Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Premier Division: IT IS the battle of the giants when leaders Saltburn meet four times champions Guisborough this afternoon.

The Seasiders enjoy a narrow lead over their arch rivals and today's result is crucial to both teams.

Saltburn have lost just once when they gave a poor performance against Bishop Auckland, but secretary John Bond reckons the game provided a wake up call.

He said: "We were not very good at Kingsway, but since then we have played really well.

"We are putting runs on the board, bowlers are delivering in the right area and we are fielding exceptionally well.

"It is a team effort. Everyone is committed and confidence is high."

A blow for Saltburn today is the absence of in-form opener Phil Ramage, but Amir Ditti has recovered from a back injury and joins his brother captain Adil in the line-up.

Guisborough have lost twice in ten outings but recently defeated Saltburn in the Tall Trees Hotel MacMillan Cup.

They have Saul Clifford resuming, and 15-year-old Chris Allinson retains his place with the experienced Gary Bolton, who has had a long association at Fountains Garth, making a rare appearance in the second XI.

Normanby Hall are third ahead of their game with Darlington RA at Brinkburn Road.

The outcome could well depend on the form of the two professionals.

Last Saturday, RA's Ashar Zaidi just about won the game single-handed, though Mohammed Sahid was again outstanding for the Hall.

RA miss Phil Crowther, while Normanby Hall bring in Talib Ramzan for the unavailable Lee Sykes.

Darlington are up to fifth before their visit to Bishop Auckland where Colin Biglin and Alex Deuchar take over from Ricky Hopwood and Philip Buxton.

Bishops are only five points behind today's opponents and they are forced into making one change as Phil Timmins cannot play.

David Fairley and Gary Burgum are named for Billingham Synthonia, but Keith Martin is still ruled out.

Visitors Northallerton just a point and one place below Synners second from the basement, have David Wake fully fit after suffering with an injury to his ribs.

Chris Cowton is also named with Andrew Fishburn and Andrew McQuaker leaving the side.

Bottom of the table Richmondshire host Hartlepool pleased that Andy Mollitt is able to turn out.

Clifford Jacobs is included in the second team and brothers Michael and Andrew Fleming are unavailable so Michael Layfield and Jamie Stead are promoted.

Middlesbrough go to Redcar and they too are forced into alterations. Martin Ball, Colin Haslitt and wicket keeper Chris Veasey are sidelined. The trio are replaced by David Ananakwah, Raf Rashid and Jonathan Spillane, who will keep wicket.

Redcar's only switch is the inclusion of Steve Law for Darren Nalton.

Great Ayton host Marske with John Russell winning promotion after scoring 150 for the second team last weekend.

Colin Murray, out for five weeks with a leg injury sustained playing football, makes his comeback, while Bilal Rasool cannot play and Henry Shelton, who is only 14, reverts back to the third XI.