DARLINGTON Mowden Park skipper Aaron Redaelli, who has been out for two months with a rib injury, has now broken two bones in a hand.

The No 8 was due to return at Waterloo tomorrow, but after proving his ribs had fully recovered he suffered the new injury during training.

It shouldn't keep him out for more than two weeks.

But after losing Darren McKinnon with a broken arm Mowden were hoping to add Redaelli's experience to the back row as they try to avenge last month's 29-27 home defeat by Waterloo.

McKinnon hopes to be back in two months, meanwhile Mowden have added Jonny Boatman and Will Mawby to their squad.

Mawby had a few games for them two years ago while at Durham University, and after 18 months in the army he is now working in the area.

Mowden's fly half jinx continues as they had a new signing lined up, only to find he had broken his wrist, while Andy Dean, the player they signed from Middlesbrough, has fractured his elbow playing for Teesside University.

Also in National Three North, Blaydon visit leaders Nuneaton with Australian Nathan Ridd making his debut at centre.

As they also have Dan Harper at prop, the restriction of two overseas players means there is no room for former Mowden hooker Tasi Tuhana.

Ridd, who is a friend of back row man Tom McLaren, takes over from Matthew Dunn, who has returned to Wales to take up a new job. Back row man Ross Duncan could become the third of three brothers to play for the club.

The eldest, Micky, is now in Scotland, while Colin is currently holding down the fly half position.

Another back row man, Charlie Roe, is also added to the squad as Gavin Stainsby has suffered a neck injury.

Middlesbrough are struggling with a lengthy casualty list as they prepare for the visit of Alnwick in North Two East.

In addition to long-term absentees Richard McRae, Ian Bradford and Danny Bishop, they are without Mark Foster and Steve Wallis.

With Andy Micklewright switching to take Foster's place at full back, John Waddington returns at fly half, while Mark Thompson joins Mark Featherstone at centre.

A hamstring strain will restrict prop Peter Davidson to bench duties, so Chris Horton is at loose head.

Stockton hope to be at full-strength for the visit of unbeaten leaders Bradford and Bingley.

Following last season's relegation, the visitors recruited strongly and brought in former England manager Geoff Cooke as coach.

Stockton have a slight doubt about hooker Danny Muirhead with a hamstring strain, but have player-coach Alan Brown back at No 8.

* Newton Aycliffe beat Wearside 5-3 in the preliminary round of the Durham Challenge Trophy and will be at home to Bishop Auckland in the first round on December 28.

The rest of the draw is: Sunderland v Barnard Castle, Jarrovians v South Tyneside College, Hartlepool Athletic v Hartlepool BBOB, Chester le Street v West Hartlepool Amateurs, Yarm v Houghton, Seaton Carew v Shilton Town, Durham County Constabulary v Seaham.