Wearside League: Coxhoe geared up to survive challenge from underdogs Hall Farm in County Trophy quarter-finals

Coxhoe Athletic are determined to clinch a Durham County FA Trophy semi-final place tomorrow.
Sunderland West End (red and white) take on Annfield Plain in the Wearside League last weekend. Picture by Tim RichardsonSunderland West End (red and white) take on Annfield Plain in the Wearside League last weekend. Picture by Tim Richardson
Sunderland West End (red and white) take on Annfield Plain in the Wearside League last weekend. Picture by Tim Richardson

They take on Durham Alliance Combination League leaders Hall Farm at Leyburn Grove in Houghton (1.30pm kick-off).

Farm are looking to follow up their shoot-out success against Wiolviston in the last round and will be confident, given their impressive form so far this season.

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Coxhoe secretary Paul Charlton said: “It’s an Important game – we are playing in the quarter-final of the trophy, so it’s our last chance to win some silverware, big, big game. It’s not going to be easy.”

Striker Ross Morrow is doubtful and David Gibson is suspended, while Neil Charlton and Aaron Sheriff are out injured, but Steven Fothergill should be back in the visitors’ squad.

Ashbrooke Belford House welcome Seaham Red Star Reserves to Silksworth Welfare Park.

The hosts are without Michael Jacob, who is suspended, while Lee Andrews is struggling with his hamstring and Connor O’Neil misses out with work commitments.

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However, Belford welcome back Mark Moon, Mason Burton, Corey Steele, Dale Wells and Greg Bradley.

Table-toppers Jarrow visit Annfield Plain without keeper Gary Frater, so Mark English takes over in goal.

Jarrow boss Dave Bell said: “Mark played in the last round of this cup against West Auckland Tunns, where he had a really good game. He is an excellent goalkeeper.

“Andy Wilkinson is not available, but we welcome back Kai Elliott, Robbie Coleman, Nathan Bell and Josh Allen.

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“We have played Annfield Plain twice in the league, drawing away and coming away with a narrow victory at home.

“This again represents a really difficult game against a team that works really hard and are difficult to beat on their own ground.

“This is the last cup we are left in this season, so this is a really important game for us. Our game was postponed last week and the lads trained really well in midweek in preparation for this cup tie.”

Hartlepool have a full squad available for their home clash with Northern Alliance side Gateshead Rutherford, who knocked Leam Rangers out of the competition in the last round.

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Boldon CA travel to Cumbrian outfit Cleator Moor Celtic in the second round of the Total Sport Alan Hood Charity Cup and are taking a “good squad” through, according to manager Paul Mossa.

Striker Adam Bell returns to the team, but Aaron Burn and Jonny Gage are absent through work commitments.

In the other half of the draw, Redcar Athletic are clear favourites in their home semi-final against Wolviston.

There are five league games scheduled.

Sunderland West End are at home to bottom club Harton & Westoe (2pm).

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West End are without Niall Thubron (work) and Martin Thompson (holiday), but they welcome back Stephen Lax and Micky Wharton.

Manager Barry Cook said: “We are looking to carry on our form from last week’s good performance and are definitely not taking the game lightly.

“Although Harton are bottom of the league, I know it’ll be a tough game, as are most games in the league.”

Harton definitely miss midfielder Jack Burrell and defender Steven Usher, whilst doubts surround Duncan O’Brien and Sean Frazer, who are both struggling with muscle injuries.

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Keeper Daniel Hebden returns after missing last week’s defeat at Stokesley, with two new signings, midfielder Jordan Fenwick and Jack Fawcett, also available.

Silksworth CW travel to Darlington 1883 Reserves and, after ending a four-game losing streak, manager Andy Stobbart was delighted with last week’s derby win over Ashbrooke Belford House.

He said: “Since leaving local football and stepping up to level seven, I’ve never lost four games in a row in my managing career and was delighted with the way the lads responded with the win.

“This will be our last league game before Christmas and we hope to conclude with a win, and remain in the highest position Silksworth have been for a while.”

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Secretary David Steele added: “We are currently fourth in the league and have played the top teams. We hope to finish where we are, and hold off the teams around us.

“The manager changed the system back to when we were getting results, and that worked. If we finish fourth, it will be a great achievement in his first year.”

South Shields Reserves travel to Richmond Town, who have midfielder Josh Knox returning, but utility player Lee White and left-back Mark Hemingway are out.

Shields Reserves will give Gary Crutwell a late fitness test, but Nathan Sinclair remains out injured and Lewis Strafford has been ruled out for a month with ligament problems. Kris Goss is suspended

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Secretary Philip Reay said: “It will be a very difficult game. Richmond are currently top three in the league and it will be a tough test.

“They’re a good side and score a lot of goals, so our defence will have to be switched on right from the start.”