"We're back in business!", is the clarion call from Darlington RA who, after suffering a totally unexpected defeat a fortnight ago, went on to score 16 goals in the two subsequent games.

"Perhaps losing to Boldon CA was a wake-up call. We hadn't lost since August so it was a bit of a shock but the lads have reacted in the best possible way. After winning 7-0 at Cleadon SC last Saturday we defeated Sport Catterick 9-1 on Wednesday night," enthused secretary Martyn Jackson.

RA, whose Brinkburn Road ground was inspected by Albany Northern League chairman Mike Amos last night, are now 13 points ahead of Coxhoe Athletic who have three games in hand.

Today, RA host bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill Athletic, but unable to call upon David Alderson, Mark Keenan, Andrew Singlewood and Warren Byrne. In addition, Lee Johnson is doubtful.

Coxhoe Athletic acknowledge RA are in the driving seat for the championship but have not given up hope and visiting Sport Catterick will give late fitness tests to Ralph Pettijean and Andrew Richardson. Rob Bowman and Philip Best though are definitely sidelined.

Boldon CA manager Norman Hunter is minus a trio of suspended players for the home game with New Marske. Brothers Mark and Stephen Williams and Keith Mason are all ruled out but Scott Baxter has completed a ban and John Taylor also resumes. Patrick James is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

Jarrow meet Shotton Comrades at Perth Green with Ryan Houseman, Andy Ord and Mark Brown included in the squad and Wolviston, who have not won since November, line up against Windscale unable to name John Patterson, Shaun Braithwaite and Matthew Ruse. A bonus for manager Graham Howard is the availability of Andrew Rose and Gavin Brown.

Washington Nissan aim to complete three wins on the trot at the expense of Whitehaven. Their only doubt is Ben Hutchinson.

Harton and Westoe are much stronger for their home game with Annfield Plain since Anthony Kent, Stephen Shields and Scott Tooley are all able to play.

Ryhope CW have home advantage over Stokesley SC in the Quarter Final of the Wearside League Cup. Adam McGuinness and John Toomey are added to the squad but Peter Maughan is unavailable and Kevin Burns will need his fitness checked out.

Stokesley SC, out of the top two for the first time in months, are confident that Jonathan Newton and Richard Hore will be available but they are unsure about Stuart Wise, who is also signed by Gateshead.

Cleadon SC meet Birtley Town in the semi final at Jack Clark Park. Mark Johnson returns from suspension and Andrew Quinn could also make the line-up while Birtley, who have won 12 of their last 13 games, cannot consider Anthony Lynch and Scott Kerr is doubtful.