Substitute goalkeeper Michael Smith had an eventful game but could not prevent Silksworth's 3-1 Wearside League defeat at home to Annfield Plain last night.
A well-worked move led Roy Gordon to fire the visitors in front after just five minutes, but Chris Lindstedt's team deservedly levelled on 36 minutes with a good, angled drive from Scott Walker.
During the interval, goalkeeper Anthony Mustard had
to retire with an injured shoulder and Smith's very first touch was to pick it out of the net when Paul Henderson delivered a clinical 46th-minute fiish.
Smith then conceded a 68th-minute penalty, earning a yellow card, and was beaten by Colin Snailham from the spot.
Smith atoned with two outstanding saves, but Plain were good winners to move up to seventh.
Boldon CA edged a seven-goal thriller at bottom-of-the-table Willington.
Chris Robertson and Shaun Heads had Boldon two up inside four minutes but Michael Weston replied. Robertson and Matthew Leadbetter swapped goals as Boldon led 3-2, but Heads grabbed the crucial fourth – a header – before Weston's second goal ensured a tight finale.
Houghton Town exited the Wearside League Cup, losing 3-1 to visitors Jarrow at Leyburn Grove.
Chris Lunn's first-half opener was cancelled out by Kevin Gordon, but two goals in the final 10 minutes, from Liam Clark (penalty) and Lee Buglass, carried Jarrow through.
