The Readers Durham County League

Despite having won all four games, Evenwood will be taking nothing for granted against Kimblesworth even though the visitors have made an inauspicious start to the season.

"We only just pipped them for the championship last year and they always give us a hard game. They might be third from bottom, but they have a good side and we will have to be at our best," declared Evenwood skipper Craig Rutherford.

Deighton Butler is a slight doubt for Evenwood but Rutherford, who is leading the side for the first time after playing continuously for the club for 25 years, expects to field a full-strength line-up.

"Deighton aggravated a thigh strain last week and had to bowl off a short run but I'm sure he will be OK - I certainly hope so because he is an important part of the side, both batting and bowling."

Kimblesworth have a new look line-up following the loss of Masood Mirza and Farouk Iqbal who were leading players in the league last season. The Cochrane twins Adam and Lloyd have joined from Langley Park and they batted together in Wednesday's Premier Sports Horner Cup win at Eppleton.

Esh Winning host Ushaw Moor and the outcome could depend on the duel between the respective professionals, Ata-ur-Rehman and Sanjay Raul.

Paceman Rehman has been an immediate success with Esh, who are unchanged, while Raul was in scintillating form with the bat throughout last season. Michael Hayton cannot play for the visitors and his place is taken by talented youngster Craig Usher, who has already made several outstanding contributions for the juniors this season.

Tudhoe boast a 100 per cent record from the three fixtures they have fulfilled and are being tipped to challenge for the title. They are at home to Crook Town but are still without injured trio Stephen Thompson, Anthony Timmis and Michael Kyle.

Crook prefer Lee Morton to Paul Hutchinson as they attempt to move up the table. With only one win and two defeats they are second from bottom.

Etherley host Brandon with five players unavailable. Carl Barker, Eddie Seery, Stuart Forster, Carl McGregor and Steve Taberer are replaced by Lee Goulden, Richard Mangles, Ashley Raine, Shaun Rudd and David Young.

Brandon keep changes to a minimum and the only alteration sees David Fort resumes for Bobby Orton who cannot turn out.

Langley Park face Shildon with Lee Wright and Ryan Moralee taking over from Paul Daughtry. Alan Peart drops into the second team as David Gladstone attempts to steer Langley to a second win.

Two players make their debuts for Sedgefield against Willington. Shaz Hussain has signed from Newcastle City and second team captain Malcolm Dickenson will play his first game at senior level.

Stephen Flockett is also named since Martin Lower, Eddie Johnson and Jonathan Clark are sidelined.