Coxhoe Athletic aim to take another step towards overtaking second-top Stokesley SC when they host Wolviston.
Victory today and in Monday's fixture against bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill Athletic could propel Coxhoe ahead of Stokesley, who only play on Monday.
"All of a sudden we're not only in with a chance of finishing runners-up but perhaps taking the championship - but Darlington RA are still very much the favourites," said manager Gary Forrest.
He is unable to call on Rob Bowman, Phil Best and Peter Croft. Also missing is suspended David Hutchinson.
Wolviston have not won since November. Skipper Gareth Murphy, Andy Rose and long-serving full back Gareth Richardson return.
Darlington RA face a difficult game with fourth-top Cleadon SC at Jack Clark Park which is never a happy hunting ground for visiting teams.
"We were given a jolt losing to Boldon CA last Saturday but we have won all our 12 away games. Here's hoping this is not unlucky 13!" said secretary Martyn Jackson.
Warren Byrne is suspended but RA are hopeful that David Alderson, who has missed the last two games through injury, will be fit. Cleadon are without the banned Mark Johnson.
It's all change for Shotton Comrades at Harton and Westoe with Paul Dawes, David Scorer and Stephen Digby ruled out.
Ferryhill Athletic are involved in a bottom-of-the-table game with Gateshead Reserves. The Tynesiders are just two points better off than the hosts, who are without Tony Stafford, Andrew Howard and Lee Jewitt. But Paul Gibson, Paul Robson, Ryan Stonehouse and Scott Brassell all expected to return.
Following their shock win last weekend, Washington Nissan UK visit New Marske with renewed hope.
Jarrow make the journey to Cleator Moor Celtic minus Gary Atwell, Ryan Houseman and John Grant.
Elsewhere Boldon CA have captain Stephen Williams and John Taylor suspended for their fixture at Ryhope CW.
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