Silksworth boss Cole sets his sights on Trophy after defeat to United

Silksworth CW manager Jamie Cole switched focus towards the Durham Trophy quarter-final after his side suffered a 4-1 defeat at Chester-le-Street United in the Alan Hood Charity Cup.

Silksworth were second best throughout the first-half of the game and left themselves with too much to do as two goals from Michael Spellman and a goal apiece from Liam Paul and Miles Fox propelled the hosts to a comfortable win.

Harry Munday grabbed what turned out to be a consolation goal for Cole’s side – but the Silksworth boss has put the result behind him and is already preparing for next Saturday’s Durham Trophy last-eight tie against Washington United.

He told The Echo: “They (Chester-le-Street United) are the best side we have faced this season, especially on the 3G pitch.

“We weren’t good enough in the first-half, we were better in the second, but they were the better side.”

Cole added: “We have our final group game against Richmond Town on Wednesday and we want to win that game.

“But the important one for us is the Durham Trophy game against Washington and trying to get through that to play Horden in the semi-final.”

United’s preparations for that tie continued with a 3-2 loss at Durham Corinthians.

Taylor Mason and Jordan Lee found the net for Cameron Thompson’s side – but they left New Feren’s Park empty-handed as a Matty Pennal brace and a Liam Butler strike gave their hosts all three points.

Gateshead Leam Rangers will also fancy their chances of progressing after two goals from Robbie Houghton and one each from Nathan Bailey and Ben Miller helped them to a 4-0 home triumph against Richmond Town.

Farringdon Detached moved into contention for a top two place in group two as they secured a 3-1 win at West Auckland Tunns.

Liam Laidler and Connor

Gales were on form for Farringdon once again and it was two goals from the latter that helped his side on their way to all three points.

But it is Darlington RA that currently sit pretty at the top of the group thanks to their 4-1 home win against Annfield Plain.

Phil Caley led the way with a brace and there was a goal apiece for Christian Holliday and Luke Hague.