With just six points separating leaders Saltburn from Darlington and Guisborough waiting in the wings, the championship is still all to play for.

Unexpected results and intermittent inclement weather have combined to produce the most exciting climax to a season for some years.

Saltburn just have the edge on Darlington, but Guisborough are still very much in contention even though they are 14 points adrift of the leading side. They have played one game fewer than both Saltburn and Darlington.

Saltburn visit Richmondshire with Jonathan Bond insisting the side is still alive and kicking despite suffering a setback against Northallerton on Monday.

"It is very interesting and good for the game that the competition is so intense at this stage of the season. We need to raise our game and keep on fighting and with 60 points up for grabs anything can happen in the last three weeks of the season," declared Bond.

Richmondshire are second from bottom and victory would just about end lingering relegation fears, but they face a stiff task especially as captain Clive Layfield cannot play.

Andrew Mollitt will lead the side which includes the returning Martin Clark. Mark Layfield and his son Christopher will also line up in a near full-strength side.

Darlington visit Wolviston, who are almost certain to be relegated after one season in the top flight.

Feethams' official Stephen Charlton believes that any one of the top three sides can win the championship and that this has been the best contest for several seasons.

"It is neck and neck and all to play for. The trio have all experienced shock results and of course the weather could play a part as it has on more than one occasion already," said Charlton, who reports that Kevin Mott comes in for Lee Hutton.

Wolviston have lost 15 of their 23 matches and are 37 points adrift of Richmondshire. They cannot call upon John Woolnough or Ken Jones but Ian Brooksbank has returned from holiday.

Guisborough are unchanged for their visit to Redcar. The Fountains Garth side were unbeaten when they won the championship last season and after looking invincible for most of the current campaign, their form has dipped in recent weeks.

Nonetheless, they will retain the title if they win their last four matches. Redcar, who are fifth from top, have Steve Law taking over from Matthew Stokeld.

Marske have enjoyed a better season and could end in the top three, but they will need to defeat Blackhall to keep alive their hopes. Philip Bell for Craig Gilmour is the Collierymen's only alteration.

Northallerton, buoyed by their splendid victory over Saltburn in Monday's programme, have proved unpredictable, if nothing else. They play Middlesbrough at Acklam Park and if Jonathan Barnes repeats the form he showed with bat and ball in his last outing, then the visitors will be in with a chance. Albert Aurelius and John Place come into the line-up replacing John Sample and Chris Smith while Middlesbrough have Danny Evans back as captain. Mark Foster is also named but brothers Brett and Alex Roberts cannot play.

Thornaby name the same side when they host Darlington RA who cannot call upon Stephen Russell or Colin Cartwright so Stephen Marr and Gary Thompson will play in David Eckels' team.

Hartlepool go to Normanby Hall showing two changes with Gary Tebbett and Andy Holland replacing David Conway and Imzan Hussain.