New Marske will aim to consolidate their position at the top of the table when they host Harton and Westoe this afternoon.

The Teessiders moved into pole position for the first time last Saturday and are strengthened by the return of Richard Booth and Stephen Hodgson. "We are still unbeaten after nine games but it is extremely tight so there is no room for a slip-up," said secretary Peter Livingstone.

Cleadon SC are the surprise package and are just a point off New Marske. They meet Darlington RA at Jack Clark Park and manager Doug Key is forced to make several changes.

"I will be without five regulars but it is one of those things that I can do nothing about. We have played well so far and our only defeat was at North Shields," Key said. Brothers Tony and Stephen Fyall, Brian Tully, Liam Rochford and Peter Brand are all ruled out but there is some good news for Key in that Mark Johnson is able to play.

For Darlington Paul Freary, who so far has opted to play cricket, is included, but Mark Hebden, Max Ripley and Stephen Roberts are sidelined.

Barnard Castle Glaxo make the journey to Windscale with brothers Andrew and Nick Bellew returning but Ross Murray and Craig Harrison missing.

Ferryhill Athletic play Wolviston at Shildon's Sunnydale Leisure Centre, with Lee Jewitt, Dean Harkus, Ryan Stonehouse, Dave Heslop, Howard Anderson and Daniel Robinson all named in the squad and manager Mark Fanning has signed goalkeeper David Raine from Darlington Academy.

After last week's devastating defeat, Wolviston are expected to make several changes. Returning are John Patterson, Gareth Murphy, Simon Colligan, Craig Watson, Carl Brunskill and Paul Jewitt.

Striker Andy Steel has an ankle injury and defender Simon Felstead broke his hand last week. The pair are both doubtful and definitely missing is goalkeeper Simon Clark whose replacement is Chris Norton.

A close result is anticipated when Stokesley SC host North Shields. The two sides have identical number of points.

Ben Escritt has completed a suspension and both Grant Hine and Richard Hore are added, while North Shields welcome the inclusion of Mark Cass and James Anderson.