Wearside League: After ending Birtley Town's unbeaten record last weekend, Teesside Athletic aim to maintain their impressive form at Ryhope CW this afternoon.

"This is our first season in the league and last week's result was by far our best," claimed secretary Kevin Fryett.

Manager Steve Watson reports that Gary Young is suspended and other absentees include influential captain Ian Johnson and Craig Gibbon but midfielder Adam Henry returns to the squad following a five-week absence.

Ryhope CW, just four points behind their opponents, are pleased to have Gary Errington in their squad and Mark Davison expects to be fit.

Birtley Town visit Cleator Moor Celtic with Peter Coe returning in goal. "We gave a poor defensive display losing for the first time this season last weekend and we will need to tighten up today," observed manager Dave Smith.

Cleadon SC are second, eight points off the top with five games in hand on Birtley. They are also in Cumbria at Whitehaven where boss Doug Key cannot call upon Neil Hepple or Finbar Lynch.

Stokesley SC, in third place, visit bottom-of-the-table Coxhoe Athletic unable to play Richie Hore, Jonathan Newton or John Humberstone who could be out until the New Year after having an operation on his ankle.

Wolviston miss Matthew Sykes, Dean Moore and Matthew Martin but Paul Harrison resumes at Harton and Westoe who include David Hopper, Carl McMann and Gary Brook. Goalkeeper Andy Hunter is doubtful with a groin injury and if he is unable to turn out, Brett Wilson will deputise.

For their home fixture with Gateshead Low Fell, Boldon CA cannot name the suspended Lee Bays, but Wayne Goodwin, who failed a late fitness test before last week's game, trained in midweek and should play.

Jarrow meet Ferryhill Athletic at Shildon's Sunnydale Leisure Centre minus six players. Paul O'Brien, Phil Dolphin, Brad Thompson, Kevin Cunningham, Chris Liddle and John Grant are all sidelined.

Stephen Dunn is included in the squad for the first time this season and Terry Cairns is promoted from the youth side.

Willington travel to Nissan SSC Sunderland with Scott Brassell and Tony Stafford banned. Craig Luke is also ou, but manager Mark Fanning brings in David Snow, Ryan Stonehouse and Danny Lee.