Wearside League: Spot-kick agony for Silksworth, as impressive Richmond bolster title challenge

Silksworth CW (red) come under pressure against Richmond Town on Saturday. Picture by Kevin Brady

Stephen Butterworth gave Town the lead after 28 minutes with a rasping 30-yard shot, which flew past helpless home goalkeeper Johnny Williamson.

After Andy Stobbart’s men missed a penalty on 57 minutes, with Rob Hall’s effort saved by Karl Latcham, Richmond capitalised to go 2-0 up, when Scott Ryan scored from 15 yards.

Joshua Knox then sealed the win, with a splendid 20-yard shot which found the bottom corner of the net.

Free-scoring Richmond trail leaders Jarrow by nine points, with two games in hand, and must be in with a shout in the race for the championship.

Nick Smith was Silksworth’s top performer.

Sunderland West End and Windscale fought out a goalless draw at Ford Quarry.

Keeper Niall Thubron was outstanding throughout for West End, but the home forwards just could not find a way through the Cumbrians’ hard-working defence.

South Shields Reserves stopped runaway leaders Jarrow in their tracks, with a narrow 1-0 home win in their eagerly-awaited derby clash.

The all-important goal came after 27 minutes, when Ryan Bolam’s corner found the net after goalkeeper Gary Frater misjudged his cross.

Jarrow boss Dave Bell, reflecting on only the second league defeat of the season, said: “It is disappointing for us to lose the game in what is our first defeat in 17 league games.

“Full credit to South Shields for the performance and result. What is important for us is that we quickly get back to winning ways.”

Second-placed Redcar Athletic maintained their pursuit of the Perth Green side, moving nine points behind after a 3-1 success away to Coxhoe Athletic.

A mistake by keeper David Atkinson in the 12th minute allowed Redcar to take the lead when prolific marksman Andrew Jennings tapped home the loose ball.

Michael Woodhouse latched onto a through ball and rounded Atkinson to score the second.

Coxhoe did pull a goal back through Chris Baxter, just before half-time, and the mid-table hosts pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but Jennings scored his second to kill them off after he was left unmarked in the box and fired home into the corner of the net.

Boldon CA enjoyed a cracking 2-1 win over Hartlepool, and they remain fifth in the league.

CA took the lead on 38 minutes after Daniel Nolan neatly finished following good build-up play from Dominic Mossa and Adam Bell.

It was 2-0 five minutes into the second half, when Bell scored following good work again by Mossa down the right flank.

Pool reduced the deficit when Luke Naylor scored with a penalty 10minutes from time, but Boldon held on to deservedly pick up all three points.

Annfield Plain hit back from two goals behind to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw against Wolviston.

Wolviston stormed ahead with Josh Chambers’ penalty and a strike from Junior Masandi, but the Derwent Park outfit rallied strongly in the second period.

Dean Pearce gave them hope with a brilliant 30-yarder, then, five minutes from time, Danny Mackay levelled from the penalty spot.

Leam Rangers were beaten 3-1 away to Cumbrians Cleator Moor Celtic.

Aiden Willis stunned the home support by putting Leam in front, against the run of play, five minutes before the break.

But Ryan Hall headed an equaliser four minutes into the second period, then Hall put Celtic ahead nine minutes from time, with Adam Grant adding a third at the second attempt after Lee Smith saved his initial effort.

Bottom club Harton and Westoe lost 4-1 at Darlington 1883 Reserves, who moved up to third-bottom spot with the victory.

Paul Trosh gave the South Tynesiders when he halved the deficit to 2-1, but doubles from Rob Moncur and Lewis Reece steered Darlo home.

Prudhoe Town drew 0-0 at Stokesley SC.