Durham Coast League: Table-topping Castle Eden are 'over the moon' at the progress they have made since moving from the Darlington Building Society NYSD premier league just a few years ago.

They visit neighbours Easington today in pole position for the first time since they made the switch.

"There has been a remarkable transformation in a short period," enthused secretary Leo Taylor.

"Six years ago we fielded just two senior sides, but now we have a third XI and four junior teams spanning the age range from Under-11 to Under-18."

"The entire club is doing well both on and off the field and obviously we are delighted that the senior side is ahead."

Talented youngsters John Spellman, Richard Ede and Liam Brown are all included this afternoon and the chances of Castle Eden making it seven wins in 11 attempts are strengthened with the availability of Gerard Magee and David Garrigan.

"It will be another difficult game, but when you are at the top no match is easy," he added.

"Our new captain John Spellman Snr takes every game as it comes and we are reasonably confident that he can lead us to the championship."

Easington are a respectable fifth and their only absentee is Mark Race as they aim to keep the pressure on the leading pack.

Murton are just a point adrift of Castle Eden and for their home fixture with in-form Silksworth, recall Ian King for his first game in almost a month.

Howard Ramshaw is also available, but David Scorer cannot play.

Silksworth enhance their title prospects defeating previous leaders Hylton last Saturday and in third position feel they are good enough to go all the way after suffering just one defeat so far.

They are at full strength this afternoon.

Hylton have slipped back into fourth and need victory at home to Dawdon, but they could find it difficult as the visitors are beginning to show form.

With Neville Gustard and David Coates still ruled out, Dawdon keep faith with the side that won last weekend, which means that Craig Price and Gary Braithwaite, who both made half-centuries, are included.

Bottom-of-the-table Houghton, the only side yet to win, meet Ryhope, who will hope to build on last week's outstanding performance.

Their only doubt surrounds John Leslie, while the home side bring in Paul Elliott and Gavin Snowball for Kenny Marriott and Carl White.

Peterlee, too, await news on the availability of one player for the fixture with Bill Quay. Neil Johnson is doubtful while Bill Quay are stronger with the inclusion of David Hunt and David Brown, who are replacements for unavailable pair Paul Bentham and Gary Haynes.

Seaham Park expect to have a much stronger side on duty than the one which collapsed to 68 all out last week when several players were absent.

They host Boldon CA for whom Lee Jackson will need a late fitness test. One definite change for the South Tynesiders is the return of Gary Frater, who takes over from David Downs.