Murton, who last Sunday defeated championship rivals Peterlee in the final of the D and P Andrew Dixon Cup, aim to take another step towards the treble by gaining maximum points from Silksworth today.

On Monday they play Bill Quay in the League's other domestic knockout competition, the Frank Lees Trophy, but this afternoon will be completely focused on maintaining their unbeaten record and securing vital points.

With Phil Coxall still away, Dale Butler retains his place in an otherwise full-strength line-up. Silksworth, who at one stage of the season led the table, will quickly need to claim the wicket of Calvin Stephenson if they are to cause an upset.

The former Crook Town all-rounder has been in exhilarating form since becoming professional at Murton and last week he crashed an unbeaten 121 in the victory over Easington.

Silksworth, whose nine-wicket defeat by title-contenders Hylton all but ended their championship hopes, are unchanged since Andrew Waterson is still being troubled with a back injury.

Hylton are just 17 points behind Murton and with 20 points at stake in each game believe that they are in with a chance of finishing in pole position.

They were heartened by their outstanding performance over Silksworth last weekend and start favourites at bottom-of-the-table Houghton even though David Batty is sidelined. John Carney takes over.

Houghton have suffered a double blow with the news that Lee Husband has broken a toe. Kenny Marriott is also unable to turn out. Second-top Peterlee are in a strong challenging position, ten points adrift of Murton and for their game at neighbours Easington bring in Graham Peart for the unavailable John Paul.

Despite being in the bottom half of the table Easington have proved on more than one occasion that they are capable of successfully defending when batting second, but their chances are weakened by the absence of Steve Hanson and Jason Robson.

Tony Banks is getting married and also absent from the Castle Eden line-up at home to Boldon CA are John and David Spellman, who are attending the wedding.

Boldon CA line up Tony Middleton and Gary Critchley in place of Russell Johnson and Stephen Moore.

Dawdon visit Bill Quay with Grant McNicholas replacing the unavailable John Appleby and the home side welcome the return of Paul Bentham, who will strengthen the early order.

Third-from-bottom Seaham Park have high hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon and at home to Ryhope hope to be at full strength. With professional Alan Dick and James Taylor unable to play, Ryhope again turn to youth and include Adam and Greg Swansbury.