Wearside League:

Silksworth CW aim to extend their unbeaten league run to five when they visit Darlington Reserves tomorrow (2pm).
Silksworth CW (red/white) take on Hebburn Town Reserves last week. Picture by Kevin BradySilksworth CW (red/white) take on Hebburn Town Reserves last week. Picture by Kevin Brady
Silksworth CW (red/white) take on Hebburn Town Reserves last week. Picture by Kevin Brady

The Wearsiders go into the game in high spirits after last weekend’s impressive 2-0 victory over title contenders Hebburn Town Reserves.

Manager Andrew Stobbart, whose side will leapfrog Darlington into eighth place if they win, said: “We are looking forward to playing Darlington this weekend, as we continue to integrate our young signings into the squad.

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“The fixture pile-up gives us a lot to think about, in terms of keeping legs fresh, so changes will be expected.

“Last season’s fixtures with Darlington showcased some very good football, so we expect the same in this weekend’s match.”

Stobbart added: “The squad looks strong again, but there is expected to be some rotation.

“Midfielder Tom Hunter is expected back from illness and goalkeeper Jak Wright continues to train with the squad, while he recuperates from an operation.

“Michael McVay is away and Nathan Renton is at work.”

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The game of the day sees fifth-top Sunderland West End travelling to leaders Cleator Moor Celtic.

The Cumbrians are 16 point ahead of the Ford Quarry outfit, who have four games in hand.

West End joint manager Anthony Nelson, whose side edged a 4-3 midweek victory at Leam Rangers, said: “We have a full squad to choose from this weekend.

“On another positive note, Mark Catcheside is looking to make the starting line-up.”

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Fourth-top Boldon CA welcome Stokesley SC and manager Paul Mossa said: “I am hoping the side can get back to winning ways.

“We have strikers Adam Bell and Frankie Hucks both available, after having 20-minute run-outs last week.

“Centre-back Jonny Gage is waiting to see if he can get off work to play. He is retiring at the end of the season.”

Second-top Hebburn Town Reserves travel to Hartlepool and manager Kevin Bolam said: “Our team is at full strength, apart from the long- term injury to Jonny Bainbridge.

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“Jamie Lawson will also miss the game due to work commitments. We hope to improve on last weekend’s terrible performance, but, in all fairness, our young team have generally played well this season.”

Pool could have Kieran Campbell, Dean Cope and Rob Hammond back in contention.

Bottom club Coxhoe Athletic host Richmond Town without Dan Scott, who has returned to Crook Town.

Stephen Clifford and Alec Bainbridge are both unavailable, Philip Hayes is injured, but James Blackmore is back in the squad.

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Second-bottom South Shields Reserves entertain Annfield Plain and manager Leepaul Scroggins is hoping for an improvement in the weather, to enable the game to go ahead.

Scroggins will have a full squad to select from.

Leam Rangers host Wolviston, whose squad will be unchanged, following their Monkwearmouth Cup semi-final shoot-out win against Redcar Athletic.

Manager Steve Cook will keep exactly the same formation, which means there will be no places for defenders Spencer Nicholson and Jake Marron, along with midfielder Danny Jones, who all missed the cup tie.

Third-top Redcar Athletic, at home to Harton and Westoe CW, could have Bryan Stewart, Jordan Kirk and Joel Callender back.

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Goalkeeper Jordan Lowrie’s new work commitments have meant that he has missed the last three games and he will be unavailable for the rest of the season.

Will Lawrence is now the main keeper, with 17-year old Dan Simpkin, who has only conceded six goals in six appearances, with four of them clean sheets, remaining as second choice.

Midfielder Jordan Rivis has left hospital and is continuing his recovery from glandular fever.

Harton manager David Crumbie said: “I have the dilemma of virtually a full squad to choose from.

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“Goalkeeper Dan Hebden is fit to return, but 17-year old David Haynes has been tremendous in between the sticks in his absence, so it will be a difficult decision for me.

“Andy Hill is also fit to return, following a knee injury, which is a big boost for the squad with his experience. Will Cook also returns in what will be a very difficult test for our young squad.”