Darlington Mowden Park will have player-coach Richard Arnold back as they attempt to end Waterloo's 100 per cent record in National Three North tomorrow.

Mowden lost 19-14 at home to the club from Blundellsands but have won all eight matches since and Arnold's return after a hamstring injury will strengthen what has become a very tight defence.

There are also high hopes that Jon Dye will be fit after being helped off with what initially looked a nasty neck injury last week.

He trained on Tuesday night, when the excellent turn-out allowed Mowden to have opposed line-outs, in which Luke Monument was prominent and he will replace Dye at lock if necessary.

It was hoped to include Aramveer Ladhar and Eni Gisende in the squad, but both were injured playing for Newcastle Falcons second team at Rotherham on Monday night.

Fly half Mark Bedworth could be fit for next week's match at home to Halifax, while Jonny Golightly makes his comeback in the second team game at Blaydon tomorrow.

Darlington will be unchanged for the third successive week at home to New Brighton, although they are looking to involve David Andrew at some point.

They trailed 33-5 at half-time away to the Merseysiders in November before a hat-trick by Craig Lee brought them back into a game they finally lost 46-33.

"I think we can turn it round," said Lee. "We have plenty of confidence at home, so we have to make it count."

Lee and Phil Lancaster are to be presented with the Three North Coach of the Month award before the match by former Middlesbrough and England fly half Phil Horrocks-Taylor.

Middlesbrough have brought in Neil Parkin at No 8 for their home match against West Hartlepool in North Two East.

A Leeds University graduate, he joined the club six weeks ago and has made a good impression.

John Dixon returns alongside Ian Bradford at lock to play against his former club and Ian Bircham is at fly half with Ali Little switching to centre as Lee Richardson is unavailable.

West, who drew at home to Boro and are unbeaten in their last six league games, have Steve Black back on the wing.

David Tighe is expected to be fit but will have to settle for a place on the bench as Darren Thomas and Phil Wallis are doing well at half back.

Skipper Tim Sawyer may also have to fight for a place in the side on his recovery from his knee operation as Stu Bennett has been leading the side well from No 8 with Andrew Davies and Henry Tones alongside him.

Horden visit Redcar while Stockton go to resurgent Morpeth, who are again challenging Boro for the play-off spot.

Morpeth snatched a last-minute win in October at Stockton, who recall skipper Alan Brown, centre Mattie Oates, scrum half Nicky Poole and full back Graham Kell.

* Newcastle Falcons forwards David Wilson and Geoff Parling are in the England Under 21 squad for training at Worcester on February 2 and 3.