The Readers' Durham County League: The outcome of the match of the day between Kimblesworth and Evenwood is crucial to both side's title hopes.

"Victory would be a tremendous boost to our chances," declared Evenwood captain Craig Rutherford, who led his team to success in last Sunday's League Cup Final against Ushaw Moor.

"We are now up for the double but we cannot look any further ahead than today's game which will be difficult. It is a very important fixture for both clubs and could make or break our season."

Kimblesworth secretary Malcolm Bartle echoed the words of his opponent.

He said: "If we win today then the cat will really be among the pigeons. Not only will success give our title hopes a fillip, but Willington and Tudhoe could also be in with a chance of overtaking Evenwood.

"They will certainly be looking for our result."

Kimblesworth are unchanged from the side which comprehensively defeated Crook Town last week, a result which lifted them into third position.

Although Kevin Watson cannot play, Evenwood too field a strong line-up with James Alderson taking over from Michael Pedelty.

Second-placed Willington, 27 points adrift of Evenwood with a game in hand, host Sedgefield without captain Steve Donnelly so Gary Cummins, who is in outstanding form, will lead the team.

"Obviously, the result of the game between Kimblesworth and Evenwood is important, but we have just got to take one match at a time and hopefully keep on winning," declared Willington secretary Steve Barker.

Sedgefield show one change as they attempt to win their seventh game and upset the form book. Eddie Johnson is unavailable and Malcolm Dickenson fills the vacancy. Tudhoe's form has faltered recently but they are still on the fringes of the title race and visit Crook Town with David Curry and Stephen Maddison in contention for places in the line-up.

Crook, second-from-bottom, are not nearly so fortunate.

Keith Maddison, Peter Robinson and David Nevins are all ruled out so Anthony Pratt is promoted from the second XI and it is hoped that Andy Burgess, who has been sidelined for some time, will be able to resume.

Langley Park go to Shildon with David Jones, Greg Coates and David Leslie lining up in place of Phil Daughtery, Brian Robinson and 13-year-old Anthony Dinsdale, who was given a run out in David Gladstone's senior side last week-end.

For their local-derby with Esh Winning, Ushaw Moor are hopeful that Andrew Metcalfe will be able to take his place in the side while the visitors bring in Paul Rayner and Lee Wileman.

Michael Reed and Steve Thexton are the players to make way.

Dean Card and Shane Cutts are unavailable so Brandon name promising spin bowler Jamie Robinson and Johnny Moore for their home fixture with Etherley, who will field a weakened line-up because Colin Barker, Shaun Rudd and Stephen Crane are all ruled out.