NEWCASTLE Falcons will again be without skipper Jonny Wilkinson for tonight's Premiership match at Sale.

Now six points adrift at the foot of the table, the Falcons desperately need Wilkinson, but Rob Andrew refuses to rush him into action before he is 100 per cent fit.

It is six weeks since the England fly half suffered his shoulder injury in the bruising match against South Africa, but after tonight's game there is no rush for him to return.

Newcastle play Saracens in the quarter-finals of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup over the next two weekends, and their next Premiership game is not until the visit of Harlequins on February 2.

That also means a lengthy wait before South Africans Mark Andrews and Warren Britz are seen in action as they have not yet arrived and are not eligible for European games.

Following a run of six defeats, the Falcons have not won in the Premiership since beating Sale 31-20 at home on October 27.

In a season marked by a distinct absence of tries, they scored four that day, one of them through prop Ian Peel, who has now joined the casualty list with a hip injury.

Micky Ward is likely to start in place of Peel, while Phil Godman could return at fly half as Andrew is unlikely to repeat last Sunday's experiment of having Mark Wilkinson in his brother's position.

Sale have not reported any problems with the pitch and have sold all the tickets.

Following their disappointing defeat at Alnwick, Middlesbrough have made changes for tomorrow's visit of Westoe in North Two East.

Peter Wright switches from scrum half to fly half at the expense of John Waddington, with former colts scrum half Tom Bivens moving from the wing to take the No 9 shirt.

Ex-Falcons hooker Richard Horton, who had to play at lock last week, now appears at loose head with Ben Horton hooking.

Dave Hinchley, who has recovered after a shoulder operation, makes his first appearance of the season at lock, and Jim Chapman returns at No 8.

There are obvious fears about the Acklam Park pitch and further rain today will put the match in doubt.

Third-placed Horden visit Hull, while Stockton entertain Scarborough and Redcar have a tough match at home to unbeaten Bradford and Bingley.

Stockton recall lock Mark Skirving, who has recovered from the nasty head injury he suffered a month ago, prompting the match at Morpeth to be held up for 20 minutes.

Hooker Danny Muirhead has shaken off his hamstring injury amd the backs are strengthened by the return of winger Pedro Salahshouri.

But full back Lee Richardson is ruled out and there are concerns about centre Steve Thornton's ankle.

* The draw for the second round of the Durham Challenge Trophy on January 25 is:

Seaton Carew v Bishop Auckland, Houghton v Chester-le-Street, Hartlepool Athletic v Sunderland, Jarrovians or South Tyneside College v Seaham. The draw for the Durham Second Teams Cup, second round is: Westoe v Darlington Mowden Park, Ryton v Durham City, Consett & District v Darlington, Billingham v Blaydon.