Wearside League: New trio give Ashbrooke Belford House a lift for derby Trophy tie against Silksworth CW

Ashbrooke Belford House hope to include three new signings in tomorrow's Durham County Trophy derby tie against Silksworth CW.
Silksworth CW (red) battle in vain against Richmond Town in last weeks 3-0 home Wearside League defeat. Picture by Kevin BradySilksworth CW (red) battle in vain against Richmond Town in last weeks 3-0 home Wearside League defeat. Picture by Kevin Brady
Silksworth CW (red) battle in vain against Richmond Town in last weeks 3-0 home Wearside League defeat. Picture by Kevin Brady

The clubs, who share Silksworth Welfare Park, are eagerly awaiting the 1.30pm kick-off.

Belford will introduce Luke Taylor from Seaham Red Star Reserves, Jack Murphy from Darlington 1883 Reserves and John Coomber from Sunderland West End.

Silksworth CW (red) take on Richmond Town last week. Picture by Kevin BradySilksworth CW (red) take on Richmond Town last week. Picture by Kevin Brady
Silksworth CW (red) take on Richmond Town last week. Picture by Kevin Brady
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Another new signing, Gary Brooks, is cup-tied and Marc Moon is injured, but they have Kyle Sumner and Mark Green back.

Silksworth won the trophy two seasons ago and secretary David Steele said: “At that time, the trophy was basically for lower league teams, with some Wearside and Northern Alliance teams in.

“That’s why we went in that year because I saw a great opportunity to win a major trophy and we did.

“Now, with the changes to the competition, it is made up mostly of Wearside League teams and is much harder.”

Silksworth CW (red) take on Richmond Town last week. Picture by Kevin BradySilksworth CW (red) take on Richmond Town last week. Picture by Kevin Brady
Silksworth CW (red) take on Richmond Town last week. Picture by Kevin Brady
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Silksworth, fourth in the table, have re-signed Liam Gill, scorer of one the goals in their 2015 final win and top scorer that season with 31 goals, from Easington Colliery.

However, the drawback is that competition rules prevent him from playing, because any players who have played Northern League football in the last 28 days are not eligible, which is also the case for on-loan player Harry Munday, from Ryhope CW, as he played for them last weekend.

Leading scorer Steven Moody, who has been out with a groin strain for weeks, made a late cameo appearance last Saturday and is in the frame to start.

After 15 months out with a knee injury, which saw him have an operation and have all that time on the sidelines, Michael Melmore is fit again and joins the squad and eager to play his part against his former club.

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Sunderland West End entertain Hartlepool at Ford Quarry, with a full-strength squad to choose from, although he is waiting for Brad Forster to come through a late fitness test.

Cook said: “We are looking to keep our good cup form going and we know it’s going to be a hard game against Hartlepool.”

Pool welcome back Andy Blackburn, Jonny Murray, Euan Gordon and Paul Donaghy to the squad, but Sam Cook is doubtful.

Wolviston head to Leyburn Grove to take on Durham Alliance Combination League leaders Hall Farm Glasshus.

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Hall Farm have only lost once this season, while Wolviston are struggling at the wrong end of the Wearside League, and sit in second-bottom spot.

The visitors have Michael Rainsley returning to the team after serving a one-match ban, alongside full-back Karl Barry and midfielder Nathan Summersgill, both of whom missed last week due to work commitments.

However, they will be missing defenders Callum Snowden and Joseph Trafford, who are both working.

South Shields Reserves are away to Seaham Red Star Reserves and secretary Philip Reay said: “We’re hoping to progress.

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“We’ve played them twice this season already in the cup and league, winning them both, so we are hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins.”

Ewan Simpson, out for a month with an injury, should make his return in the starting line-up, but Nathan Sinclair is awaiting a scan on an injury so is likely to miss out.

Striker Kris Goss is available again.

League leaders Jarrow are away to Durham Alliance Combination League newcomers West Auckland Tuns.

Keeper Gary Frater misses out, so Mark English takes over in goal.

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Aaron Kah and Darren Morton are unavailable, and Kai Elliott is suspended, while Grant Pressling is still fighting for fitness after injury and Max Kirkham looks unlikely to feature.

On the plus side, new signing Micky Turnbull joins up with the squad for the first time after injury, while Jordon Mellish and Jonny Hirst return after missing out last weekend.

Boss Dave Bell said: “This is a different type of test for us on the back of the loss last week and against a side that we have not played before. But we have total trust in our squad - the lads have been excellent this season, and we know what we need to do to get ourselves back on track.”

Coxhoe Athletic have no match, as Durham City Reserves have withdrawn from the competition. Coxhoe therefore have a bye into the second round.

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The only league match sees Darlington 1883 Reserves hosting second-top Richmond Town.

Bottom club Harton & Westoe have a home TWR Shipowners’ Cup second round tie against high-flying Redcar Athletic.

Cleator Moor Celtic entertain Windscale in an all-Cumbrian clash.