Wearside League
Silksworth CW coach Michael Curtis has challenged his squad players to “lay down a marker” with a strong display in their Durham Trophy tie at Darlington RA.
Silksworth travel to Brinkburn Road on the back of last weekend’s underwhelming draw at Boldon CA and Curtis admitted that some of their fringe players could be given an opportunity to put pressure on the regular starters in the squad.
“Last week wasn’t good enough for us,” explained Curtis.
“We weren’ t good enough going forward and we were sloppy at the back.
“We have started this season really well, but performances like that won’t get us to the level that we want to be at.
“Saturday could be a case of rotating the squad to give some players a rest.
“But that also means that the lads coming in, those that haven’t had the gametime they would want, can lay down a marker and show us that they should be in the team on a regular basis.
“It’s a big opportunity for them against a former Northern League club.”
Dan Thompson returns to the Silksworth squad after recovering from an ankle injury, but Mason Burton has been ruled out with a knee injury.
New signing Logan Powell could make his debut after joining the club from Ebac Northern League Division Two strugglers Durham City.
Sunderland West End will look to put a disastrous fortnight behind them when they travel to Wearside League strugglers Annfield Plain in the Trophy.
Anthony Nelson’s side have lost their last four games in all competitions, including Wednesday night’s 7-1 home hammering against Wolviston.
West End were beaten in last year’s final after a penalty shoot-out defeat against Gateshead Leam Rangers.
Their hosts will be without defender Joe Gill as he serves the second game of a two-match ban.
Trophy holders Gateshead Leam Rangers kick off their defence of the trophy with a trip to Horden CW. The return from injury of Shaun Bell, Jordan Fraser and Alan Mullholland means that Leam Rangers boss Anthony Huddart will have a full squad for the game.
Boldon CA manager Sean Butler is without midfielder Graham Stephenson, but does have Bailey Hunter available for selection for their tie at West Auckland Tuns, who are without the injured Bailey Prudhoe.
Nathan Richardson is the only absentee from the Hebburn Town Reserves squad for their home tie against Durham and Wearside Development Division promotion challengers Durham United.
Jordan Fenwick and David Graham have returned to the Harton and Westoe CW squad for their tie at Darlington Town.