clear a corner with three minutes remaining, James Nettleton fired home the equaliser.
Winsford suffered another blow in extra time when Williams was dismissed and their misery was complete when James Langley fired home a 102nd-minute winner.
WINSFORD: Conkie; Tier, Wellstead, Chambers, Moss; Atwell, Grocott (Williams 45), Melia, Harrison (Davis 70); Hurley (Morgan 80), Givin.
Att: 95
Star Man: Stuart Wellstead, great work in new position
Next Best: Steve Moss
Team Rating: 3
Match rating: 3
