Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Bishop Auckland have called for a treble celebration ahead of this afternoon's game with great Ayton at Kingsway.

Not only are they third from top just ten points adrift of leaders Northallerton but they have signed Billy Teasdale from Evenwood and Amul Mazumdar has hit a rich vein of form.

"We played a delayed fixture at Richmondshire last Sunday and although we were held to a draw we picked up a good number of points to put us right back into contention for the championship.

"We are also delighted to have Billy Teasdale on board. He is only 20 but is an excellent player and I am certain he will strengthen both out batting and bowling departments," enthused director of cricket Paul Furby.

Mazumbar, meanwhile, was in magnificent form at Richmond when he struck an unbeaten 130. "Amul is in his second season with us and just goes from strength to strength. I am over the moon with his performances," added Furby.

Teasdale is included in the Bishop line-up against Great Ayton but two players are unavailable. Ben Usher and John Barker cannot play so Frank Smith and Clarence Sendina are drafted in from the second team.

"We will certainly miss the pair but hopefully Teasdale will slot into Usher's position early in the order, " added Furby.

Great Ayton, in their first season in the top flight have claimed a few notable scalps in cup competitions but have been unable to display the same level of form in the league.

They have just one win in 16 outings but are far from stranded and have a chance of avoiding the drop. They are confident enough to announce an unchanged line up at Kingsway.

It has been a bit of a roller coaster season for Northallerton who went back to the top when they staged the only game last Saturday and were rewarded with victory over Guisborough.

Today, they go to Richmondshire pleased that captain and wicket keeper Ian Gill is able to resume but Richard Chandler is again ruled out. He was hit against Darlington a couple of weeks ago and spent three nights in the Friarage Hospital.

Second top Guisborough, buoyant after defeating Saltburn in the semi-final of Kerridge Cup on Tuesday night, are just seven points behind Northallerton. They face up to Darlington RA at Fountains Garth and a big boost to their chances is the news that David Towse resumes.

He is one of the most economical bowlers around and if necessary will deliver the maximum 25 overs.

RA make three changes with Colin Cartwright, Michael Bean and Graham Hird lining up hoping to lead their side a third win of the season.

Darlington entertain Marske at Seaton with Danny Morgan, Richard Biddle and Dale Thomas all sidelined. David Chapman though is able to play and also named are Duncan Johnson and Paul Raine.

Marske, too near the bottom for comfort, have Robert Walker replacing Ben Walker and Gary Lynch retains his place.

Blackhall are second from the basement, 17 points better off than Great Ayton. They meet Hartlepool at Park Drive with Paul Moss and David Mole coming into the line up for the unavailable Mark Cushlow and Paul Webster. A blow to Hartlepool is the absence of Dean Burrows and Ian Jackson fills the vacancy.

Lee Roberts cannot play so Chris Bruton is named in the Middlesbrough side to meet unchanged Redcar at Acklam Park.

Saltburn, very much in contention for honours after having lost just twice, meet Normanby Hall who include Brian Leach for Mel Sykes.