Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Swalwell have major selection problems ahead of today's crucial game against Tynedale at Derwenthaugh.
No fewer than six players are unable to play with Stuart Pattison, Mark Rowell, Andrew Worthy, David Scott and Anthony Brown all unavailable, while Jason Dumighan is injured.
"It is a real headache especially as we are playing Tynedale, who are in a rich vein of form and just three points below us in the table," observed captain Paul Dumighan. Nigel Bates, Michael Armstrong and Roy Gray fill three of the vacancies, but a decision on who will be drafted into the other three places will not be taken until this morning.
A blow to Tynedale as they attempt to retain the championship, is the unavailability of Durham County's Gary Pratt, but, he is expected to play in the remaining six fixtures.
Ashington lead the table and at home to unchanged Newcastle City who cannot call upon Simon Prudhoe, James Harmison or vice captain Greg Williams.
The Colliers were forced to concede the semi final of the A M Brown Cup on Thursday night because several regulars were unable to play at Boldon.
Leadgate are second, eight points off the top before they host Sacriston. Lee Murray and Paul McCourt are sidelined, while Sacriston need to make one change since Philip Peel is ruled out. But David Metcalfe returns to a near full strength line-up.
Lanchester, joint bottom-of-the-table with Benwell and Walbottle, go to Annfield Plain without Phil Carlin and Kevin Dixon, so Philip Laws and Stuart Kelly step up from the Second XI.
The Plain will show one alteration to their side since John Newstead is unavailable.
Ponteland need to ring the changes for their home game with Benwell and Walbottle. Johnny Appleby is still injured while James Ealey and Matt Darwood are also unable to play so Carl Bevan, Howard Wright and Andy Morgan make the team.
Captain David Hall resumes for Burnopfield, replacing his brother Scott for the visit of Shotley Bridge. Neil Tulley is also included in the home side.
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