Darlington hope that two new props can solve their front row problems in tomorrow's National Three North match at home to Macclesfield.

Catterick-based army men Paul Shepherd and Simon Orr are in the squad after being signed too late last week to prevent the match at Fylde being called off.

Player-coach Phil Lancaster has since revealed that he had ruled himself out with a long-standing calf injury, and with Dan Miller and Ali Carter also injured, Joe Osleton was the only prop fit and available.

"I shouldn't even have been on the bench when I went on against Dudley the previous week," said Lancaster. "It was very painful for me personally, quite apart from conceding 40 points.

"We tried to get the new props registered for last week and the RFU know that, so perhaps they will look leniently on us.

"It's normal to have two points deducted in these circumstances, but we haven't heard anything yet. If we do lose two points we'll just have to handle it."

That would leave Darlington on minus two as they have lost their first three games, and a repeat of last year's home match against Macclesfield would be welcome.

They topped 50 points against the Cheshire side, who were promoted in second place after a play-off.

But Macclesfield have won two of their four games at the higher level, including a 37-20 home win against Dudley.

"Paul Shepherd has played for Preston Grasshoppers and looks quite fit," said Lancaster. "Simon Orr is older but has been round the block and could do a job for us. Dan Miller is still doubtful and I won't be involved."

To add to the problems No 8 Del Lewis has gone to watch the World Cup for three weeks, so Andrew Carphin will come straight back in after recovering from injury.

Lewis was outstanding in the first half against Dudley before fading along with the rest, and Lancaster said: "The players have to be psychologically stronger at the higher level.

"We have worked on fitness, doing a lot of the repetitions that Premiership clubs do, and everyone is coming in where we want them to be.

"But it's different in a match at this level and they have to be prepared for the mental as well as the physical aspects.

"We have played some tremendous rugby, but we could see at half-time against Dudley that the players needed lifting. We tried to pick them up but they took their foot off the gas.

"They will learn from playing more competitive rugby - it's better than winning by 60 or 70 points."

Darlington Mowden Park face a tough match at New Brighton, who lost to the final kick at Blaydon last week.

Martin Shaw suffered a dead leg on his home debut for Mowden last week and will be replaced at centre by Chris Blacklock now that his registration has been cleared.

Blaydon, who visit promoted Midlands club Longton, have signed scrum half Simon Stoker, a former Newcastle RGS schoolmate of Director of Rugby Nick Gandy.

He will have to compete with former Bath Under 21s player Nick Williams and Micky Dungait, who returns from injury in tomorrow's second team match.

Blaydon have agreed to go to Huddersfield in order to get the seconds a game and winger Simon Barber will also make his comeback.

New winger Will Rubie is unavailable for the match at Longton, while Northumbria University captain Matt Dehaty has been advised to rest a hamstring injury for three weeks. Centre Peter Kilburn returns and Andrew Kahn should be fit.

In North Two East Middlesbrough have reversed their fixtures with West Hartlepool in order to avoid a clash with West Amateurs.

Instead of playing at Acklam Park, Boro are going to Brinkburn tomorrow with former West stalwart John Dixon again starting at lock.

Skipper Gavin Fingland returns in the back row and Dale Sawdon at prop, while the return of scrum half Peter Wright sees Ali Wright revert to centre alongside Lee Richardson.

Ross McNeill is at fly half as Danny Bishop is unavailable and Andy Micklewright goes to full back with Ian Bircham dropping to the bench.

West have signed Steve Black, son the Newcastle Falcons fitness coach of the same name. A former Blaydon second team player, he will be on the wing and Mark Thompson is expected to return at centre. Stuart Bennett continues at lock.

Horden entertain Redcar, while Stockton are at home to Morpeth, who trail leaders Hull only on points difference.

Flanker Wayne Brown returns after suspension for Stockton, so Scott Powell switches to lock for Mark Skirving, who has a shoulder injury.

Glyn Delmar deputises for hooker Danny Muirhead, who is on holiday.

* Former Durham School and Durham City player Lee Best will be out for the rest of the season after being stretchered off during Bath's win against Saracens. The full back joined Bath from Bristol over the summer but needs knee surgery after falling awkwardly during a tackle.