Leaders Murton will be without professional Calvin Stephenson when they meet bottom-of-the-table Houghton this afternoon.

A family commitment means he will miss his first game since joining the club from Crook Town.

Stephenson has been a huge success and also absent is Phil Grimwood, who has an injury to his neck.

The vastly-experienced Keith Chapman can play and also included is second team captain Andy Upperton, who appears in the senior side for the first time this season.

Houghton welcome the return of Kenny Marriott and Craig Elliott, the pair replacing Alan Hood and Shaun White.

Second-top Peterlee, who reached the final of the D and P Andrew Dixon Cup with victory over Ryhope on Wednesday, continue to enjoy their best season for many years.

They are at home to neighbours Castle Eden and are pleased to announce their strongest side will be on duty.

Castle Eden show just one change with David Garrigan coming in for Mark Elliott.

Despite having lost twice, Hylton are also in the championship frame, but even though opponents Seaham Park are third from bottom they will not under-rate the threat posed by a durable Park side.

The Park have shown improved form in recent weeks and with only three reverses are not the easiest side to beat. They are unchanged and Hylton include Gary Hewitt and Sean Robinson.

Shaun Gleeson keeps his place after taking a hat-trick in the mid-week cup-tie at Lanchester.

Peter Booth and Robbie Atherton both miss Easington's home match with Bill Quay and are replaced by Ashley Cooper and Paul Elliott.

The Quay also show a couple of alterations with Craig Smith returning after injury and David Towns promoted from the second XI. Will Gardner and Ian Gutteridge are excluded.

After setting the pace in the early weeks of the campaign, Silksworth have faltered and need to defeat Dawdon.

Their chances are enhanced with the inclusion of Stephen Wright and Michael Kearney.

Ryhope go to Boldon CA minus Michael Evans, Kris Taylor and David Hauxwell so David Gilbert, John Errington and second team skipper Glyn Lamb are given their chance.

Boldon are strengthened by the welcome return of David Jones and Gary Critchley, the pair taking over from Gary Frater and Russell Johnson.