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SURPRISE opening-day winners Thornaby get their home programme under way today against Hartlepool.

Pools also have a win under their belts and, ominously, expect to have a stronger team out for the trip to Mandale Bottoms.

Mike Gough, who will miss much of this season due to his first-class umpiring commitments, is available for this one and new Sri Lankan pro Janaka Gunaratne should debut.

Thornaby are still ploughing through paperwork to get their overseas man here but they are strengthened by the return of Chris Metcalfe and Ian Macdonald. Skipper Matt Dex could play, although Leigh Beaumont is primed to lead the team again.

Guisborough and Darlington could have won their first games but had to be satisfied with draws. There is the chance to get off the mark this weekend as the pair meet at Fountains Garth.

Both make just one change, second-team skipper Simon Whitehead stepping in to replace James Sutton for the Quakers, and veteran gloveman Gary Veazey taking over from Jon Hatfield in the Priorymen’s line-up.

Great Ayton are unchanged for the visit of Richmondshire to Leven Park, although the Dalesmen will be without Mark Lockey, who is getting married, and Chris Layfield, who injured an ankle during a marathon bowling stint last Saturday. Clive Layfield is one of the new faces, and the other slot is being held open in the hope Shani Dissanayake arrives.

Northallerton’s pro, Teddy Parida, now has his visa and will play in the home game with Marske, but Richard Chandler, Andrew Fishburn and Matthew Fishburn are indisposed, with Richard Bartram brought in. The Seasiders have just the one change, Jon Pickard is away and Gary Lynch plays.

One of the unheralded shocks last week was the enforced appearance of director of cricket Paul Furby for Bishop Auckland.

The wicketkeeper will play again today, but Ben Usher and Richard Arnott are missing for the home game against Normanby Hall, who expect to be unchanged.

Blackhall believe it will be another week before they see Warren Swan in the country, and Neil Killeen has been struck down with a hamstring injury and will be out for up to three weeks.

The Colliers are attempting to bring in a substitute pro in time for their home match with Billingham Synthonia but will be without Phil Bell and Andy Raine, so Gary Lavery and Anthony Darby are handed opportunities.

Synners are bogged down in the paper trail required to sign Sri Lankan Nisal Randika.

There is a derby to savour at Acklam Park, where Middlesbrough entertain Marton.

Boro played a formidable tune last week, even without either of their pros – the appearance of either Yasir Shah or Kyle Coetzer for their seasonal debuts is assessed at 50/50 with the uncertainties of visas and Durham commitments to contend with.

For Marton, Gary Knight comes in for Tom Chadwick.