FOLLOWING their outstanding victory over second-top Lanchester last weekend, Lintz have a great chance of winning their first championship in 20 years.

They host third-from-bottom Ryton this afternoon and field a near full-strength side, the only absentee being Stuart Clennell.

Captain Gordon Baker, though, warns against complacency. "Last season we were in a good position at the halfway stage but blew it when some of the younger players failed to cope with the pressure. I believe we are all the better for the experience and with a 38-point lead will only have ourselves to blame if we don't lift the title."

Lanchester share second position with Annfield Plain and for the visit of Sacriston are unable to include captain Tony Halliday so Kevin Dixon will lead the team. Phil Carlin and Gary Whitfield are included for Greg Halliday and Stuart McPhail and Richie Hilton will make his debut after joining the club from Sacriston.

Sacriston, who were among the pre-season favourites for the title, are now eighth after losing to Burnopfield last weekend. They also went out of the League Cup to Benwell and Walbottle on Tuesday night. Paul Burn is absent this afternoon.

Not surprisingly, Burnopfield keep faith with the same side which scored 225 runs batting second to defeat Sacriston last Saturday. They are still deep in relegation trouble, however, and will not find it easy at home to Swalwell who have won their last three games. Swalwell, too, show no alteration after moving into fifth position following a poor start to the season.

After threatening to put pressure on the leading sides, Ashington have slipped down the table and at Annfield Plain cannot call upon Stephen Williams.

Benwell and Walbottle line up Stephen Cook and Michael Cooper for unavailable pair Andrew Reid and Michael Green for their home game with Tynedale who are stronger with the inclusion of Mark Armstrong and Neil Clark. They take over from Craig Barber and Graeme Fox.

Consett are now 90 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table and desperately need to defeat Shotley Bridge in the local derby at Blackfyne.