Darlington are hoping to avenge their Powergen Cup defeat in the opening game of the season at Blaydon when they entertain the Tynesiders in National Three North tomorrow.

"That was a disappointing performance - we never got out of the traps," said coach Phil Lancaster.

"It was also disappointing to lose so heavily at Halifax last week, but we were beaten by one man, a centre who tore us to shreds."

Darlington hope the return of centre Tosh McIntee will help to shore up the midfield, allowing Mark Butler to revert to the wing, while they also have hooker Dan Osleton back from Bath University.

But he might have to settle for providing cover for Rob Goddard, with Lancaster observing: "Goddard is a quality player who contributes a lot around the field, and that's what we are trying to develop.

"Butler also makes a big impact all over the field and both of them are 100 per cent committed."

With no game next week, Paul Lee and Dave Haswell will be hoping to return from injury the following Saturday at Tynedale.

Blaydon have Matt Dehaty back at centre and flanker Matt Cook also returns. After scoring five tries in two weeks, he missed last Saturday's defeat by Tynedale because of flu.

There is a doubt about scrum half Mick Dungait because of a neck injury, so Simon Stoker stands by.

Darlington Mowden Park will be without prop Danny Brown for two or three weeks with ankle ligament damage, but last week's other casualties expect to be fit for the trip to Tynedale.

Middlesbrough can consolidate second place in North Two East by winning at home to second-bottom Sandal, while third-placed Morpeth visit leaders Hull.

Boro will have Lee Richardson at fly half as Ali Little is injured, while hooker Richard Horton returns and Paul Johnson comes in at lock for Phil Tilson.

West Hartlepool visit bottom club Northern without skipper Tim Sawyer, who has had a knee operation and will be out until February.

Back row man Stuart Bennett is doubtful with a rib injury, and with Carl Robinson unavailable John Painter could be set for a return to first team action.

Stockton visit York, keen to improve on the draw they achieved in the home fixture a month ago.

Nicki Walters is at full back with Graham Kell switching to centre as Matty Oates is unavailable.

Skipper Alan Brown settles for a place on the bench and will be joined by lock Mark Skriving after a two-month absence with a shoulder injury..

* Mowden Park have been drawn at home to Westoe in the second round of the Durham Second Teams Cup after their 19-14 home win against Darlington.

Hartlepool will entertain Horden, despite losing 37-27 in the first round away to West Hartlepool TDSOB, who had to borrow three players from the visitors. The other second round ties, to be played on January 17, are: Durham City v Ryton and Gateshead v Hartlepool Rovers.

* Northallerton have been handed the incentive of another home tie if they beat Sheffield Tigers in their delayed fourth round match in the Powergen Junior Vase.

The winners will be at home on January 17 to Leodiensians who, like Tigers, are a division above Northallerton in Yorkshire Two. Novos, the region's only other survivors, will be away to Hoylake.