SILKSWORTH GO WEST TO WINDSCALE IN GOOD MOOD
TWR BIFOLDS WEARSIDE LEAGUE: STOBBART’S MEN EAGER TO BUILD ON BIG WIN OVER ANNFIELD PLAIN
Silksworth CW travel to Windscaletomorrowlooking for back to back victories, weather permitting.
The Wearsiders outgunned Annfield Plain 4-0 last weekend to climb to ninth place, with their hosts down in third-bottom spot but on a decent run of results.
Silksworth manager Andrew Stobbart said: “We were delighted with last weekend’s performance against Annfield Plain, which saw us control the game for large parts and take our chances, which is probably what was missing in our previous few losses.
“We will look to take that tempo and performance into the game against Windscale and have competition due to players returning from injury and a couple of good signings.
“Performances from the bench have been good in the last few games, which will push players into contention for starting berths.
“The squad has been replenished since a spate of injuries and Nathan Renton looks to be available again after further muscle problems.
“Defender Josh Perry will also return to the squad after work commitments. Paul Muir continues his suspension longer than expected, due to games called off preChristmas.”
The Cumbrians’ manager, Dave Wilkinson, welcomes back captain Ray Sempill, who missed last Saturday’s win due to personal reasons.
But the main man missing will be his assistant, Geoff Nicholson, who has stepped down due to an ongoing health problem.
Wilkinson said: “Geoff ’s enthusiasm and infectious humour will be sorely missed by all at the club. We wish him well.” Sunderland West End head down the A19 to visit Hartlepool.
West End secretary Anthony Golden said: “We’re looking to bounce back after last week’s disappointing 3-3 draw, with Harton and Westoe.
“We had chances to kill off the game last week, but we were facing a young, fit side, who pressed us all the way.
“We’re optimistic we’ll do better against Hartlepool this week.”
Hartlepool have Lee Jones, Dean Cope, Joe Osbourne, plus Sam Cook and skipper Matty Gardner, all back in contention.
“West End won the reverse fixture with late goals and all our games with them have been close hard fought affairs,” said secretary John Ward, whose team went down 3-2 in a midweek friendly against Shildon.
Boldon CA, in third place, journey to seventh-placed Wolviston for what should be an attractive match.
Coxhoe Athletic welcome Harton and Westoe CW, with goalkeeper Luke Cowie unavailable.
Secretary Paul Charlton said: “Tom Maddison, who missed last weekend’s game through illness, will again be missing from the squad.
“Jack Rooney is doubtful and Dylan Crooks will be having a fitness before the game, after coming off injured last week. Other than that, we have more or less a full squad to choose from.
“Our main aim is to try and get a win, to get some points on the board.
“We played well last week, but got nothing to show for our hard work, so will press on and hope to get a result.”
Harton and Westoe CW’s Andrew Hill doubtful, as he is struggling with a knee injury and will be tested.
But Liam Mulvain is available again and Gavin Strong also returns, having served his one-game ban.
Manager David Crumbie said: “In the West End game last week (a 3-3 draw), the grit and determination was excellent. At no point during the game were they considering defeat, which is a huge progression from last year and certainly the start of the season.”
Leam Rangers visit inform Darlington Reserves and Annfield Plain host second-placed Cleator Moor at Derwent Park.