Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Just as they appeared to be running into championship form, Ashington came down to earth with a bump on Wednesday night when they were surprisingly defeated at The Spa by Shotley Bridge in a semi-final of the league Cup.

The Colliers will therefore be wary of today's visit to Leadgate who have moved into third position on the back of some good performances in recent weeks.

Ashington, however, are also certain to be still ahead tonight since they are 19 points in front of Tynedale who have lost their last two matches after going 11 games unbeaten.

They have badly missed the batting talents of Scot Kay who is regarded as one of the finest in the league.

They are keeping their fingers crossed that he will come through a late fitness test to take on the formidable Lanchester attack which includes Pakistani Atta ur Rehman.

Lanchester though have problems of their own. Captain Kevin Dixon is ruled out with a broken finger and his replacement is Trevor Fabian who will make his debut.

Lanchester have also signed the former Annfield Plain player Brian McArdle who will help the club out during their injury difficulties.

At the bottom, it appears that Whickham are on gtheir back into division A2 after just one season in the top flight.

They have yet to win having lost 11 of their 13 fixtures and they could again find the going difficult against Sacriston at The Glebe especially as the visitors are able to field their strongest line-up.

Shotley Bridge are second from bottom and got to Benwell and Walbottle minus Ian Archbald so Ian Heslop lines up.

Shotley will have Mark Heasman behind the wicket.

Benwell and Walbottle shook Benwell Hill when they defeated the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League side in the Independent Scaffolding Cup in midweek.

Professional Morne Van Vuuren is in good form but they will have to get along without Graeme Dacers and Chris Tuck although captain Graeme Angus is able to play.

Naveed Ahmed continues for the unavailable John Newstead in the Annfield Plain line-up at home to Newcastle City who give a second game to Sunna Mirza but Imran Kahn is still ruled out.

Lintz host Swalwell in a near bottom-of-the-table clash with both sides needing points to avoid being sucked into the relegation zone.

Lintz, who tomorrow are at home to Ashington in the final of the Fosters Cup, are back to full strength with the inclusion of Gary Christie while Swalwell line up spinner Brian Rixon for Harry Jackson.