Cole eyeing Silksworth’s first win as stars return
Silksworth CW manager Jamie Cole believes his side have made the ‘worst possible start’ to the new season after coming through their first two games without a point.
Cole’s men suffered a 4-1 defeat at Farringdon Detached last week and followed that up with a 4-2 home reverse against Shotton Colliery on Wednesday night.
Things will not get any easier for Silksworth when they visit reigning champions Darlington Town on Saturday - but Cole is hoping the return of a number of players will help his side claim a first maximum of the campaign.
He said: “We have to be honest and say we have got off to the worst possible start by losing two defeats and conceding eight goals.
“However, it’s a long season and there is plenty of time to rectify those two results.
“That all starts on Saturday against Darlington and we are hoping to have a few players back in contention after they missed the opening two games.”
Local rivals Farringdon Detached have enjoyed a far more enjoyable opening week to the campaign and head into their home game with Shotton Colliery looking for a third consecutive win.
Liam Lay’s men secured a 4-1 win against Silksworth last Friday and followed that up with a hard-earned 2-1 victory at Annfield Plain in midweek.
Striker Josh Wilde will hope to continue his impressive start to the season after scoring in both wins earlier this week.
FC Hartlepool top the early table following their 11-0 romp over former Northern League side Durham City and will hope to remain at the summit with a home win against Darlington RA.
Durham City will face a tough test as they bid to turnaround their nightmare introduction into life in the Wearside League when they welcome Gateshead Leam Rangers to Leyburn Grove.
Windscale get their season underway with a home game against unbeaten Wolviston and South Moor and Richmond Town look for a first point of the campaign when they meet at Greenland CP.
Shildon Reserves will be without the suspended Ethan Dixon for their Alan Hood Charity Cup first round home tie against Annfield Plain.