Esh Winning will have an eye on the leadership when they visit bottom-of-the-table Shildon this afternoon.

They are odds on favourites to win after Shildon were bowled out for just 22 at Sedgefield last Sunday, a result which means they have lost all nine games actually played.

In contrast, Esh are on a high, within striking distance of leaders Evenwood who have a none-too-easy task at home to improving Tudhoe.

The former Durham County opener Graham Hurst is missing from the Esh line-up and his son Chris is his replacement.

Another change sees John Bate coming in for Peter Maddison.

Shildon deserve every credit for their doggedness against all the odds and secretary Norman Nash, obviously disappointed at results, is nevertheless pleased that the club is able to field two sides.

"A couple of years ago we were bowled out for just ten runs by Sedgefield and after making only 22 last week, it looks as if they are our bogey side," declared Nash, who reports that Les Neesham returns today.

"It has not been easy but we will keep on fighting."

Another boost is the news that Micky Parker will play his first game of the season for the Second XI.

Evenwood host Tudhoe and their only doubt surrounds the fitness of John Maughan, who has been troubled with an injury to his knee.

Tudhoe cannot call upon captain Kevin Littlefair and Simon Davies will lead the side. Phil Wood is another absentee.

Third-top Kimblesworth have opener Stephen Meek returning for the visit of Sedgefield, who miss Mike Ridley and James Foster, whose places are taken by Ian Bell and Richard Brown.

Injury has finally caught up with Brandon's Peter Crossling who has played through the pain barrier in recent games.

He has been forced to stand down from today's match at Langley Park and with Tony Keogan and Micky Fort away, Ian Johnson, Dean Card and David Fort are drafted into the side.

Langley Park are pleased that David Leslie and Lee Wright can both resume and they will be hoping to overcome a depleted Brandon first XI.

Ushaw Moor professional Sanjay Raul can hardly put a foot wrong.

His seven-wickets haul and unbeaten 70 against Premier League outfit Philadelphia powered his side to a nine-wickets win in the Clavering Trophy on Thursday night.

More of the same today will spell problems for Crook Town. The visitors are minus Scott Nattrass and skipper Michael Hayton so Martin Gill will take over at the helm and David Armstrong is back from holiday.

With Andrew Coe still unavailable, Crook retain junior Christopher Guy in an unchanged line-up.

Etherley's Andy Raine is getting married today and no fewer than ten first and second team players are missing.

In addition to Raine, Lee Gowland, Eddie Seery and Andrew Dunning are absent from the First XI at home to Mainsforth, who are delighted that Robert Chismon has recovered from an injury.

* There is a vacancy in the League and any club interested should contact Roy Coates on 01388 764841 by the end of the month.