Annfield Plain's league form is in sharp contrast to their performances in the cups and fixture secretary Kevin Carr is concerned about their chances of getting sucked into a relegation fight.

"It is unbelievable, really that we are so near the bottom yet we have beaten Philadelphia, Boldon, Tynedale and Swalwell in cup cricket," he said.

"We have a number of young lads in the team and there is no doubt we are struggling in the league. Our first aim has got to be retaining top flight status, but we will have to start and pick up points.

"It will not be easy today as Sacriston have hit form and only last Sunday inflicted a big defeat on Annfield Plain in the Foster's Cup."

"David Metcalfe took us apart, scoring an unbeaten century and Stephen Ball also batted well, but we have an early chance to gain revenge," added Carr, who reports that the strongest available side will be on duty.

"We need our more experienced batsmen to start to fire on all cylinders and a little bit of luck would not go amiss.

"I am confident we are good enough to stay up, but at the moment we are only 14 points better off than second-bottom Ryton."

Sacriston, whose professional Gavin Swan produced his best figures of the season last Saturday, have moved into fifth and are threatening to challenge the leading pack.

"Swan bowled exceptionally well last Saturday when we beat second-top Newcastle City. We were defending a low target but Gavin's pace was the deciding factor," explained fixture secretary Keith Allen, who reports that both Lee Shaw and Andrew Mavin return in place of John Lee and Andrew Dixon.

Leaders Lanchester, now the only unbeaten side, host Leadgate and include Phil Carlin, who plays only his second game since returning from duty in Iraq.

With Tony Halliday ruled out, Ian Stuart is included. Despite losing for the first time last weekend, Newcastle City name the same XI visiting Swalwell while Tynedale hand a debut to Tristian Douglas at home to third-place Lintz with just one point separating the pair.

After winning for the first time in their last outing, Ryton meet Shotley Bridge at The Spa with renewed confidence and an unchanged team. In Division Two, Whickham's lead has been reduced to eight points. They have home advantage over Alnwick and second-placed Consett visit Blyth.