Fosters North-East Regional Premier League: Sunderland, now only 24 points off the top, could have an ace up their sleeve when they meet bottom of the table Gateshead Fell at Ashbrooke, this morning.

There is a chance that the former Middlesex and Durham County opener, Michael Roseberry, will play his first game of the season and skipper Simon Old is in no doubt as to the boost his inclusion would give to the side.

"We have lost Durham County's Gary Scott for the next few weeks after he broke his hand playing in a second XI fixture and it is possible that Michael will be able to help us out in the remaining nine matches. He is a quality player and it would be great to have him back in the side, not only for his batting ability, but also as a fillip to the team, " enthused Old, who is also without Jim Butler and Lee Rushworth today.

Simon Brown and Stuart Pattison are drafted into the line-up and a late decision will be made for who fills the third vacancy depending on Roseberry's availability.

Gateshead Fell give a second outing to Chris Martin, who has played in three tests for New Zealand this season. The strike bowler is a replacement for Trent Kelly who was recalled to Australia. The Fell show one alteration with the returning Tom Gilbert named ahead of Aman Dhindsa.

The match of the day is at the Racecourse ground between fourth top Durham Academy and newly installed leaders Blaydon.

The Tynesiders have confounded the critics staying the pace and chairman Ken Forster puts his side's success down to team spirit and a willingness to churn out results.

"Week in, week out we have had to work really hard but all our efforts have been rewarded. Nobody would have given us a chance to be in pole position before the start of the season, but we are certainly there on merit having lost just one of our 13 fixtures. Today, Toby Whitmarsh, a student at university, travels from his Hertfordshire home to take his place in a full strength line-up.

Chester-le-Street are weakened for their important game with South Northumberland at Ropery Lane. Ian Hunter and Quentin Hughes are both playing for the England Cricket Board in Amsterdam and Cameron Harris is also ruled out.

Talented youngsters John Coxon and Andrew Smith are promoted into the side captained by Allan Worthy, who continues to show good form for Northumberland in the Minor Counties.

Philadelphia, second from the basement and only four points ahead of Gateshead Fell, meet rival strugglers Tynemouth at Bunker Hill.

Although the teams have identical playing records, the Seasiders are 21 points better off since they have gained more bonus points.

Phili again miss wicket keeper Phil Empson and opening bowler Glen Read, while Tynemouth are pleased to have Graham Hallam back in their early order. Michael Phillips and Ian Stewart are also listed in a strong side.

Norton go to Benwell Hill and include the Symington brothers, Craig and Mark. The latter had another good game for Northumberland in the Minor Counties clash at Buckinghamshire earlier in the week.

Benwell Hill are again without captain Phil Nicholson, David Myers and James Welch while Dave Archbold and John Grey are added to the unavailability list.

Martin Pollard will lead the side which includes Jamie Taylor and Johnny Gill, who will make his debut following his transfer from South Northumberland.

Stockton are at Newcastle with Craig Barrington taking over from Chris Hooker and the Tynesiders are pleased to have captain Wayne Ritzema at the helm. They could include Durham County's Gordon Muchall and his brother Paul together in the line-up for the first time this season.