Wearside League: Silksworth fired up to plough on against city neighbours Hall Farm

Hall Farm, last year’s winners of the Durham Minor Cup, are not enjoying their greatest start to the season in the Durham Alliance Combination League, but they remain a formidable force.

The derby showdown should be an entertaining and competitive encounter, between two sides who know each other well.

Silksworth manager Andrew Stobbart said “We have played Hall Farm in previous seasons and as recently as last season, so we know it will be a tough encounter. It’s important we continue our recent run of good form to make sure we progress in the cup.”

Silksworth will have a relatively full squad to pick from, except for the unavailable Michael McVay and Martin Metcalfe. David Stevens returns from holiday and new signing Jonathan Hodgson will be looking to retain his place.

On-form Sunderland West End travel to Harton and Westoe CW.

Manager Barry Cook said: “We will have a full squad to choose from, with only Danny Martin missing, but he is close to fitness.

“We’ll look to continue our great form against a well-organised Harton and Westoe team.

“We are playing some great stuff at the minute and hopefully we can continue that and score a few more of our chances what we are creating. Everyone is on a high and fighting for their places, so competition for places is strong.”

Harton and Westoe go into the game in high spirits, following victory in their last game and a couple of weeks of rest.

Skipper Jason Pressling should be fully fit. Manager David Crumbie said: “There will hopefully be a couple of new signings coming in, to strengthen the squad and maybe help consolidate an upper half finish this season.”

Managerless Coxhoe Athletic host South Shields Reserves.

Secretary Paul Charlton said: “We haven’t appointed a new manager yet, so I’m looking after the team until someone suitable is found to lead the squad.

“David Atkinson will be back in as goalkeeper, after leaving for a spell with Darlington RA. Callum Savage missed the last game, but will now be available for selection again. Chris Hardy is also back after missing two or three games.

“A few players have been lost, including Brandon Moran, but Philip Best will be back in the squad, after very limited involvement this season.”

Shields hope to have a full squad to pick from. Tommy Conroy faces a fitness test but hopes to have recovered from the ankle injury that has kept him out of the side, for the last three games.

Hartlepool travel to Northern Alliance Premier Division team Birtley Town, with Jamie Tumilty, Danny Maddison and Luke Naylor all returning.

One Trophy ties will be played tonight.

Hebburn Town Reserves entertain Gateshead Rutherford, who are ninth in the Northern Alliance First Division.

The other scheduled match this evening, Boldon CA away to Billingham Town Reserves, has been called off, with the Teessiders forfeiting the tie, having sadly not been able to raise a team.

Boldon manager Paul Mossa had planned to give a game to players who have been short of match fitness, or coming back from injury. He was not planning to risk too many first-team players, saying that the league is the priority.

Wolviston welcome Stokesley SC in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, with Brazilian Michael Cardoso making his debut for the hosts.

He is an attacking midfielder and is studying at Teesside University for two years. Manager Steve Cook said: “With Michael making his debut alongside two Ivorian Coast boys, a Nigerian, two Kenyans and a Spaniard, we will now have a truly continental edge to the team!”

Defenders Spencer Nicholson and David Johnson are still missing, but fellow defender Nathan Bonar hopes to return after missing last three games with a hamstring problem.

There are only two league games.

Annfield Plain head to Windscale, who have captain James Dolan back to rival Dean Armstrong in goal.

Richmond Town host Darlington Reserves without defenders Jason Newall and Sam Vernon, but Simon Pinkney is available for the first time this season.