Darlington are hoping that the increased interest they have noticed since the World Cup will continue at tomorrow's home match against Tynedale.

The clubs have not met before in league combat as the Corbridge side have generally been well ahead, spending ten years in North Division One before earning promotion four years ago.

"This is an opportunity to watch two of the top teams in the North-East and it would be nice to see a few new faces coming along," said Darlington chairman Bill Jones.

"There is a superb atmosphere in the club at the moment and long may it continue. On World Cup final day we were packed to the rafters and last Sunday was incredibly busy.

"The minis were playing Durham City from under sevens to 12s, and the 14s, 15s and 16s had cup matches, so there must have been over 300 youngsters involved.

"The club shop had a record day, selling everything from shirts to scrum caps and gum shields. The World Cup has certainly had quite an impact, particularly at junior level and we have since lined up two potential new sponsors for the minis."

As Darlington are celebrating their 30th annual junior festival on the first weekend in May next year Jones has written to Twickenham to ask if it would be possible to have the World Cup on display.

Also in National Three North, Darlington Mowden Park visit Preston Grasshoppers and are again without any Newcastle Academy players.

Prop Danny Brown returns and they are trying to bring in Luke Monument, who could fill in at lock with Tony Irwin reverting to blind side.

Middlesbrough can move level on points with second-placed Morpeth in North Two East if they win away to the Northumberland club.

Coach John Moore's son, Simon, is in the squad for the first time after recovering from injury. He played in several positions behind the scrum for Stockton, but seems to be earmarked for centre in the Boro side.

No 8 Dean Gardiner returns, but his deputy Ian Bradford stays in the squad as he also provides cover for locks John Dixon and Phil Tilson.

Stockton have player-coach Alan Brown back in the squad for the home match against Horden

He has been out for 12 weeks with a knee injury and will start on the bench, although he intends to play some part.

Prop Gary Skirving also returns after injury but centre Mattie Oates has a knee problem.