Silksworth CW ready for tough test against United
Silksworth CW kick off their bid for cup success this weekend when they host Wearside League rivals Chester-le-Street United in the first round of the Durham Trophy.
Remarkably, this will be the fourth meeting of the sides this season after they swapped wins in two league fixtures and United came out on top in a Monkwearmouth Charity Cup tie last month.
Silks worth boss Jamie Cole admitted his side face a tough test as they look to move on from last weekend’s defeat at Washington United.
He said: “The lads are right up for the game and we are hoping to forget last Saturday’ s disaster at Washington.
“It’ s a tough game, we know Chester-le-Streetwell,andwe know how good a technical side they are.”
Cole revealed he has three key absentees withJak Wright (injured), Rhys Antliff and Gary Baker( both unavailable) all missing for the tie.
Durham Corinthians will be without midfield duo Thomas Young and Matthew Smith for their away tie at Northern Alliance club Winlaton Community.
And there are two all-Wear side League ties taking place as D arlington Town host West Auckland Tunns and Shildon Reserves visit in-form Gateshead Leam Rangers.
Washington United manager Cameron Thompson is hoping his side will continue their upturn in form when they host Shotton Colliery in the Alan Hood Charity Cup first round.
Although United have only taken one win from three games since returning from a Covid-break, Thompson has noted an improvement in performance sand wants more of the same from his players this weekend.
He said: “We are on a really good run of performances since returning from our break. We have managed to turn the ship and we are starting to put in performances and pick up points. Our main focus is the league, but we will not overlook Saturday’s game, and although we will be rotating the squad, we believe we will select a squad that is good enough to win the game.”
Thompson will be without defenders Matt Thornton and Brandon Ward and young duo Callum Liddle and Chris Rochelle are set to feature.
Richmond Town entertain Norton and Stockton Ancients in the only other Alan Hood Charity Cup first round tie taking place on Saturday.