Readers Durham County League: The double programme affords Tudhoe the opportunity to extend their lead over Evenwood at the top of the table.

Evenwood play only once and Esh Winning, Willington and Ushaw Moor will also aim to take advantage and further their championship aspirations.

Following today's home fixture with Langley Park, Tudhoe visit Etherley and with Darren Littlefair unavailable, promote 17-year-old Jonathan Taylor.

"We lost for the first time last Saturday and need to make our game in hand on Evenwood count by taking 40 points from the two matches," said Tudhoe secretary David Linford.

And if Simon Davies maintains the form he showed against Esh Winning, the Langley Park and Etherley bowlers could be in for a torrid time.

Joe Lawlor, the Esh secretary described Davies' innings as the best he had ever seen from a local player.

Evenwood, who have lost their last two games, are without a fixture today and tomorrow host Crook Town.

They show three changes with Tony McMahon, Kevin Watson and Jonathan Gill lining up in place of Gary Dowson, Ben Alderson and David Jacobs.

Esh Winning are third ahead of their double with Mainsforth and Sedgefield.

After last Saturday's morale-boosting win over Tudhoe, they are strengthened by the availability of Eddie Watson.

Willington, who on Thursday completed a hat-trick of cup wins over Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League outfit Philadelphia, are in splendid form.

They meet Brandon and Shildon, two sides in the bottom four, and 40 points could improve their fourth position, which is the highest they have achieved for some time.

Ushaw Moor are also handily placed before their home game with Shildon and tomorrow's visit to Kimblesworth.

Captain Michael Hayton, Darren Punshon and Dwayne Douglas return today while youngster, Craig Usher, who has starred several times with the juniors this year, is given his chance tomorrow.

Philip Daughtery lines up for Langley Park this afternoon at Tudhoe and Alan Grey and Brian Robinson are included for the visit of Mainsforth.

Sedgefield captain Mike Ridley reports that Martin Lower cannot play against Kimblesworth and his place is taken by Stephen Flockett.

The same side will be on duty at Esh Winning.

Michael Thorpe, now captain of Brandon and Michael Tinkler play against their former club Willington and Crook Town are at full strength for today's home match with Etherley.

Richard Manuel, Mel Thompson and David Snow all return but tomorrow at Evenwood, Neil Stoker, Philip Jewell and Snow are all ruled out leaving the way open for Robinson, Maddison and Andrew Dolphin to return.

Stuart Foster is Etherley's only absentee for the two fixtures with Crook Town and Tudhoe.