Darlington RA make the long trip to Windscale without three key players but still start favourites against the Cumbrians.

Striker Warren Byrne, Martin Brown and Andrew Singlewood are ruled out and an additional headache for manager Dave Woodcock is the fitness of Michael Carter, who has had flu.

"Our midweek victory over Jarrow was our 17th in 21 games and we have lost just once, so we are more than pleased with the form we have shown during the first half of the season," said RA secretary Martyn Jackson.

"But we have to maintain the momemtum - Stokesley have three games in hand on us."

Stokesley SC, ten points off the top, host second-from-bottom Ferryhill Athletic and they are understrength with the absence of Jonathan Newton, Richard Hore and Matthew Homan.

Ferryhill manager Mark Fanning also shows three changes because John Banks, Scott Brassell and Stuart Cottam cannot play.

Cleadon SC moved into third place - their highest of the season - following their midweek victory at Gateshead Reserves and, at home to Jarrow, have only Mark Johnson doubtful through injury.

Fourth-top Coxhoe Athletic, with games in hand on the three sides above them, line up against Shotton Comrades and manager Gary Forrest anticipates a full-strength squad on duty.

Three stalwarts return to the Wolviston line-up for the visit of Sport Catterick. Captain Gareth Murphy has completed a three-month ban and will be joined in the team by central defender John Patterson and full back Gareth Richardson.

Youngster Steve Cardwell, who scored a spectacular goal when introduced as a substitute in the pre-Christmas game at Birtley Town, is set for his full debut but midfielder Carl Brunskill is still sidelined with an injury.

Washington Nissan UK have strengthened their squad in recent weeks to move off the bottom and they will be hoping to continue their rise up the table at the expense of Cleator Moor Celtic.

Goalkeeper Chris McVay, carried off in the game with Cleadon SC, returns but Garry Donkin is still out with a hamstring injury.

Birtley Town host basement side Gateshead Reserves.