Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: In 1971, Northallerton and Marske joined the A Division and today, after 33 years, they both celebrate playing their 900th game in the top flight.

Northallerton go into their fixture against Saltburn in pole position, even though they have seen their lead reduced in recent weeks.

"We won four and drew one of our first five matches but since then have suffered a couple of defeats, although we have also gained two winning draws," said Northallerton secretary Ian Morton.

"We are now just four points ahead of Saltburn so the outcome of this game is crucial."

The visitors will need to bat a lot better than they did in the corresponding fixture last season.

Morton recalls that a total of 79 proved meat and drink to the Seasiders.

He said: "It was a bad weekend for us because it was a double programme and we were also beaten by Guisborough.

"Hopefully, we can score a lot more runs this time around."

Richard Chandler, who claimed three wickets opening the bowling against Hartlepool last week, is unavailable, as is early-order batsman Jerry Hall.

Saltburn, who have come good following an early-season defeat, are unchanged as they attempt to move to the top for the first time this season.

Third-placed Bishop Auckland hand a debut to Andrew Hamilton, brother of Gavin, who now plays for Durham after moving from Yorkshire during the close season.

Andrew has been with Chester-le-Street and Bishop's director of cricket, Paul Furby, reports that he is immediately included after his transfer.

"Despite losing last week to Darlington, I am still happy with the way things are going," said Furby.

Despite losing twice we are just 20 points adrift of Northallerton and I am confident we can maintain a challenge."

Marske, second bottom ahead of Great Ayton, show two changes in their line up with Richie Rennard and Paul Smith taking over from Raf Rashid and Alex Welch.

Great Ayton have yet to win but have drawn seven of their nine games.

Captain Dave Pennock would like to transfer his teams cup form into the league.

Earlier in the season, Ayton beat Blackhall and this week they saw off Normanby Hall in the Macmillan Cup.

John Grainge for Mark Bashford is Great Ayton's only alteration at Guisborough, who are pleased that Saul Clifford is home from holiday.

He replaces Martin Hyde and Chris Trillo is again behind the stumps for the injured Graeme Wrightson.

Skipper Darren Hickey is again absent from the Darlington RA line-up against Blackhall at Brinkburn Road.

He was hurt swimming eight days ago and has been in hospital. Earlier in the season, it was thought he might not play again this year after injuring a leg but he returned, only to suffer a further blow.

Paul Freary will lead the team today and Blackhall include Graham Bell for Mark Cushlow.

Shaz Ahmed, who moved to the Colliers before the start of the season, has rejoined Marske. After being fourth top only a few weeks ago Blackhall are now third from bottom and are looking to rekindle their season.

Darlington, bouyed by their win at Bishop Auckland last Saturday, have James Alderson and Duncan Johnson taking over from Liam Brown and David Alderson against Redcar at Feethams.

The Seasiders, joint third, show just one switch, with Steve Law coming in for Robbie Whelan.

Hartlepool go to Middlesbrough with John Cannon and Chris Harrison named in a strong line-up, while Boro include Martin Ball for Lee Roberts, who returns to the seconds.

For their home game with Richmondshire, Normanby Hall cannot include Mark Croft or Lee Carter and a doubt surrounds the fitness of Colin Vaulks.

Andy Mollitt is absent and Richmond will be captained by Kevin Forbes.

* The league meet the Pontefract League in the White Rose Trophy at Stokesley tomorrow (1.30pm) and have selected the following side: Paul Freary captain (Darlington

RA), James Beaumont, Janaseer Hussain, Brett Roberts (Middlesbrough), Stephen Pennock (Guisborough), George Kay, Doug Mulholland (Northallerton), Tommy Irwin (Redcar), Richard Evans (Hartlepool), John Russell (Great Ayton), Ryan Lazenby (Marske).