NELSON: PRESSURE ON RIVALS IN SEMI-FINAL
Sunderland West End manager Anthony Nelson believes that his side is under no pressure ahead of their TWR Shipowners Charity Cup semi-final against Hebburn Town Reserves.
The Wearside League’s top two clubs meet at Nissan Sports Complex tomorrow as they look to secure a place in the final against Horden CW.
The Hornets have already claimed a league win against Nelson’s side this season, but the West End boss believes that their opponents will have to cope with added pressure of trying to avoid a fourth semi-final defeat of the season.
Nelson told The Echo: “We know we are facing a top side.
“They always seem to have one over us and Kevin Bolam keeps them well organised.
“But we would love to get into another cup final and there is no pressure on us.
“We have our big day out in a cup final already sorted, so the pressure is all on them, especially after they lost in three other semi-finals this season.”
A 4-0 home win against Boldon CA on Wednesday night further enhanced West End’s impressive defensive form.
They have conceded just one goal in their last ten games and Nelson paid tribute to his defensive ranks ahead of their meeting with the Hornets.
“It’s a big game and we just don’t look like conceding.
“We kept another clean sheet in midweek and Boldon never really had a chance because we were so hardworking and disciplined.
“In any league, at any level, having a defensive record like we have recently is absolutely outstanding.”
West End defender Brad Forster misses the game as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension.
Silksworth CW coach Michael Curtis admitted that he “doesn’t know what to expect” from his side’s trip to Gateshead Leam Rangers tomorrow.
The hosts have been in inconsistent form recently after three wins and three defeats in their last six games.
“They seem to fluctuate between winning and losing, but I am sure they will want to beat us,” explained Curtis.
“I don’t know what to expect from them, but they are usually strong and competitive, especially at home.
“It will be a tough and tight game.”
Curtis confirmed that defender Josh Perry is unavailable and that both James Cook and Ewen Colling will undergo late fitness tests.
Title challengers Wolviston can move within four points of the top of the table with a home win against Windscale.
However, the Teesside outfit will be without suspended trio Junior Musandi, Famara Jatta and Daniel Drazdauskas.
Harton and Westoe CW have a number of absentees for their home game against Darlington RA.
Jordan Fenwick, Daniel Nolan, Andy Hill and Jermaine Francois will all miss the game as they serve suspensions.
Matters have been made worse for Harton manager David Crumbie by the news that he is without injured quartet that Gary Frater, Gavin Strong, Levi Collins and Aaron Coulson.
Horden CW assistant manager Lee Bogan has revealed that his side will travel to West Auckland Tunns in “good spirits” after last weekend’s TWR Shipowners Charity Cup semi-final win against Harton and Westoe.
“We know that a tough game lies ahead against West,” admitted Bogan.
“Full credit to their management team for recovering from a tough start in their debut season in the Wearside League.
“But we travel there in good spirits after last week’s superb win against Harton and Westoe.”
Josh Broom will be the only absentee from the Horden squad.
Bottom of the table Coxhoe Athletic have Phillip Hayes and Kyle Scott back in their squad as they look for a third win in their last five games against Richmond Town.
Suspended trio Carl Malpass, Chris Killeen and Daniel Johnson will all miss Annfield Plain’s trip to Darlington Town.