Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Northallerton have flirted at the wrong end of the table for most of the season, but a winning double last week end just about ended the threat of relegation and set them up nicely for a tilt at the two leading sides this weekend.

"Before we bowled out both Hartlepool and Thornaby for fewer than 100 runs and took 40 points from the two matches, it was touch and go but we are now relatively safe and we will be more relaxed going into matches against the top teams," declared secretary Ian Morton.

Today, Northallerton visit leaders Guisborough and Morton predicts a difficult game.

He added: "I cannot remember when we last got something out of a match at Fountains Garth, but who knows what will happen on the day. We will certainly be in the right frame of mind after last weekend."

Northallerton though have to make changes since neither Jerry Hall nor Richard Chandler are available. On Monday, Northallerton are at Saltburn, who are only six points adrift of Guisborough in what has developed into a two-horse race for the championship.

With Johnny May recovered from an injury, Guisborough will be at full strength for both matches against Northallerton today and Richmondshire on Monday.

Today, Saltburn visit bottom-of-the-table Thornaby with a strong line-up before hosting Northallerton with John Bond insisting the attitude of the team in spot-on for the final run-in.

"We certainly will not be taking anything for granted," he said.

"People say that on paper we are favourites to win both matches, but you don't play cricket on paper.

"Thornaby might be at the basement but their professional Hrishikesh Kanitkar is a match-winner."

At the bottom, Thornaby appear to have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid the drop.

Losing to Blackhall, and fellow strugglers Northallerton last weekend could prove a body blow.

Anything short of two very good results during the weekend could end their hopes of remaining in the top flight.

Who will be promoted from Division One is still undecided.

Wolviston and Great Ayton are in the top two positions, but Seaton Carew and Billingham Synthonia cannot be ruled out because they have games in hand on their rivals.

The placings might be clearer tonight after Great Ayton have played Wolviston in the Division's match-of-the-day. Seaton Carew go to Barnard Castle and the Synners are at home to Guisborough.