Guisborough are keeping their fingers crossed that professional David Towse can play in today's crucial game at Marske.

The inspirational captain and strike bowler delivered just seven balls in last Sunday's game with Hartlepool before suffering a muscle strain.

"We thought he would be out for two or three weeks but he has had physio and we are hopeful he will have recovered to turn out," said fixture secretary Gary Bolton.

"His inclusion would be a massive plus. We are seven points behind leaders Northallerton and probably need to win our last five games to clinch a fourth successive championship."

Guisborough have already received a boost with the news that Johnny May can play and he is a straight replacement for the unavailable Chris Murray.

Despite several electrifying performances by New Zealand professional Rob Nicol, Marske are second from bottom, 21 points from safety.

Phil Walker and Robin Walker are absent so Marske name Neil Coverdale and Kevin Welch, who will be playing against his former club.

Northallerton host fourth-top Saltburn, hoping for better luck with the toss which they have won just once in the last nine games.

Albert Aurelius takes over from Gerry Hall.

Bishop Auckland's chances of ending at the top receded when they drew both games in last weekend's programme. They line up against Redcar at Kingsway and 14-year old Scott Oldfield retains his place, although Paul Jenkin replaces him behind the wicket.

Basement side Blackhall meet Middlesbrough pleased that professional Mohammed Fazal is fit to return. He replaces Azif Jan.

Billy Dawson and Anthony Grey come in for Paul Moss and Ricky Darwin while Boro name Andrew Taylor for Darren Birkett.

It is all change for Darlington at home to Great Ayton. Liam Brown, James Stock and Richard Biddle take over from Lee Hutton, Keith Barker and Derek Coates.

Darlington RA, buoyed by their double success last weekend, aim to make it three wins out of three by defeating Hartlepool at Park Drive. They keep changes to a minimum with Martin Ferguson a replacement for Peter Eckels.

RA's target is a top-half finish and, with only four points separating them from fifth-top Richmondshire, they have a good chance.

Richmondshire host unchanged Normanby Hall with Kevin Forbes and Jamie Stead stepping in for Stephen Orchard and Shaun Charlton.

Stockton face possibly their sternest test of the season when they visit South Northumberland in the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League.

The Tynesiders have hit form at the right time and three consecutive wins has propelled them into pole position.

A blow to Stockton's chances is that Davin Charleston has returned to Australia. Stuart Robson also misses out and the pair are replaced by Dwane Atkinson and Robert Webster.

Norton host third-top Blaydon, who need a good result to maintain their challenge. Stephen Purcifer for Stephen Riddell is Norton's only change.

Chester-le-Street, 14 points adrift of South North in second place, meet Durham Academy minus former captain Tony Birbeck but David Wilson plays.

In the Federation Special Durham Senior League, Boldon again appear to have the easier game of the top pair. They entertain South Hetton, while Burnmoor travel to Horden.

Boldon are minus influential skipper Grant Forster and Iain Young is also out. Byron Longstaff and Jonathan Bishop are the replacements.

Burnmoor need a victory against Horden and have bowlers Martin Thursfield and Michael Callaghan returning to help their cause.

Hetton Lyons, with a win against Durham City, could move into second place if Burnmoor's dip in form continues.

Evenwood, with a 26-point advantage over Kimblesworth, are without captain Paul Watson and his brother Kevin at home to Crook Town in The Readers Durham County League.

Kimblesworth name their first-choice line-up for the visit of Brandon, who are now without captain Steve Dunsford following his move to Sheffield.

Following the news that Ushaw Moor's professional Teneto Willett had returned to the West Indies, Esh Winning have lost Rakesh Dhurv, who is needed for training in India. Youngsters Paul Shaw and Stuart Hall replace Dhurv and Eddie Watson against Etherley.

Murton can take another step towards retaining the Durham Coast League championship if they avoid defeat against one of their challengers, Silksworth.

Second-top Ryhope visit Bill Quay with Phil Bennett and John Minniss both included, while Philip Hutchinson, who took four wickets on his bowling debut last Saturday, stands by in case Graham Smith cannot play.

Whickham will be relegated from Division A1 of the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League if they fail to take at least six points from their game at table-topping Tynedale. Robin Moor for Tony Ainley is their only change.