Darlington Mowden Park and Blaydon are both without a key forward because of skiing trips as they resume the battle against relegation in National Three North tomorrow.

Prop Danny Brown misses Mowden's match at Cleckheaton, while Dave Marwick's third holiday of the season leaves a gap at blind side for the visit of bottom club Bedford Athletic to Blaydon.

Both clubs will be happy for Darlington to guarantee their own safety with a fourth successive win at home to Rugby Lions, who would then have only two games left in which to escape the third relegation spot.

Mowden are a point ahead of Rugby with a game in hand and, like Darlington, are looking to avenge two early-season defeats.

Both clubs had to visit today's opponents in the Powergen Cup two weeks after losing to them in the opening league games.

Mowden lost the cup tie 28-17 at Cleckheaton in a game in which they conceded 23 penalties and discipline has continued to be a problem.

Fitness-wise their biggest worry surrounds skipper Martin Shaw, who has a stomach muscle injury and must decide whether to defy it with the aid of pain-killers or save himself for the home games.

Centre Tom Lauriston returns after recovering from mumps, and Peni Fakalelu will start at tight head in place of Brown, with ex-Houghall student James Knox on the bench.

If Darlington beat Rugby and pick up a four-try bonus they will be 11 points clear of their visitors, who will be unable to catch them.

Prop Paul Scott is working, so Joe Oselton will start with Paul Shepherd on the bench. There is a slight doubt about centre Ben Snook, so Lee Davies stands by.

Blaydon are likely to bring in Dave Falconer at No 6 for Marwick and will have to shuffle the backs as goal-kicker Dan Clappison is also on holiday.

Andy Kahn will play at fly half with Nick Gandy at full back if he has recovered from a facial injury suffered in the defeat by Darlington two weeks ago.

Middlesbrough will be looking for a third successive home win against Powergen Intermediate Cup finalists Morley in North One

Victory tomorrow and at home to second-bottom Liverpool St Helens next week should see Boro safe, but they also have to fit in a Yorkshire Cup first round tie at home to Huddersfield YMCA on Tuesday.

West Hartlepool can ensure North Two East survival by winning at Horden, but they can expect fierce resistance from their neighbours, who are even more desperate for the points. West recall lock Andrew Davies after missing the last match because of his wedding.

Stockton play second-placed Huddersfield and welcome back forwards Danny Muirhead, Gary Skirving and Alan Brown, plus centres Steve Thornton and Graham Kell.