Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: SUNDERLAND captain Simon Old reckons it will take an Herculean effort and a dramatic loss of form by South Northumberland for his side to win the championship.

"Let's face it, we missed a golden opportunity last week when South North were bowled out for 90 and, quite frankly, I cannot see them suffering a similar fate. You would always bet them scoring 107 to win and it was the shock of the season when Chester-le-Street bowled them out for 90," observed Old.

Sunderland though also lost and they have now suffered defeats in each of their last three matches.

"We have endured a barren spell and we need to return to winning form at Stockton. I was disappointed with the way we batted last Saturday, but it was the best performance of our last three. We bowled and fielded very well and I was encouraged by the commitment, but we need to start putting on bigger totals," added Old.

Sunderland make the journey down the A19 to Stockton this morning minus three regulars - Jim Butler, Greg Applegarth and Tom Skillbeck are all out. A boost is the inclusion of the Durham County paceman Simon Brown who showed no after effects last Saturday of the injury which has troubled him in recent weeks.

Stockton, almost up to mid-table, are unchanged looking for their fifth win of the season.

South North play Benwell Hill and skipper John Graham described last week's result as 'freakish.'

"Who would have though that we would have been bowled out on a flat wicket for just 90?'' he said.

"We were not complacent at half-time, but obviously fancied our chances taking 107 runs off the Chester-le-Street attack. It just goes to show nothing is certain in this game and although we are 44 points ahead of Sunderland, as far as I am concerned it's all to play for.

"The only consolation last weekend was that Sunderland and third top Gateshead Fell also lost."

Graham fields an unchanged side and the Hill have suffered just one defeat - less than any other side - and could take some beating if Pakistani Taufeeq Umar hits form. He has made some big scores since his late arrival at Benwell Hill and their chances today could depend on his contribution.

Gateshead Fell have the former Chester-le-Street captain Allan Worthy playing his second game following his controversial move from Ropery Lane. He is included against Tynemouth alongside Johnny Forrester and Richie Smith since neither Tom Gilbert nor Mark Lockey can play.

After struggling in recent years Tynemouth are comfortably placed and have Nick Foster returning.

Newcastle are just 12 points off the bottom ahead of their game at Chester-le-Street, who will be captained by Daniel Shurben since Quentin Hughes, who took over the leadership following Worthy's transfer, is getting married.

His brother Joel also misses out for Newcastle who are also minus Andrew Pratt, but Kingsley McGarrigle returns.

Norton have Kenny Gresham replacing Ben Hall for the attractive home fixture with Durham Academy while basement side Philadelphia, who performed well claiming victory last Saturday, meet Blaydon at Bunker Hill.

The former Seaham Harbour and Horden player Jeff Laws who recently took over as captain of Phili, is confident he can steer his team away from relegation.

"I thought we caught and fielded to an exceptionally high standard last Saturday,'' he said. "The attitude and commitment is first-class and the win at Newcastle, coupled with a victory a few days earlier over Lintz will have done our confidence the world of good.

"We are pulling together as a team and there is no reason why we should not move off the bottom."

Laws will be without the former Bishop Auckland player Ben Wicling. Joe Dodd, who has been troubled with a back injury, returned in mid week and could line up this morning.

Blaydon miss captain Mark Drake and Ian Somerville will skipper the side which includes David Steele.