Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Something will need to give when leaders Swalwell and Leadgate - who each boast a 100 per cent record - go head to head at Derwenthaugh.

The pair have won all four games, but Swalwell have claimed an additional two bonus points to open up a narrow lead. Swalwell are unchanged and Leadgate field a strong side.

Ashington have also started well, with three wins and a rain-affected draw, and, at Lanchester, they show just one change with the evergreen Stephen Williams lining up in place of unavailable Paul Rutherford.

A big boost to the chances of the Colliers is the inclusion of captain David Rutherford, who made a splendid season debut last weekend after being ruled out of the first three matches.

Lanchester make three alterations to their line-up with Phil Mosey, Mark Carlin and Stephen Robinson named. Brian Potts has moved to Kimblesworth and Alan Colledge and youngster Glenn Harrison step down.

Gary Steadman is injured and misses Annfield Plain's home game with Ponteland, whose openers Barry Scott and Jimmy Ealey cannot play.

Their places are filled by John Gardener and Charles Scott.

Shotley Bridge, fourth top, include David Golightly, David Barrett and John Stokoe jnr for their visit to Newcastle City who are unchanged since Tom Jones is still ruled out.

Andrew Mavin and Andrew Dixon continue to deputise for Lee Shaw and Ian Pattison in the Sacriston line-up for the visit of Benwell and Walbottle who welcome the inclusion of Stephen Reed especially as Mark Little cannot turn out.

Champions Tynedale, who won for the first time in four attempts last Saturday, are still under strength without captain Mark Armstrong and Neil Clarke.

Professional Stuart Graham plays but a knee injury prevents him from bowling.

Burnopfield are visitors to Tynedale and will miss professional Deshpande who had to return to India because his father is ill.

The club hope he may be back in time for this afternoon's match.