Cole slams Silksworth players after Hood Cup exit at Leam Rangers

Silksworth CW manager Jamie Cole hit out at his players after they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Alan Hood Charity Cup.

Both sides were on target inside the opening 10 minutes as an own goal from Rangers defender Jack Salkeld cancelled out Matty Halliday’s opener. But Salkeld made amends in fine style with 13 minutes left as his header condemned Silksworth to a narrow defeat.

The reverse provoked a frustrated response from Silky boss Cole as he described his side’s display as “abysmal”.

He told The Echo: “It was a heartless performance from every single player to be honest.

“It was a disaster to a start and I’m not taking anything away from Le am Rangers–they were in our faces throughout the game.

“There were harsh words spoken after the game and some home truths were spoken to a few of the players.

“There is still every opportunityto still get through in the competition, but our attitude from the word go on Saturday was abysmal.”

Cole’s side will look to move on from the defeat when they entertain Washington United in their second group stage game next weekend.

Chester-le-Street United made a fine start to their own cup campaign as Joe Malone, Michael Spellman and Jackson Ward all found the net in a 5-0 home win against Durham Corinthians.

Farringdon Detached secured their place in the semifinal of the Durham Trophy with a 2-0 win against Ann field Plain thanks to goals from Li am Laidler and Connor Gales.

They will face FC Hartlepool in the last four after they pulled off a surprise home win against Boldon CA.

Jamie Tumilty and Lewis Porritt were on target for Hartlepool and they held on for a win despite Levi Collins halving their lead midway through the second-half.

A brace from David Doughtyand a Marc Noon goal helped H or den CW progress with a 3-1 win at Norton and Stockton Ancients, they will face Washington United for a place in the final after they beat visitors Darlington RA 4-2.

A Phil Caley brace pegged back United after they had raced into a two-goal lead with strikes from Steven Dawson and George Pinder.

Any hopes of completing the turnaround harboured by the former Northern League club were dashed as late goals from Jordan Lee and Andy Home put Washington into the last four.